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Poggenpohl Plans to Increase the Number of Group-owned Stores

Nobia has decided to increase its establishment of Group-owned Poggenpohl stores. Over the next four years, there are plans to open between 40 and 60 owned stores in large cities, primarily in Europe and the US.

Poggenpohl has developed its customer offering and store concept during the past three years. The company's most recent design partnership with Porsche Design and the launch of the new kitchen was well received, while the number of Group-owned stores has risen, and now totals 27. In addition, sales are conducted through more than 450 dealers.

'With its clear concept, Poggenpohl is well positioned for continued growth. It is time to further raise our sales rate and we will also achieve this through Group-owned stores,' said President and CEO Fredrik Cappelen this week at Nobia's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm.

The Capital Markets Day also included an account of the current store expansion in the UK and France, as well as the planned openings in Spain next year.

Nobia's assessment of the market development to date:

The UK kitchen market remains stable.

Demand in the Nordic region continues to be favourable, but with a slight weakening in the new-build segment (excluding Sweden).

The Continental European markets have generally had a stable development in demand, but with a weakening in Germany and the Netherlands.

Nobia also emphasised that the kitchen market in Europe is becoming increasingly harmonised, creating further opportunities to coordinate customer offerings and thereby generate a more efficient supply of goods. The ongoing work to reduce product costs continues.

The day was concluded with an outline of the changed direction of Nobia's German business units, whereby focus has shifted towards retail chains, and the joint venture established with Dutch company DeMandemakers Groep, DMG, under the name Culinoma. In a short space of time, Culinoma has captured a leading position in the kitchen retail trade in Germany, with retail sales of EUR 180 million.

Material from the Capital Markets Day is available at Nobia's website, http://www.nobia.com.

New Appliance Brand Debuts at KBB Show

New white goods brand, Sovereign, debuts at the KBB 2008 with the launch of a range of built-in appliances. This follows the success of the launch of a wide range of Sovereign free-standing products in 2006.

John and Doreen Graham

The company that is headed by John and Doreen Graham, well-known figures in the domestic appliance industry, will be launching built-in cooking equipment, home laundry and dishwashing on Stand H10 in Hall 18 at the NEC.

Tel: 01527 578333
Email: info@sovereignappliances.com
Web: http://www.sovereignappliances.com

Dolphin Bathrooms Advert Falls Foul of ASA

The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint from a member of the public about a national press advert, for Dolphin Bathrooms. The ad featured a picture of a bathroom with a bath, shower and sink. It was headed ‘all-inclusive sale all the product all the service all included’. Below, text stated ‘complete bathrooms half price* fully installed & tiled plus an extra £500 off* all orders this week’. The asterisk was linked to text that stated ‘from selected ranges. No other offers apply. All offers apply to UK mainland only. All discounts are based on our published list prices and products have been offered for sale nationally at full price for at least 28 days in the last six months. Individual component/unit sales are at list price. Minimum list price £6000 excluding special building work’.

Issue
A customer believed the ad was misleading, because he believed it implied the offer applied to bathrooms with a minimum list price of £6000 whereas he was told there was a minimum spend of over £7000.

Response
DBC Holdings (DBC) said the minimum list price of £6000 was used as the level below which discounts were not available and to discourage the purchase of individual items instead of fully designed and fitted bathrooms. They said their average order value was much higher than the minimum quoted in the ad, but it was nonetheless possible to buy a small cloakroom for the list price of £6000. They provided evidence of customer orders that showed the discount had been applied. DBC said the additional £500 off applied to orders, rather than list price, over £6000. They said they would change their advertising to reflect this more clearly.

Assessment
Upheld
The ASA noted the ad qualified the offer with the minimum list price spend required, but did not claim that this was for a complete bathroom. 'We noted that a small cloakroom was available for £6000 list price but considered that customers were likely to understand that the cost of a complete bathroom would vary depending on the size of the bathroom and individual requirements. We considered that they would expect to pay half the total list price, once they had spent a minimum of £6000. Because DBC were able to show the half price offer applied to list price purchases over £6000, we considered that bathrooms were available for half price as claimed. However, we were concerned that the offer of an extra £500 discount had not been explained accurately in the ad. We welcomed DBC's assurance that they would make this clear in future ads but, because the discount applied to orders rather than list price, we concluded that the ad was likely to mislead consumers.'

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation), 7.1 (Truthfulness) and 27.4 (Sales promotions).

Action
'We told DBC to ensure that future ads explained how discounts applied.'

Johnson Tiles Adds to its Management Team

Johnson Tiles has announced the promotion of Karen Brindley to the management team as Head of Exports.

In her new role, Karen is in charge of worldwide sales and Johnson Tiles' global portfolio, including the management of overseas factories, Johnson Tiles' distribution warehouse in the USA and the Middle East office in Dubai.

Karen now provides the management team, which comprises the board of directors and the heads of personnel and finance, with regular updates on the progression of projects from around the globe.

Karen comments: ‘I'm relishing the opportunity to be part of the management team. The company has had great success recently in the Middle East and France.
One such project is Dubai Airport, which used a large amount of tiles from our factory in Greece. Johnson Tiles are also proving very popular in the French DIY market, where we have identified and developed new colour ranges to suit French tastes.

‘These projects highlight the flexible and diverse range offered by Johnson Tiles. We are providing tiles for projects of all sizes and creating new tiling ranges to cater to the individual preferences of different countries.’

Ian Crowther, Sales Director, Johnson Tiles says: ‘Karen's role on the management team is a very important one, which, combined with her position as head of exports makes her an integral part of Johnson Tiles' performance in the international sales arena. She has extensive experience of the global marketplace and provides great knowledge of the preferences of customers across the world.’

Web: http://www.johnson-tiles.com

Norske Expands Sales Team

Norske Interiors UK Limited has appointed a new Sales Representative to manage its Scottish territory. The manufacturer of Mermaid and Showerline wall panels has a network of over 1,000 retailers throughout the UK and employs a team of people to support them. Keith Lauder joined the company at the end of September and will be the first point of contact for all Scottish dealers.

Thirty-nine year-old Keith is born and bred in Scotland. He previously owned his own franchise, which supplied tools and equipment to garages and independent mechanics. Prior to this, he worked in sales for an IT-based business. His new role will involve meeting approved dealers and ensuring that they are receiving a high level of sales and technical support.

Mermaid - the waterproof wall panel system - is recognised as a market-leading product in the bathroom industry and Norske Interiors is aiming to further strengthen its position in 2008. It is also looking to increase sales of Showerline wall panels and Huntonit ceiling panels.

‘Our Mermaid brand has undergone significant development during the past 12 months,’ says David Beach, General Manager of Norske Interiors UK Limited. ‘We have introduced a number of new colours, launched a new brand identity and managed a new PR and advertising campaign.

‘We now need to refocus on our retailers and enhance the levels of service and support that they receive. We also need to help them understand and sell our other brands. In the past, the company has previously only used agents but now employs its own sales team. Keith is the latest addition to Norske Interiors and we are delighted to welcome him on board.’

Tel: 01472 240832
Web: http://www.waterproofwallpanels.co.uk

Tough Competition for Journalist of the Year Award

There was stiff competition for the National Home Improvement Council's (NHIC) Journalist of the Year Award.

The winner of this year's Journalist of the Year Award was Barbara Chandler who writes for the Evening Standard newspaper and Grand Designs magazine.

Left - Andrew Stunell MP LibDem Shadow Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, centre Barbara Chandler, right David Carver, Chairman of the NHIC and Carver Group PLC

Barbara won the award due to her consistent versatile writing on a very broad range of home improvement issues from kitchen and bathrooms to floors and ceilings.

Barbara provides plenty of solid, well-considered information backed by comprehensive contact details so the reader always knows exactly how to track down anything that is mentioned.

Barbara fought off tough competition from a high number of entries including Claudia Baillie of Living Etc magazine who scooped the runner's up prize.

Sponsored by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) as a member of the NHIC and new for 2007, the NHIC Journalist of the Year Award was introduced to acknowledge the efforts of writers who consistently write the best home improvement articles for magazines, regional and national newspapers.

The Awards, hosted by NHIC President Lord Brooke, were held on 22nd November 2007 at the spectacular Gladstone Library in Whitehall Place, London and were presented by Mr Andrew Stunell, MP, LibDem Shadow Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government.

In their 33rd year, the NHIC Awards are undoubtedly the premier housing awards of their kind, highly regarded by people across the housing spectrum and are recognition of the excellent work organisations do to improve housing stock, and as Lord Brooke pointed out, there's still a long way to go to bring our social housing stock up to a decent standard by the Government's target year of 2020.

Lord Brooke also highlighted that some 5.1 million private homes in England, that's around 27 per cent of the total housing stock is classed as non-decent. The worst figures concern the private rented sector with 41 per cent of all dwellings classified non-decent. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the situation is no better, he said.

The NHIC represents the most important body of companies and organisations that work in the home improvement sector and earnestly believes in higher standards of materials and workmanship, backed up with codes of practice, guarantees and warranties.

Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org
Web: http://www.nhic.org.uk

Abode Testing...Testing

Abode, the design led Yorkshire based tap company, with its HQ at Zenith Park, Barnsley, has officially launched its product testing laboratory.

Under the control of Abode Design Manager, Paul Illingworth, the laboratory has been fitted out with sophisticated custom manufactured testing rigs that allow Abode products to be tested to any working conditions.

‘The aim of the lab is to give us the ability to test products at every stage of production’ comments Paul, ‘whether I'm evaluating prototypes of our new ranges or quality assuring existing stock, the aim is to ensure that we are always providing the end user with a high quality reliable product.

‘The technical ability of the lab machinery enables high pressure testing up to 90 bar pressure; UK norm for taps is max. 5.5 bar, also looking at the effects of water pressure surges (hammer) within the house. We also use the flow testing equipment to ensure guaranteed usable flow rates. This is a further example of the efforts made by Abode to achieve tap designs with guaranteed product quality as well as leading design.’

A further experiment frequently carried out is intense durability testing, 200,000 cycles per test, to fully check valve reliability, (average household tap usage is 12 times a day per individual), this again, is part of Abode's technical thinking.

‘The lab gives me the ability to also fully test different suppliers components and manufacturers products checking their claims, suitability and durability,’ concludes Paul.

Abode has invested in its own laboratory to further emphasise to the industry that all published information produced by a manufacturer must be meaningful and based on results from actual testing undertaken.

Tel: 01226 283434
Web: http://www.abode.eu

Ultimate Control over Bath Filling

Full automation has arrived in the bathroom: bathomatic is a digital bath filler that can be controlled from a small, wall-mounted touch-screen pad or any other location via a PC (WAN*) or automation system. This new technological advancement, developed by Unique Automation, can be installed into any new bath or retro-fitted, due to its motorised waste assembly.

When activated, bathomatic lowers the motorised plug, fills the bath tub from the overflow or an outlet on the side of the bath to a predetermined level and temperature. The controlled filling has further benefits of preventing flooding and scalding, whilst saving energy and water.

The filling process is microprocessor-controlled and the pre-set temperature and level are always achieved, regardless of temperature and pressure fluctuations of the incoming water. Bath water is monitored within the waste assembly, which incorporates a conventional overflow and is equipped with pressure and temperature sensors. With the basic bathomatic model, the water temperature is maintained by letting out cooled water and replenishing with hot water maintaining the level.

The bathomatic eco ultimate model can add fragrances or bubble bath to the water and incorporates a modulating in-line heater which is activated should there be any loss of water temperature. Thus, the water temperature can be kept constant for any length of time - even hours - without letting water out. Between baths, the system is fully drained to maintain hygiene levels.

bathomatic is available in number of options: starting with bathomatic basic (comprising bathomatic basic controller, motorised waste kit and basic user interface in white or black) through to bathomatic eco ultimate (comprising bathomatic eco controller, motorised waste kit with filler, basic user interface in white or black, 1.5kW in-line heater and 8-way oils dispenser). The touch-screen user interface has a minimalist, white or black all-glass facia suitable for installations in steam environments, however customised fascias are available. Prices start at around £4,000 (ex VAT).

Director, Fredy Vasilev, comments: 'bathomatic has been several years in development and is a long-awaited addition to the bathroom. With its connectivity to automation systems, it takes bathroom automation a step further.

'Display modules demonstrating the functionality of bathomatic have been developed for our dealers. This type of demo unit is the ultimate presentation of automation in action to the end consumer as they can clearly see the product‚s practical applications to daily life.'

For further information visit http://www.uniqueautomation.co.uk or telephone 020 7740 3910

Dornbracht Edges Will be Presenting The FARM Project at at Design Miami

The FARM Project was created by Mike Meir in conjunction with the Dornbracht Edges series, a series of projects that are at the interface of architecture, design and art.

The FARM Project is an improvised living space, filled with materials, animals, plants and objects. With this installation life is bought back into the kitchen, thereby creating an antithesis to the minimalist design that has taken over this space in recent years.

The project was first presented at Salone del Mobile 2006 and has subsequently shown at Passagen 2007 and sculpture projects muenster 07, which is the subject of a beautifully illustrated book.

Mike Meir is the creative mind behind the Meir und Meir agency in Cologne and Berlin, Art Director of the magazine brand eins, kids wear and 032C, photographer, and since 1996 curator of the Dornbracht Culture Projects. He also runs Neo Noto cultural production. The FARM Project is his second work for the Dornbracht Edge series.

Design Miami
7th to 9th December, 11 a.m. till 7 p.m.
Miami Design District
Palm Lot, 140 NE 39th Street
Miami, FL 33137

Web: http://www.designmiami.com

Stonemasons Warned of Killer Disease after Darlington Quarrying Company Fined

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned quarrying companies and stonemasons of the risk workers face of contracting the potentially fatal disease silicosis, if adequate measures to monitor and prevent exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) are not in place.

The warning comes after Dunhouse Quarry Co Ltd of Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham was fined £3,750.00 after pleading guilty to breaching the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 by failing to ensure that employees' exposure to RCS was adequately controlled. The case was brought by HSE. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £8,177.40.

Following a routine, unannounced inspection HSE discovered that an employee had contracted silicosis and that a number of others had been exposed to levels of RCS in excess of the workplace exposure limit.

HSE Inspector Andrea Robbins said:

'Breathing in the very fine dust of crystalline silica can lead to the development of silicosis, which in its most acute form can result in premature death. It is vital employers monitor dust levels to assess the risk of exposure to RCS, and that they put control measures in place to reduce the levels to which employees are exposed, and consequently reduce their risk of developing silicosis.

'What makes this particular situation worse,' continued Ms Robbins, 'is that the company had previously commissioned the services of an external company to carry out atmospheric monitoring of dust levels, including RCS but did nothing to act upon the findings despite one employee being exposed to levels up to 45 times the maximum exposure limit as it was then, which was three times higher than the current workplace exposure limit.

'This prosecution serves to publicise the need for employers to be vigilant in identifying substances which can affect their workers' health. In particular, companies who generate stone dust, which contains silica, must take precautions to protect the health of their employees. Trades most at risk include stonemasons and quarry workers.'

Shaun Senior Disqualified from Acting as a Director for Six Years

According to information supplied by The Insolvency Service, Shaun Senior of the Ceramic Tile Studio Limited (Company No: 03452550) has been disqualified from acting as a director for six years after a compulsory liquidation with debts of £222,816.00

Mr Senior:

A) failed to maintain, preserve and / or deliver up to the Official Receiver adequate accounting records in respect of the period after 31st March 2004, and failed to ensure that the affairs and obligations of CERAMIC were adequately conducted in regard to the company's cessation of trade and liquidation. In particular:

• He stated to the Official Receiver's office within the course of the liquidation proceedings that CERAMIC ceased trading on 31st March 2004, after which he traded as a sole trader under the same trade name of CERAMIC. However the company continued making VAT returns, such returns disclosing CERAMIC made sales of £117,482 in the period 01 May 2004 to 31 July 2005 and failed to notify HMRC that it had ceased trading.

• In addition the company continued to obtain lines of credit from suppliers. The Official Receiver is aware of minimum liabilities totalling £10,753 relating to goods and services supplied and invoiced to CERAMIC in the period after 21st August 2004

• He allowed sales invoices to be raised in CERAMIC'S name until at least 03 September 2004 (using CERAMIC'S Ltd status, company registration number and VAT number)

• He failed to notify CERAMIC'S bankers that CERAMIC had ceased trading, and continued to make use of the company bank account with the last receipt into CERAMIC'S account being on 24th August 2005 and the last cheque payment being made on 07 September 2005.

• For the period after 27th August 2004 there are payments totalling £95,271 from CERAMIC'S bank account that the Official Receiver is unable to determine were made in the ordinary course of CERAMIC'S business

• Incomplete accounting records have been delivered up for the period after 31st March 2004. The incomplete accounting records and uncertainty as to the cessation of trading date prevents the Official Receiver from being able to make a proper investigation of CERAMIC'S affairs, specifically the payments referred to above, its cause or causes of failure, the real date of cessation of trading and the accurate determination of the quantum of CERAMIC'S PAYE / NIC liabilities.

B) He Caused CERAMIC to trade to the detriment of the Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in respect of PAYE/NIC from the very latest of 26th February 2003 until cessation of trading and also failed to ensure CERAMIC complied with its statutory obligations with regard to making returns and payments to HMRC in respect of PAYE / NIC and Corporation taxes from the tax year ended April 2001 onwards. In particular: He caused CERAMIC to trade to the detriment of HRMC from at the very latest 26th February 2003 onwards, being the last date any payment was made in respect of the company's PAYE / NIC liabilities, resulting in:

• A minimum outstanding PAYE / NIC liability of £38,440 due to HMRC for that tax year ended 05 April 2003, CERAMIC having made two payments totalling £4,869;

• An estimated PAYE / NIC liability of £50,244 for the tax year ended 05 April 2004, CERAMIC having made no payments; · An estimated total PAYE / NIC liability of £163,366 (exclusive of interest and penalties) up to the deemed cessation of trade 21 September 2005.

• Between 27 February 2003 and 31 March 2004 (being the date he stated CERAMIC ceased trading), CERAMIC made payments of £429,479 to other creditor classes whilst failing to make any payments in respect of its PAYE / NI liabilities, penalties and charges. He caused CERAMIC to fail to submit statutory returns to HMRC for a minimum of the 3 tax years ended 05 April 2002, 2003 and 2004, in particular:

• Annual tax returns for CERAMIC'S PAYE / NIC affairs were not submitted, thereby necessitating the determination and issuance of estimated liabilities by HMRC.

• Director's Benefits in Kind (form P11D) annual returns were not submitted. Returns in respect of any deemed trade from 06 April 2004 to 21 September 2005.

• As a result of his failure to submit the returns as and when due, HMRC issued a total of 24 penalty notices to CERAMIC for non-filing in respect of the 2002, 2003 and 2004 tax years thereby resulting in CERAMIC'S incurrence of further liability of £8,100 in penalties. From the tax year commencing 06 April 2000 onwards, he failed to ensure CERAMIC made its regular statutory monthly payments in respect of PAYE / NIC as and when they fell due, such that CERAMIC'S PAYE / NIC liabilities for:

• The tax year ended 05 April 2001 were not discharged in full until 14th August 2001, 3 months late;

• The tax year ended 05 April 2002 were not discharged until 26th February 2003, 10 months late;

• The tax years ended 05 April 2003, 2004 remain unsatisfied in part and in full respectively.

• Any tax due in respect of any deemed trade from 06 April 2004 to 21 September 2005 remains unpaid. Thereby resulting in HMRC issuing distraint on an unspecified number of occasions from December 2000 onwards, seeking Judgments on at least 2 occasions from December 2001 onwards and CERAMIC entering into payment arrangements on 2 occasions in 2002 and 2003, which it failed to honour.

• He failed to ensure CERAMIC prepared and filed four Corporation Tax returns in respect of its profits and losses with HMRC for the period 01 December 1999 to 30 November 2003, thereby causing HMRC to determine and issue minimum liabilities against CERAMIC totalling £14,033 which remain unpaid.

C) He failed to ensure CERAMIC complied with its obligations under The Companies Act 1985 (as amended by The Companies Act 1989) with regard to preparing and filing annual accounts. He failed to ensure CERAMIC prepared and filed seven financial accounts with The Registrar of Companies (the Registrar) reporting CERAMIC'S financial performance for the period 20 October 1997 to 31 October 2004. As a result of the lack of statutory required financial statements, the Official Receiver is unable to:

• Fully ascertain whether or not CERAMIC traded at a profit or a loss.

• Determine the level of any company taxes due to HRMC.

• Be satisfied that all liabilities have been disclosed.

• Deduce the extent of any benefits / remuneration received by himself.

• Be satisfied that all assets have been accounted for.

• Establish the reasons for the company's failure.

Roman Lights the Way

Roman, the UK shower manufacturer, has introduced optic lighting into the company's award winning low level trays.

With the bathroom moving from being a commodity room to a spa-like sanctuary, optic lighting is the latest design feature being incorporated into bathroom equipment and furniture. Roman is including it in its shower trays.

Roman’s Optic Lit tray creates a relaxing ambience for any bathroom. It offers six colour light changes, but can be set to just one preferred colour to match the bathroom.

The optic lights are powered from a remote 100w light source, which can be installed 1.5, 2 or 2.5 metres away from the showering area. It is an easy to install system with no electric wiring present in the tray. Once the tray is installed there is no further maintenance required.

The Optic Lit tray is available to suit several of Roman’s enclosures; the Freedom Colossus, the Freedom Within and the Sculptures Walk-in. It is also available on Roman’s 1200 x 800mm and 1200 x 900mm Sculptures trays.

Roman’s Managing Director, David Osborne, comments; 'Optic lighting is a key trend at the very top end of the market, it is taking the bathroom that one step further towards being a spa-like retreat. It is a real statement piece for the bathroom, and the showroom! It creates a relaxing ambience, similar to that given by candles – ideal for that longer more relaxing shower.'

Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com

De Dietrich Wins 'Large Appliance Of The Year' at the 2007 House Beautiful Awards

The De Dietrich DCM6120X Double Pyroclean Range Cooker won the highly coveted Gold Award for 'Large Appliance of the Year 2007' at the annual House Beautiful Awards, held in Central London last week.

The Awards, presented by Julia Goodwin, editor of House Beautiful, together with a star-studded team of interior designers and TV presenters in the home interest field were considered on the basis of their 'genuine innovation; quality and value for money for the consumer'. Of the many nominations sent in for each category, each was whittled down through two panels of experts. Initially decided by the editorial team at House Beautiful; the chosen shortlist of finalists was then separately assessed by an independent panel of experts and celebrity designers that decided the eventual 'Gold' and 'Silver' winners for each award.

Richard Walker, Sales and Marketing Director of De Dietrich Kitchen Appliances received his 'Gold Award' from actress, Clare Sweeney who presents ITV1's daily '60 Minute Makeover' programme and was a recent star of musical 'Chicago' in London's West End. He says:

'This award encapsulates a brilliant year for De Dietrich. We have an expert new management team; a superb new 2008 range and a fantastic new state-of the-art showroom. We are delighted that our Double Pyroclean Range Cooker won the prestigious 2007 House Beautiful Award for 'Large Appliance of the Year' as it not only represents innovation, but the acceptance of pyroclean technology as a genuine benefit for the consumer.'

Other finalists for House Beautiful's 'Large Appliance of the Year 2007' included:

* Whirlpool Powerclean Dishwasher (Silver Award winner)
* Neff Circosteam Oven
* LEC Retro Top-Mounted Fridge Freezer.

Winners in other categories included: Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Villeroy and Boch, Philips Small Appliances, Belling, Sanderson, Dulux and Matki Showers.

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

A Toilet is Helping Dignity and Hygiene for One of Britain's Most Famous Little People

Kenny Baker, the Lancashire-based actor most famous for bringing Star Wars' R2D2 robot to life, has invested in a Clos-O-Mat automatic shower toilet, which he says has transformed performing basic functions into 'a treat'! And he is waging a one-man campaign to have such WCs installed in as many public places as possible.

At 3ft 8ins tall, Kenny's dwarfism meant it was physically impossible to easily cleanse himself after toileting.

On location in Japan, his hotel room had as standard an automatic shower toilet, which incorporates an integral washing and drying facility. ‘The Japanese love technology, and to them such toilets are normal. I thought 'I've got to have one of those!' It was a treat to go to the toilet: usually, I have to put the loo roll on the floor and sit on that to try and clean myself. It can be very messy,’ he explains.

As a result, he has had a Clos-O-Mat installed in his home in Preston. The unit - no bigger than, and looking the same as, a standard WC - combines conventional toilet facilities with a bidet facility and drier, making it suitable for use by all regardless of age and ability. It can be used as a conventional WC with lavatory paper, yet, if required, manual cleansing can be avoided by using the douche and drying facility, triggered by elbow or arm pressure on the standard flush or by a pneumatic hand held switch. Integral water heater and thermostatic controls ensure personal comfort and safety during use, providing warm water progressing to cool for douching and a gentle, warm airflow for drying. To personalise the toilet for his own particular requirements, Kenny has specified optional grab rails and an upholstered soft seat.

Adds Kenny, ‘The Clos-O-Mat has been a fantastic buy, and so comfortable I've been known to fall asleep sitting on it! We live in a world where people of all abilities travel more widely and more frequently. This toilet is much more hygienic and pleasant for everyone and can be used by everyone: why are they not in airports and hotels everywhere?’

Manufactured in Manchester by Total Hygiene, Clos-O-Mat was the first automatic toilet in the market and is now the UK's biggest-selling such unit, being installed in locations ranging from individual's homes to hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, shopping centres, tourist attractions and even on narrowboats. The new Palma Vita is the first automatic shower toilet developed specifically for the disabled: previous units have all been adapted from models sold in the 'luxury' sector.

Total Hygiene provides a comprehensive sales, installation and after sales package, and offers a range of options to enable tailoring of each unit to individual requirements. Full information is detailed on the company's website: http://wwww.clos-o-mat.com.

Wolseley plc Interim Management Statement

Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, issued its first Interim Management Statement to coincide with its Annual General Meeting on 28th November. In accordance with normal practice, a pre-close half year trading update will be issued on 21st January 2008.

Summary for three months ended 31st October 2007:

Group
• Revenue up more than 5%, c.8% in constant currency
• Trading profit down c.12%, c.9% in constant currency
• Profit before tax and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles down almost 15%, c.10% in constant currency
• Operating cash flow more than double the prior year
• 10 bolt on acquisitions completed between 1st August 2007 and 28th November 2007 for an aggregate consideration of approximately £170 million.

North America
• Revenue down c.10%, c.3% in constant currency
• Trading profit down c.30%, c.25% in constant currency
• Further action taken to adjust cost base - US reduction in headcount of 1,700 people. Around 1,300 further reductions planned in the second quarter. Combined annual savings relating to these headcount reductions of £60 million.

Europe
• Revenue up more than 25%
• Trading profit up more than 15%
• Good performance in UK and Nordic region partially offset by underperformance in France and Central and Eastern Europe.

Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley, said:

'The Group continues to take swift and decisive action in the more challenging business conditions. Although sales trends and the outlook are uncertain, we remain committed to our strategy. Whilst keeping a tight control on costs, we will continue to invest to create competitive advantage. We remain confident that with our size, scale and financial strength, we will emerge from this slowdown as a stronger competitor with an excellent platform for future growth.'

Overview
For the three months ended 31st October 2007, the Group's results continued to be affected by the slowing US housing market, low consumer confidence following uncertainty relating to liquidity in global financial markets and the weakness of the dollar. Whilst the global liquidity squeeze has had some impact on European consumer confidence, the effect has been principally in the USA. Sales trends over this period in both North America and Europe have been difficult to interpret and have not been consistent from month to month. Against this background, the Group has taken further action to adjust its cost base and has continued to focus on exploiting opportunities for profitable organic growth, value-enhancing acquisitions and strong cash flow generation.

Group revenue in the three months ended 31st October 2007, including acquisitions, increased by more than 5% compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Trading profit was down by around 12%. In constant currency, revenue and trading profit would have been around 3% higher than the reported figures in sterling.

In response to more challenging conditions, the Group has reduced headcount, reduced indirect costs, realigned its management structure and re-established priorities in the businesses for the current year.

In the three months ended 31st October 2007, the Group reduced headcount in its US operations by a further 1,700 people. There will be a further 1,300 headcount reductions in the second quarter. The combined annual savings relating to these headcount reductions will be £60 million. When complete, the cumulative headcount reductions, since their peaks, will represent around a third of the Stock workforce and more than 10% of the Ferguson workforce.

Action is also currently being taken to streamline central management resource to focus attention on specific opportunities within each continent and to accelerate decision making in response to local market conditions. As a result, the roles of Chief Business Development Officer and Chief Operations Officer are
being eliminated. Therefore, by mutual agreement, Adrian Barden and Larry Stoddard, the holders of these roles, are leaving the Group. The initiatives in relation to private label, managing the Group's expense base and developing the supply chain will be the responsibilities of the North American and European continental structures.

The rigorous focus on cash flow and working capital improvement continues. Operating cash flow for the first three months of the year more than doubled compared to the equivalent period in the prior year. As a result of the recent strong cash flow generation, the interest charge for the first quarter, at around £30 million, is only marginally up on the corresponding period, despite higher interest rates and the full quarter impact of financing the acquisition of DT Group.

The Group's balance sheet remains strong, with net debt at 31st October 2007 around 3% higher than at 31st July 2007 following bolt-on acquisitions made during the period, giving gearing of 72%, unchanged since 31st July 2007.

Further details of market conditions and financial performance in each of the Group's businesses are set out below.

North America
In North America, revenue in the three months ended 31st October 2007 in sterling, including acquisitions, decreased by almost 10% compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Trading profit was down by just over 30% reflecting a first quarter loss reported by Stock and currency translation. In constant currency, revenue and trading profit would have been around 6% higher than the reported figures in sterling.

The Group's US results have been affected by the continuing decline in US housing starts, falling consumer confidence and a weakening US dollar.

Ferguson continued to gain market share and its financial results benefited from the commercial and industrial sector that continues to grow and accounts for over 60% of its revenue. However, Ferguson was affected by the weakening new residential market and a slowing RMI market. Revenue in local currency for the three months ended 31st October 2007 was up around 5% due to acquisitions, with organic revenue growth being slightly negative. Organic growth was marginally negative in August and October, but positive in September. Local currency trading profit for the quarter was marginally higher due to acquisitions. The trading margin was slightly lower, reflecting increasing price competition and lower revenue growth.
In addition to the 1,150 headcount reduction in the prior year, a further programme of cost reduction has been instigated with the loss of an additional 200 employees in the three months ended 31st October 2007 and 1,300 planned in the second quarter. Once these headcount reductions are completed, Ferguson's headcount will have been reduced by more than 10% from its peak.

At Stock, local currency revenue and trading profit have been impacted by the continuing slowdown in the new residential market, which has also created increased price competition. Housing starts in the USA have fallen 22% from an average annual rate of around 1.62 million in the three months ended 31st October 2006 to 1.26 million in the three months ended 31st October 2007. There continue to be significant regional variations.

Stock's revenue is down by 25%, principally reflecting a 22% decline in organic sales volumes, including the effect of previous branch closures and price fluctuations in lumber and panels which reduced revenue by around 1%. Stock is now cumulatively reporting a trading loss for the three month period following losses in September and October. In addition to the 3,500 headcount reduction in the prior year, a further major programme of cost reduction has been instigated with the loss of an additional 1,500 employees in the three months ended 31st October 2007. Stock's headcount has been reduced by around one-third from its peak and significant further reductions are unlikely. Acquisitions contributed around $30 million (2%) to revenue growth.

The Canadian residential market continues to hold up well and has not been significantly impacted by the factors affecting the US housing market. Wolseley Canada achieved modest local currency revenue growth, although trading profit was lower, following C$3.5 million (£1.6 million) of branch closure costs.

Europe
Whilst the global liquidity squeeze has had some impact on European consumer confidence, the effect has not been as significant as that in the USA. Although the UK housing market is showing signs of softening due to lower liquidity and reduced consumer confidence, the weakness in some other European housing markets is the result of other local factors, outlined below. Around 70% of the Group's European business relates to the RMI and commercial and industrial markets where the fundamentals are structurally more sound.

Revenue in sterling for Europe, including acquisitions, increased by more than 25% in the three months ended 31st October 2007, whilst trading profit was up more than 15%. Excluding DT Group, which was acquired on 25th September 2006, European revenues were up by almost 5% whilst trading profit was over 10% lower due to a poor performance in August and September in France and some initial anticipated disruption caused by IT implementation in Central and Eastern Europe.

Revenue for the UK and Irish businesses increased by around 5%, the majority of which was organic growth. Trading profit was up by a similar amount, despite a reduction in trading profit in Ireland. The overall trading margin improved marginally on the equivalent period in the prior year.

There are increasing signs that the UK housing market is slowing in response to the lower availability and increased cost of mortgage financing. However, demand for UK housing continues to exceed supply and the market is currently more stable structurally than the US housing market. There are indications of the UK RMI market weakening in response to deteriorating consumer sentiment and tighter credit conditions. Signals from the Group's UK businesses remained mixed.
Bathstore, geared to servicing the consumer, reported strong sales trends in the first quarter, but those of our trade businesses that are more heavily focused on the residential RMI market are showing signs of softening as that market becomes more challenging. Government expenditure on social housing, health and education continued to underpin construction spending in the UK.

In Ireland, housing starts are over 30% down on the equivalent quarter of the prior year and the RMI market is now being affected.

Wolseley's French businesses had a slower start to the financial year, although sales and profits were higher in October than the corresponding period in the prior year. The French heavyside business lost some market share due to the acceleration of the new NDC implementation and further restructuring and centralisation of functions in the first quarter, which caused some additional disruption. Revenue for the three months ended 31st October 2007 is marginally down on the prior year and underlying trading profit is down by more than 40%, before charging one-off restructuring costs of Euro4 million (£2.8 million) relating to headcount reductions.

Markets in the Nordic region have generally held up well, although sales to the Danish new housing and DIY markets, which account for around 18% of the Group's Nordic revenues, are slowing in response to higher interest rates. Other housing markets in the Nordic region appear unaffected. DT Group continues to grow strongly and for the three months ended 31st October 2007 reported revenue, in sterling, of £571 million with a trading margin of over 7%.

The Group's Central and Eastern European businesses showed high single digit revenue growth as a result of good market outperformance in Switzerland and the Netherlands, and of acquisitions. These acquisitions are designed to increase critical mass in the region, which will have a positive impact on future trading margins and return on capital. Trading profit in the quarter was lower as a result of some business disruption and the additional costs associated with the new IT systems implementation. The extent of the disruption was in line with expectations and diminished over the period.

Acquisition Update
Since the beginning of the financial year on 1st August 2007, a total of 10 bolt-on acquisitions in Europe and North America have been completed for an aggregate consideration of approximately £170 million. These 10 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £219 million to Group revenue in a full year and will be beneficial to the Group's trading margin in the current financial year.

In addition, on 27th November 2007, Wolseley Eastern Europe a.s signed an agreement, conditional upon obtaining Slovak competition clearance, to acquire Gama Myjava s.r.o. from Mr. Jan Holi and Mr. Pavol Majdlen and the business of Gama Bohemia from Gama Bohemia s.r.o. (together 'Gama'). Gama is a plumbing, heating and sanitaryware distributor operating from eight branches in Slovakia and five branches in the Czech Republic. In the year ended 31st December 2006, Gama had consolidated revenue of SKK741.6million (£16.0 million) and gross assets of SKK214.0 million (£4.6 million) at that date. Completion of this acquisition is expected early in 2008. This acquisition supports Wolseley's strategy of increasing critical mass in Central and Eastern Europe.

Outlook
The Board anticipates that business conditions in a number of the Group's markets will become more challenging over the next few months.

In the USA, the housing market is likely to deteriorate further until the current high levels of unsold inventory have declined and the full effects of problems in the sub-prime market have been assimilated. These conditions, together with reduced availability of credit, are expected to put pressure on the RMI market and its recovery will depend on consumer sentiment and the overall health of the US economy. The commercial and industrial market is expected to show growth, albeit at lower rates, for the majority of the financial year given the longer lead times of many large projects within this sector. The Group expects to continue to drive competitive advantage and increased market share from the distribution centre network and to exploit opportunities arising from the impact that weakening markets will have on competitor positions.

In Europe, there are signs of weakening in some housing markets, but the majority of the Group's activity in Europe is driven by the RMI and commercial and industrial segments. In general, these are structurally more sound and should offer opportunities for growth for the year as a whole. The RMI market in the UK is likely to soften in the short term as a result of weakening consumer sentiment.

The Group will continue to carefully monitor market conditions and take swift and decisive action to realign its cost base and to take a more cautious approach to limit capital expenditure, where necessary. The Group is in a strong financial position and will continue to pursue its strategy of growing organically and by acquisition, driving competitive advantage through leveraging its scale and size.

Web: http://www.wolseley.com

Efficiency Trials and Targets at Heart of New Action Plan to Cut Water Consumption

The next steps in an action plan to deliver greater water efficiency were set out by Environment Minister Phil Woolas yesterday as he confirmed that a key cross-industry group will operate for another year.

The Water Saving Group (WSG) brings together a range of water industry bodies and was set up two years ago to encourage greater efficiency in the way consumers use water. Its members include Ofwat, the Environment Agency, the Consumer Council for Water, Defra, Water UK, Communities and Local Government, and Waterwise.

Over the past two years the group has helped drive a number of important developments to contribute to greater water efficiency.

Publishing the revised action plan yesterday, Phil Woolas said:

'Water is a valuable resource. Our supply is limited, but pressure on it is likely to keep rising. We have to be cleverer about how we use water, and that means being more efficient and wasting less.

'The Water Saving Group has scored some important successes towards helping this happen, and not least that a range of organisations, each with its own priorities, has continued to engage constructively and find common ground for making progress on water efficiency. That alone is evidence of how very important this issue is now, and will become increasingly, as stress on our water resources increases.

'The work we are planning for the year ahead will take these successes and build on them. It's an ambitious and innovative programme and I am grateful to colleagues on the Group for the leadership they are showing in taking it forward.'

The overarching aim of the Group is to reduce the current level of per capita consumption in households. Members have agreed to work together on a package of measures, each covering different aspects of water efficiency. They have identified a number of key areas for future work, including:

* the development of proposals for mandatory water efficiency targets for each company from 2010;

* creating an evidence base that will help water companies make appropriate investment decisions;

* completing and reviewing twenty large scale water efficiency projects;

* further work on standards for rainwater harvesting, grey water, and raw water re-use;

* options for improving water efficiency in existing buildings; and

* a review of water efficiency measures in the industrial and commercial sector.

Since October 2005, when the Water Saving Group was formed under the Chairmanship of then-Environment Minister Elliot Morley, they have driven progress in a number of areas:

* Ofwat has introduced voluntary water efficiency targets for water companies, which will apply in 2008/09 and 2009/10;

* Ofwat has also proposed to remove disincentives to water efficiency schemes through a change in the way it sets price limits;

* The Environment Agency has published a methodology for identifying water stressed areas in England;

* The Government has introduced regulations allowing water companies in areas of serious water stress to consider compulsory water metering as part of their water resource management plans;

* The outputs from 20 large scale water efficiency projects will be used by companies as they prepare business plans for Ofwat's Price Review for 2010-2015.
They will also add to the evidence base which is being developed and expanded by Waterwise;

* As part of its work to highlight and encourage best practice by water companies on providing advice and support for consumers, Ofwat has published a 'good practice' register of water efficiency projects;

* Valuable in-depth research has been completed by the Consumer Council for Water to help better understand customers' attitudes to water use, and their views on willingness to play a part in using water wisely;

* As part of the Housing Green Paper, Defra and CLG committed to a number of measures to improve water efficiency in new homes, including changes to the Building Regulations and setting performance standards for key fittings like toilets, taps and showers; and

* Options for a product labelling scheme are being examined. This work has been assisted by the launch by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association of its industry-led voluntary labelling scheme for water efficient products, which was welcomed by the Group.

Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said:

'Improving water efficiency is one of the most important challenges facing the water industry moving forward. The work of the WSG has to be grounded in the expectations and needs of those who use water. Customers need to be engaged from the outset and reassured that they will get a safe and reliable supply of water in the long term. We need to ensure they do their bit to save water and understand why they need to.'

Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive of Water UK, said:

'Water efficiency is a collective responsibility and we're delighted that all members of the Water Saving Group have recognised the need to work together to tackle an issue that is vitally important for society and our environment.'

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said:

'We welcome the Minister's announcement that the group will continue for another year as there is still much work to do. We are pleased that the Group has supported the need for households in water stressed areas to be metered. We hope that water companies will now make rapid progress on metering. We have also developed proposals for water efficiency targets to help ensure that we make better use of a scarce resource.'

Jacob Tompkins, Director of Waterwise, said:

'The water saving group is an excellent example of policy groups working together. We have seen many examples of water efficiency progress over the last two years but there is much more to do. It is only by everybody working together that we can ensure a sustainable water supply for the future.'

Ofwat Chief Executive Regina Finn said:

'We welcome the group's work and its emphasis on practical proposals to help use water more efficiently. It is vital that each water company considers the relative merits of every option to balance its supply and demand.'

Swadling Introduces Eco-Friendly Showering with New Water Saving Device

Swadling, manufacturer of thermostatic shower valves, brassware and bathroom shower fixtures, has introduced a new water-saving device for high pressure systems to make showering more eco-friendly. The device which inhibits the flow of water coming through the shower head allows 12 litres of water per minute to flow instead of 40 litres per minute which can be achieved with the company’s high flow shower valves at 3 bar water pressure.

Using this simple flow restrictor means that consumers who spend an average of ten minutes in the shower could save around 280 litres of water per day, 1,960 litres per week and a massive 101,920 litres every year - a huge saving of water and heating.

Swadling Managing Director, Francis Cunil comments: ‘We wanted to give our customers the option to be more environmentally friendly without detracting from the overall shower experience. The flow restrictor was the ideal solution as it allows 12 litres of water to flow per minute; this gives a more than adequate shower and saves a significant amount of water.’

This new water-saving device is optional, easy to use and complimentary when purchasing Swadling handsets and Deluge shower roses.

Stockist Information: Tel: 01454 322 888 http://www.matki.co.uk or http://www.swadlingbrassware.com

Dimplex Daytona Towel Rail - 0-60 in Record Time

Dimplex says that it is setting new standards in towel rail technology with the launch of the Daytona towel rail range. With patented DryTech™ dry element technology the Daytona reaches 60 degrees Celsius in only 15 minutes.

The company says that independent tests have measured the Daytona as up to 35% faster to heat up with temperatures up to 22% above wet competitor products, providing more heat, more quickly and from a reduced output.

What's more, the DryTech™ technology developed by Dimplex allows the heat to be uniformly distributed over the whole of the towel rail's surface, so heat stratification and cold spots are eliminated.

The Daytona range is available in white or chrome, and a choice of 175W or 350W outputs. It is also is IPX4 rated for use in wet areas. As the range is entirely liquid-free, there is no risk of leakage or rusting, and with weights starting from just 4.2 kg, installation is hassle-free anywhere with a power connection.

'A winning combination of perfect form and perfect function, the Daytona is set to be the latest 'must-have' design in any contemporary bathroom, with its sleek and elegant lines resulting in minimal protrusion into the room from the gently bowed rails. And yet the clever design provides maximum towel hanging space, with the fast warm-up ensuring rapid drying,’ says the company.

Like all electrically heated appliances, the Daytona offers independent operation from the main heating system for warm/dry towels year-round, flexible installation that's not limited by plumbing availability and 100% efficiency at point of use.

Tel: 01489 773336
Email: marketing@dimplex.co.uk
Web: http://www.dimplex.co.uk