Large
Kitchen Tops Homebuyers' Wishlist
A
big kitchen with space to dine tops the homebuyers' wish list, according
to a new report, highlighted by Which?
Research found that space for a kitchen table was more important than
a large garden and a downstairs toilet in the eyes of would-be buyers.
Roomy cooking areas were particularly popular with same-sex couples, with
more than a quarter listing it as the most important feature they look
for.
Insurer Legal & General quizzed more than 4,000 people about their
housing wish list as part of the research.
Big kitchen
They found that overall, 15% mentioned having a big kitchen with room
for a kitchen table as their most important want.
Second was a large garden with 13% of the vote, followed by en suite bathrooms
and room for extensions with 9% apiece.
According to the research, the people most likely to want a big garden
in their dream home are young couples with no children.
The least popular feature listed was a dining room and an attic, both
of which only gained 1% of the vote for most important feature.
Family mealtimes
Carina Norris, registered nutritionist and author of You Are What You
Eat: The Meal Planner That Will Change Your Life, said: 'After the trend
for homebuyers to opt for tiny kitchens, or even 'capsule kitchens' with
just a microwave and no proper oven, it is really encouraging to see the
pendulum swinging back to large kitchens, with plenty of space for the
family to eat together.
This could mean the return of the good old British family mealtime.
Ruth Wilkins, head of communications at Legal & General, said: 'The
look and feel of today's homes is changing to reflect the changing demographics
of different groups of people. What may be important to some is different
to others when it comes to buying their home.'
Web: http://www.which.co.uk
Staying
in is the new going out and families are, once again, enjoying cooking
together - making the evening meal a family affair that's sociable and
fun. As designers open up the kitchen to the dining room to make more
room for additional cooks, so the products that go into the space need
careful consideration.
One-and-a-half bowl sinks are extremely popular in this situation, enabling
home owners extra sink access while the main bowl is occupied. Taking
the concept to the next level, Franke has launched the new MTX 661 sink,
part of its Specialist Mythos range, which has the half bowl on the outside
instead of the middle for easier access. No more reaching over the 'pot
washer' to strain the vegetables, this model is an excellent ergonomic
choice, especially for kitchens that don't have room for an additional
prep sink elsewhere.
Fitting into a 600mm cabinet, the MTX 661 is a definite space-saver in
the kitchen, and boasts a stylish silk finish that is easy to keep clean.
Incorporating a slide-and-glide glass food preparation platter and stainless
steel strainer bowl, this is the ultimate tool for the busy family kitchen
and will create a sleek and stylish design statement. All Franke sinks
are guaranteed for 25 years against manufacturing defect as standard.
For further information, contact 0161 436 6280, or visit www.franke.co.uk
Coram
Appoints Five Acora Sales Agents
Coram
Showers has appointed five new sales agents for its recently launched
retail range, Acora. Brian Robertson, Larry Alford, John Corbett, Alan
Downes and Simon Evans will be responsible for driving forward sales of
Acora's innovative and stylish enclosure and bath screen designs across
the UK.
Brian Robertson has gained considerable experience within the bathroom
market working as an agent for the last 12 years and in a previous role
with bathroom distributor, Barwick Distribution. Brian will use his extensive
sales experience to develop business within the North East and Yorkshire.
With a background in the bathroom and kitchen industry, Larry Alford has
held senior management roles with several market leading companies, including
Imperial Bathrooms. Larry will be responsible for developing sales in
the West and East Midlands.
John Corbett has over 25 years experience in the industry working with
several leading bathroom manufacturers such as Jacuzzi and Utopia. John
will be covering East Anglia, the Home Counties and the London area.
Previously the national sales manager for Watermill Products, Alan Downes
joins the Acora sales team within the South East and South London area,
where he has worked for 20 years with leading merchants, Grahams and Plumbase.
Simon Evans was national account manager at Shades Bathroom Furniture
and has a wealth of experience within the bathroom retail and manufacturing
industry. Simon will use his extensive knowledge of the sector to develop
sales within the South West and South Wales.
Speaking on the new appointments to the Acora sales team, Charlie Wallis,
marketing manager of Coram Showers said: 'Following the success of the
company's market leading enclosures, trays and bath screens within the
trade market, Coram's expansion into the retail sector with the Acora
range has been natural progression. By increasing the nationwide team
of experienced sales agents, the company will be able to reach more merchant
and retail outlets with Acora's range of stylish, high performance, professional
products that set a new standard for the retail market.'
Coram Showers specialises in the design and manufacture of shower enclosures,
shower pods, shower trays and bath screens. In addition to the new retail
range, Acora, the company's current range includes the Premier and Optima
ranges of shower enclosures, Waterguard Showertrays and a range of bath
screens. Designed for fast and easy installation, as well as watertight
performance, all Coram products are designed and manufactured at the company's
Bridgnorth factory in Shropshire and enclosures are power shower tested
to BS 6340 against leakage.
LAUFEN
Announce Autumn Promotion
Swiss
manufacturer LAUFEN has announced an autumn promotion to support the launch
of its new cloakroom washbasin SMAL.
LAUFEN authorised retailers will have the opportunity to receive a free
360 x 250mm SMAL washbasin when purchasing three selected cloakroom washbasins
from its Laufen pro range for either display or stock purposes.
Managing Director, Russell Barnes comments: 'SMAL is a stylish, practical
washbasin that offers a perfect solution for rooms tight on space. I hope
this promotion will support and encourage LAUFEN dealers to introduce
SMAL to their product portfolio as well as assist them in reaching sales
targets.'
The promotion is available to all LAUFEN authori-sed retailers running
from 01st September 2007 – 30th November 2007. For further information
on this exciting new promotion, LAUFEN dealers should contact their LAUFEN
Area Sales Manager or call LAUFEN on 01386 422 768.
Mark
Wilkinson to Speak at Decorex
Designer
Mark Wilkinson is a key speaker in the Lecture series at Decorex, the
exhibition for interior designers that takes place at the Royal Hospital,
Chelsea between 23rd and 26th September.
'Celebrating 30 years of design excellence' is the exhibition's strap-line
and it is most apt that Mark Wilkinson, who is also celebrating 30 years
of furniture design excellence, will open the Tuesday afternoon session
in a Seminar series run by the world renowned KLC School of Design.
Jenny Gibbs, the Principle of KLC, which is based in the Chelsea Harbour
Design Centre and is known for the quality of its training in Interior
and Garden Design, invited Mark Wilkinson to talk about his unusual way
of finding fresh design ideas to an audience of interior designers and
consumers. Beginning at 14:00 on Tuesday 25th September, Mark Wilkinson
will speak for an hour
For information on Mark Wilkinson - Tel: 01380 850004 - or visit –
http://www.mwf.com
For information on Decorex International 2007 - visit http://www.decorex.com
West
Midlands-based manufacturer of handcrafted bathroom products The Imperial
Bathroom Company Ltd is the latest company to join the Bathroom Manufacturers
Association (BMA).
Commenting on its membership, Imperial's Managing Director, Antonio Garrido
says: ‘Imperial Bathrooms is delighted to have joined the BMA. The
company looks forward to working alongside other leading manufacturers
to continuously drive forward new training and marketing initiatives and
product legislation that will benefit everyone within the Industry, and
ultimately help us all to serve the bathroom consumer in more meaningful
ways.
‘In addition to benefiting from the vast experience that the other
BMA members can offer, we are confident that Imperial Bathrooms will play
an active and key role in helping steer the future of the Industry.’
The BMA membership has grown in 2007 with five new companies joining,
The Deva Tap Company, Mayfair Taps and Showers, Intatec, Classic Marble
and the Imperial Bathroom Company.
The BMA has a long-standing, dedicated membership including major players
such as Bronte Whirlpools Ltd, Flair International Ltd, Kaldewei UK Ltd
and Samuel Heath & Sons plc.
For information on all of the BMA activities visit: http://www.bathroom-association.org
To contact Imperial Bathrooms visit: http://www.imperialbathrooms.co.uk
Following
the launch of a number of new kitchen frontal and accessory ranges since
the beginning of the year, Burbidge has invested £175k in updating
its national showroom and introducing new brochures, including a new ‘mini
brochure’ and downloadable e-brochure.
Customers visiting Burbidge’s Coventry-based showroom will now be
able to see the company’s recently launched kitchens displayed in
inspirational ‘real life’ room sets. These include the ultra-contemporary
Odessa and Zamora ranges, the classic Oakham period style kitchen, the
traditional, natural oak Hamble range and the new ‘modern classic’
Hudson design, as well as many more of Burbidge’s best-selling
designs.
Ben Burbidge, managing director comments: 'Our new-look showroom enables
customers to better visualise the complete kitchen concept. It’s
often difficult to appreciate how our designs will look as a finished
kitchen simply from looking at a door frontal. This is why we encourage
as many customers as possible to visit the showroom to experience the
overall look and feel of our kitchens. As such, it’s important
that our newest and our most popular ranges are on display.'
As well as a new 103 page full colour brochure which includes in-depth
information and glossy lifestyle photography of all the new ranges, Burbidge
has also produced an A5 ‘mini brochure’ featuring photographs
of only the new and best-selling ranges which customers can use as handouts
or for promotional mail outs to consumers.
To further support its customers, Burbidge is introducing a new e-brochure
onto its website which customers and consumers can easily download onto
their own PC or colour printer. As with the ‘mini brochure’,
this features inspirational room-set photography of all Burbidges’s
new and best-selling ranges.
Burbidge is a long established UK kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer.
The company’s products can be viewed in realistic room sets in its
showroom in Coventry.
Please call 024 7667 1600 for further information.
Paul
Caneparo Crosses the Water
Fresh
from a successful Expo show and sustained sales growth, Crosswater and
Simpsons say that they are stronger than ever and new Director of Sales,
Paul Caneparo, is set for a busy time.
Paul's comprehensive experience in the industry spans far and wide with
previous senior positions at Twyford Bathrooms, Grohe Water Technology,
JADO and Ideal Standard.
Commenting on his decision for a new challenge, Paul explains, ‘I
specifically wanted to be a part of the Crosswater and Simpsons team as
I admire and appreciate the product innovation, service, reputation and
quality.’
‘I'm looking to build upon the reputation that both Crosswater and
Simpsons have with their customers and to increase our position to become
the customer's supplier of choice for brassware and shower enclosures.’
Philip Carr, Commercial Director at Crosswater Holdings Ltd comments,
‘Paul's experience and knowledge within the industry is an obvious
asset to the company. We are delighted to have him on board and I look
forward to working with him.’
For more information on Crosswater and Simpsons products, please visit
http://www.crosswater.co.uk
and http://www.simpsons-enclosures.co.uk.
Silestone
Gets NSF Certification
The
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), has certified Silestone worktops
by Cosentino as a safe material for direct contact with any kind of food.
Following this new certification by the NSF, Cosentino is introducing
the new Protector Plus promise on its Silestone worktops. Combining Microban
antibacterial protection and the Greenguard and NSF certification, the
Protector Plus Promise gives consumers peace of mind that Silestone worktops
are one of the most hygienic surfaces for the kitchen.
The company says that Silestone by Cosentino is the first and only quartz
surfacing material in the world, with patented Microban antibacterial
protection. This helps fight the growth of micro-organism and harmful
bacteria which may be on the surface, such as EColi, Salmonella, Listeria,
Staphlococcus and the MRSA superbug.
The Microban anti-bacterial technology is incorporated throughout the
structure of all Silestone Quartz products during the manufacturing process,
providing continuous protection, which cannot be removed or eliminated
during the lifetime of the product.
Functional, beautiful and hygienic, Silestone quartz worktops are made
from 93% natural quartz crystals and 7% pigments, resin, mirror and glass.
Only three other natural minerals; diamond, sapphire and topaz are harder
than quartz. Scratch, stain, heat and scorch resistant, Silestone can
be cut and profiled to provide unlimited design options and is available
in over 50 colours and in a polished finished or leather-effect (slightly
textured matt) finish.
UK Contact:
Tel: 08700 118 788
Email: uksales@silestone.com
Web: http://www.silestone.com
ITV
has announced that MFI is to sponsor the next series of Hell's Kitchen.
The deal includes broadcast and online sponsorship.
Marco Pierre White will step back into the kitchen for first time in seven
years when he takes over reins at TV's most exclusive restaurant and puts
a team of celebrities through paces. Hell's Kitchen returns this Autumn
and the first ever British chef to achieve three Michelin stars - before
handing them back - is in charge. Marco, described as the 'Godfather of
cooking', will use his considerable talents to transform a group of celebrities
into chefs in just two weeks.
Gary Favell, Chief Executive of MFI commented: ‘As the largest retailer
of kitchens in the UK the synergy between the programme and our brand
speaks for itself. Our recent advertising campaign, 'MFI making people
feel right at home', features customers feeling so 'at home' in our stores
that they forget themselves and engage in everyday domestic situations.
This real life theme ties in perfectly with the behind the scenes nature
of Hell's Kitchen.’
The deal was negotiated by Luciana Limongelli at ITV Customer Relations
with Tim Brady and Andy Corcoran at Newcast.
The creative is being produced by M&C Saatchi.
Roman,
the UK shower manufacturer, has launched a step-by-step online video guide
which demonstrates how to install a wetroom. This can be seen on the company’s
website: http://www.roman-showers.com.
The
online video podcast breaks down how to install a wetroom from start to
finish, showing the process in easy to follow steps. Roman says that it
is the first in the industry to create such a podcast and has done so
to try and give installers more confidence with wetroom technology. It
is also designed to give added confidence to retailers when it comes to
selling wetroom products.
The video podcast shows an installation demonstration using Roman’s
new tanking kit - Roman Shield. It shows the simple step-by-step process
illustrating how easy it is to achieve the contemporary and stylish look
of a wetroom.
Roman Shield contains everything needed to tank a 10m2 room from start
to finish in one simple to use kit. Alongside the kit, Roman also offers
optional extra products such as preformed corners, to make the process
even simpler.
Wetrooms are a style statement, and a much sought-after look. However
many installers are unfamiliar and wary of the technology involved in
creating them. This video podcast is designed to break down the process
and demonstrates the stages involved.
David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman Limited, comments: 'Roman is
very excited about this video podcast. When we’ve spoken to retailers,
plumbers and installers, the feedback is always that consumers want a
wetroom, but not many installers are confident with the technology behind
it. This video podcast shows just how simple creating a wetroom is –
you are simply building up a series of comprehensive layers to waterproof
a room that is constantly filled with water. We are extremely excited
to hear feedback from our customers once it goes live!'
The installer, testing the products in the podcast, commented: 'the kit
was really easy to use. I have little experience with installing wetrooms,
but found Roman Shield a simple to follow kit. Participating in the video
podcast was also an interesting experience, particularly with it being
such a first for the industry.'
Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com
Blum
puts Dynamic Space® on Display at Daro
Key
Blum distributor Daro Factors has equipped the company’s new east
London showroom with a full and interactive Dynamic Space® display.
Dynamic Space® is Blum's internationally successful and recognised
kitchen storage planning system which allocates storage of different items
and special units to 5 key zones of activity to create the ideal ergonomic
use of the kitchen no matter what the shape or configuration.
The five zones are: storage of consumables; storage of non-consumables;
preparation zone, cooking zone and wet zone.
Daro Factors is a long established fittings manufacturer and supplier
(since 1923) and the company’s showroom at Hackney Wick is the only
one to serve the whole of the east of London and the area extending into
Essex and Suffolk.
Among the special units in the Blum display are the SPACE CORNER - a storage
solution for corner units, the under sink drawer as well as the full extension
larder unit. All the drawers are full extension TANDEMBOX with integrated
BLUMOTION soft close which also features on cabinet doors where it is
integrated into the Blum CLIPtop hinges. Also on display is the Blum AVENTOS
lift system for overhead cabinets. Daro was also the first showroom to
put on display Blum's all new SERVO-DRIVE electrically assisted drawer
opening system for handle-free use. A looped Blum video entertains visitors
with well structured information.
Blum continue to equip appointed distributors' showrooms with Dynamic
Space® displays across the country including Northern Ireland.
Tel: 01908 285700
Email: info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum com
Cottam
and Preedy says that it has extended its reputation for innovation in
the field of valves with the company’s CP961® Multi, combined
isolation valve and flow regulator. Not to be confused with the simple
isolator, the CP961® Multi is more versatile and incorporates a technically
engineered flow regulator for precise control of water volume.
The valve has been recognised as a significant development in the field
of water saving by the award of the Waterwise marque.
This marque is awarded annually to products which reduce water wastage
or raise the awareness of water efficiency. Waterwise is an independent,
not for profit organisation, which receives funding from the UK water
industry and sits on the Environment Minister's water saving group. It
is clearly focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and is the
leading authority on water efficiency in the UK.
Water saving is currently under review by the Government since the proposed
‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ followed by the publication of
the Defra consultation document ‘Water Efficiency in New Buildings’
in December 2006. The resulting response is due any day and the expectation
is that the Government's desire to encourage more efficient use of water
will be endorsed.
With climate change and aging population and an ever increasing number
of homes being built to meet the needs of the continually growing population,
there is great pressure on our demand for water. We currently use on average
of 150 litres a day per person, which is an alarming 15,000 mega-litres
a day.
‘Any measure which can help to reduce the huge volume of water we
use every single day without unduly affecting our home lifestyle must
be welcomed’ says Cottam and Preedy Managing Director Simon Cottam
‘For a low expenditure, a significant contribution can be made by
fitting the CP961® Multi in domestic and commercial bathrooms and
washrooms, or for any other running water application. And every little
helps the environment.’
The CP961® Multi is already proving its worth in a number of commercial
installations where the savings in water usage have a direct quantifiable
effect on the water bills - with a general saving on water heating bills
too.
Working with Water Management Solutions UK as part of a comprehensive
water saving programme for Debenhams UK retail sites, Cottam and Preedy
proposed the use of the company’s patented CP961® Multi for a
pilot scheme. Results showed actual savings of over 20%, clearly indicating
the levels of water saving which can be achieved in commercial washroom
situations.
Applied to the domestic marketplace for new house build in particular,
the savings could be equally dramatic.
IDS
Offers a Green Route to Surface Materials
IDS
has implemented some new measures which strengthen the company's eco-commitment
and offer customers a greener route to its surface materials portfolio
which includes all the industry-leading brands in worksurfaces, laminates,
solid surfacing, flooring and panel products.
As one of the UK's largest distributors, the company clocks up a significant
annual mileage with 85 delivery vehicles on the road. Operating from ten
regional branches, IDS has appraised its daily delivery routing and reshaped
them to reduce the number of miles travelled, while at the same time maintaining
its customer commitment to deliver products ex-stock on a 48 hour basis.
Says Steve Rickers, Supply Chain Director:
‘We have a responsibility to not just offer environmentally-friendly
products but deliver them in an environmentally-friendly way too. Re-shaping
our delivery routing is a way for us to reduce mileage and therefore carbon
emissions. Applied across our national network of branches and multiplied
daily, this has made a significant difference to our mileage consumption.’
IDS is part of the Saint Gobain Group which is committed to sourcing 67%
of its wood and wood-based products from legal and sustainable sources
by the end of 2007. The company also operates an active recycling programme
to reduce packaging waste.
Continues Rickers:
‘Our portfolio offers customers products that allow them to meet
their ethical and design aspirations, when other choices are available.
We have an ongoing commitment to examine all aspects of our business including
product, warehousing, packaging and delivery and continuously make improvements.’
Tel: 08457 298 298
Email: info@idsurfaces.co.uk
Web: http://www.idsurfaces.co.uk
In-toto
Opens Showroom in Basingstoke
National
kitchen specialist In-toto kitchens has opened a new showroom in Basingstoke.
The
showroom includes seven different displays that illustrate the quality,
craftsmanship and style of In-toto kitchens; ranging from the contemporary
Geba ranges such as the Keski Dark Grey, to the more traditional Cream
and Wild Pear for the more conservative customers.
The Lord Mayor of Basingstoke, Councillor Warwick Lovegrove, officially
opened the showroom during the launch event, which also included cookery
demonstrations, a prize draw plus drinks and nibbles.
Jay Asher, franchisee of the new Basingstoke showroom explains: ‘The
team at Basingstoke offers a full planning, design and installation service
backed by outstanding personal service.’
Jay continues: ‘I was delighted with the turnout at the launch event
and we have been extremely busy ever since.’
In-toto Basingstoke can be found at 35a Winchester Street, Basingstoke.
In-toto Basingstoke is part of a network of 50 franchised showrooms nationwide.
Web: http://www.intoto.co.uk
Exclusive
Baxi Boiler Offer from Screwfix
To
coincide with the Autumn demand for heating systems, Screwfix is offering
a very special promotion on its Baxi Boiler range in the latest Screwfix
catalogue (issue 88). All orders for plumbing items, totalling £1,000
or more, which include a Baxi boiler, will receive £200 worth of
Screwfix vouchers. The offer, which can be redeemed on screwfix.com, Freephone
or Trade Counter purchases, relates to the Baxi boiler range as well as
hundreds of other items on the plumbing pages such as radiators, central
heating systems and plumbing fittings. Full terms and conditions can be
found at screwfix.com and in the catalogue which also includes more than
17,000 high quality, low cost building, maintenance and refurbishment
items.
All products can be accessed 7 days a week via a call to Freephone 0500
414141, a click onto screwfix.com, or a visit to one of the growing UK
network of Trade Counters (71 as at end August, 2007 - full address details
can be found at http://www.screwfix.com/tradecounters).
Featuring the Duo-Tec Combi, Combi HE, Megaflo System and Solo HE versions,
the Baxi range combines high quality performance with low trade prices.
Baxi is Britains' top-ranking heating appliance company, with 150 years
of innovation and design making it a market leader in the development
of energy-efficient, effective and environmentally friendly products.
Other items of interest include central heating controls, treatments and
pumps, as well as Endex, Tectite Sprint and Yorkshire from Yorkshire Fittings.
Additional plumbing accessories include tap connectors, Fernox Central
Heating Treatments and La-Co Flux. Radiator valves are also included and
all radiators are offered with a saving of 20%.
Recognised as being ‘where the trade buys’ and promising a fast,
reliable service, Screwfix is fully committed to customer care and support
and despatches, on average, more than 70,000 parcels a week from its state-of-the-art,
325,000 sq ft fulfilment centre. Each item in the catalogue can be ordered
24 hours a day, 365 days a year and all products are supplied complete
with a 30-day money back guarantee. Simply click online at screwfix.com,
call Freephone on 0500 414141 between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Friday,
and 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, or visit one of the fast growing
network of Screwfix Trade Counters.
For a free catalogue, call Freephone: 0800 317004 or Freefax: 0800 0562256,
for sales assistance Freephone: 0500 414141, or visit the Screwfix Internet
site: http://www.screwfix.com.
Catalogues are also available at Screwfix Trade Counters.
Visit http://www.screwfix.com/tradecounters
for address information and opening times.
Traditional
English Brassware Meets Russian Imperial Splendour in St Petersburg Hotel
Marflow
Engineering's St James range of traditional bathroom brassware has been
chosen as part of a major refurbishment by the Grand Hotel Europe in St
Petersburg, Russia, part of the Orient Express Group of Hotels.
The refurbishment encompasses three phases and covers over 200 rooms -
30 of which are suites - which will be refurbished, with the bathrooms
being fitted out in traditional English style. Marflow, via its Moscow-based
Russian distributor Rosbri, is supplying showers and kits, 3 hole basin
sets, 4 hole bath/shower sets along with 'Trio' single hole sink mixers.
The 130-year old building played an important role in the life of St Petersburg
and is a historical, cultural and culinary landmark renowned throughout
the world.
Renovation restored the hotel's art-nouveau décor and magnificent
neo-Baroque façade and The Grand Hotel Europe has since played
host to distinguished guests including Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince
of Wales and other European royalty, Bill Clinton, Jacques Chirac, Mikhail
Gorbachev and several other heads of state, plus cultural icons such as
Tchaikovsky, Rostropovich, George Bernard Shaw and Elton John.
The hotel's imperial legacy is well served by the traditional Victorian
elegance of the St James collection of brassware. One of Marflow's biggest
selling ranges, the St James collection can be found in Windsor Castle
and in Orient Express hotels across the world, representing a quintessential
Englishness and quality that's recognised worldwide.
Web: http://www.marflow.co.uk