Blum
Reaps Prestigious Award for Excellence
At
the recent Interzum international exhibition, fittings manufacturer
Blum was the recipient of some
of the most prestigious industry and international design awards for
the company’s products.
The awards were as follows: The famous ‘red dot award’ presented
by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, Essen was for Blum's SERVO-DRIVE
which was awarded category winner ‘best of best’. Also Blum's
TANDEMBOX intivo for top design quality.
The ‘Interzum award’ presented by Koelnmesse, Köln was
for Blum's AVENTOS as category winner ‘best of best’; for
TANDEMBOX intivo for top design quality; for SERVO-DRIVE for top design
quality.
The ‘iF product design award’ presented by Industrie Forum
Design e.V., Essen was for TANDEMBOX intivo for top design quality.
SERVO-DRIVE is Blum's new system for opening pull-outs facilitated by
a small electric source activated by slight pressure on the front and
accompanied by BLUMOTIO soft closing for return to the cabinet seat.
TANDEMBOX intivo is a new system for differentiating drawer and pull-out
side designs enabling manufacturers to distinguish their products with
style.
AVENTOS is Blum's lift system for overhead cabinets now in four different
configurations with an effortless opening motion and BLUMOTION soft
closing.
Blum continues to pioneer motion systems for kitchen and other cabinet
use.
Tel: 01908 285700
Email: info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.com
KBSA
Member Poggenpohl Scoops Grand Designs Award
Kitchen
Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) member Poggenpohl
has been named winner of the Best Kitchen System Award at the Grand
Designs awards. The award, sponsored by the KBSA, was announced and
presented by its chairman, Tony Nicholas last week.
'I
am really pleased Poggenpohl is the first winner of this KBSA sponsored
award,' said Tony who is also MD of Nicholas Anthony. ‘The PLUSMODO
kitchen challenges the conventional concepts of kitchen systems, creating
open elements in spaces that are traditionally closed off. It reflects
the superb design quality of KBSA members and is a very worthy winner.’
The sponsorship of the Best Kitchen System Award reflects the KBSA's
enhanced investment in a consumer campaign to raise brand awareness
of the association and the benefits and advice it offers.
The KBSA exhibited at the Grand Designs exhibition and experienced a
huge amount of interest from consumers keen to learn more about what
KBSA members can offer. Over 2,000 copies of the KBSA's own magazine,
The Specialist were distributed and almost 200 visitors completed the
latest KBSA consumer survey.
Ruth Ward, sales and marketing director of KBSA said: ‘The Grand
Designs awards are an excellent vehicle for rewarding and recognising
excellence in our industry and we are very pleased that KBSA member
Poggenpohl was our first winner.
‘Having a stand at the show enabled us to meet with consumers who
have a real interest in improving their homes and advise them of the
benefits of using a KBSA member. We also took the opportunity to introduce
consumers to ConsumerCare Plus, our improved insurance package which
offers enhanced protection and guaranteed piece of mind.'
The KBSA will also be exhibiting at Grand Designs Live, in Birmingham,
which will be held at the NEC on 5-7 October.
For more information and tickets call 0870 060 0315 or visit http://www.granddesignslive.com
For more information about KBSA visit http://www.kbsa.co.uk
Kitchen
World takes National Second Nature Award
Kitchen
World in Mansfield is on top of the world after achieving
PWS' national Second Nature dealer
of the year award. Standards across the 170 strong Second Nature network
were exceptionally high and the final assessment involved a mystery
shop of the 9 regional winners. Kitchen World is delighted to come out
top in the deciding round.
Independent
auditors were commissioned to assess PWS' 170 Second Nature dealers
on a number of key criteria, including branding, product and retail
environment with the mystery shop also focussing on service levels.
The auditor commended Kitchen World for the company’s excellent
displays and welcoming atmosphere. Praise was also given to its interesting
designs, appealing layout and great use of lighting. From a customer
perspective the auditor was particularly impressed with the relaxed
environment commenting that she could not have been made to feel any
more welcome.
Sales Director Lee Bennett and fellow directors Justin Salmon and David
Bower said, 'We are thrilled to win Second Nature's Dealer of the Year
award as we are only too aware of the stiff competition we faced from
other outlets across the country. However our strength lies in our reputation
for quality and craftmanship and this is the foundation on which we
have built a successful and happy business with a loyal and committed
workforce that values every customer and takes great pride in each project.
We were really pleased to be the regional winner but to scoop the national
award is the icing on the cake, a wonderful reward indeed that will
undoubtedly raise the profile of our business.’
Comments David MacArthur, PWS' National Sales Manager, 'Kitchen World
has excelled in the audit, which is an unbiased and prestigious endorsement
of the quality of the company. It not only reflects its high standards
and professionalism but the company’s unquestionable dedication
and passion about its products too.’
Directors of Kitchen World will join representatives from the other
8 regional Second Nature winners on a trade trip to PWS' door suppliers
in Italy and will also enjoy a well deserved holiday as part of the
national winner's prize.
Lee Bennett accepted the award on behalf of all the staff at Kitchen
World. The picture shows Steven Campbell PWS Area Sales Manager presenting
Lee with the award.
Whirlpool
Brand Receives Helen Keller Achievement Award
According
to many estimates there are approximately ten million Americans who
experience vision loss or are completely blind, conditions that are
often coupled with a fear of living independently. Recently, the American
Foundation for the Blind recognised Whirlpool
brand for manufacturing products which help those with vision loss to
maintain their independence at home.
Whirlpool brand is the 14th annual recipient of the Helen Keller Achievement
Award which recognises individuals and organisations who have improved
the quality of life for those who are visually impaired. The award is
named for the world renowned advocate for the deaf and blind, Helen
Keller, who spent her life as an author, speaker and humanitarian helping
liberate those who could not see or hear.
‘We are committed to listening to consumers and developing innovative
appliances that better their changing needs,’ said John Alexander,
Vice President, Brands & Customer Care - Whirlpool Corporation.
‘Those needs include increased accessibility and ease of use for
all consumers, including those with vision loss. We are truly honoured
to receive this award.’
Consumer insight is a commitment of Whirlpool brand and has helped a
number of products evolve into the form they take today. For instance,
engineers incorporated tones into the newest Duet laundry system to
help guide users through various settings for wash and dry cycles. The
Whirlpool brand Duet pair also can be placed on either 10" or 15.5"
inch pedestals to be more accessible for those of varying heights.
For those with vision loss, it is suggested they establish an organisation
routine by returning items to their original location. This awareness
supported the creation of Whirlpool brand's Laundry 123 products. The
Whirlpool brand Vertical Laundry Tower features two oversized drawers
to hold larger laundry items such as detergent bottles and pull-out
supply tray to organise everything from dryer sheets to pocket change.
A 10-inch retractable hanging rod is featured on certain models, providing
consumers a temporary place to hang or air-dry four to six items such
as shirt, hosiery and delicates. The Laundry Tower is then able to hold
laundry supplies within easy reach for many.
In addition, Whirlpool is also making strides with kitchen appliances
by offering many models with buttons on dishwasher doors which can be
more easily felt by those with vision impairment.
In an effort to help those with vision loss maintain their independence,
Whirlpool brand will continue to explore new audible controls and modified
designs to address accessibility needs of their consumers to help them
maintain independence.
To see demonstrations of Whirlpool brand products in use, visit http://www.whirlpool.com.
Bosch
Dishwasher Receives Waterwise Award for Water Efficiency
The
Bosch Logixx Express SGS 69L12
has been awarded the Waterwise Marque for being highly water efficient.
Many people would be surprised to hear that dishwashers are far more
water and energy efficient than washing up by hand - the Bosch dishwasher
uses as little as 9 litres of water for a full load, compared to 40
- 60 litres for washing the same load by hand.
Environment Minister, Ian Pearson says 'I welcome the Waterwise Marque
which will raise the profile of water efficiency, help the consumer
to make informed choices in product selection, and reward those manufacturers
who are taking a lead in water saving. It is good for the environment,
good for consumers and good for business.'
'This is the first scheme in the UK to highlight water efficient products.
We have a fantastic range of products for use both in the home and garden.
The Waterwise Marque will empower buyers to make more informed choices
on which water using products to purchase.' says Jacob Tompkins, Director
of Waterwise.
'Despite the recent rainfall it is still imperative that we continue
to use water wisely. The UK's fresh water supplies are not limitless.
Climate change, along with population growth and shift mean that we
can't simply continue to use a third more than many of our European
neighbours. The most effective long term way to stop future water shortages
is for all of us to make small behavioural changes and to choose water
efficient products.'
The Bosch SGS69L12 dishwasher also has a half load option, which can
be used on both the upper and lower basket, saving 30% water.
The Rackmatic height adjustable baskets mean that the baskets can be
easily adjusted up and down, even when fully loaded and foldable plate
racks plus a large item spray head make it possible to fit in every
type of item so nothing need be washed up by hand.
Other features include multiple programmes, an auto option that assesses
the level of soiling on the dishwasher load and adjusts the temperature
and number of rinses required accordingly and an AAA rating for energy
efficiency.
Bosch Brochure Line: 0870 727 0446
Web: http://www.boschappliances.co.uk
Web: http://www.waterwise.org.uk
KBSA
Sponsors Grand Designs Award
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association
(KBSA) is sponsoring the Grand Designs Kitchen Award 2007.
Entries have already closed for this year and the award winners will
be announced at the awards ceremony on 8th June, which will be held
at Excel London Docklands.
The sponsorship reflects the KBSA's investment in a consumer campaign
to raise brand awareness of the Association and the benefits and advice
it offers.
The KBSA will also be exhibiting this year at both Grand Designs Live
shows, to be held in London from 8-10 June and in Birmingham at the
NEC on 5-7 October.
Ruth Ward, sales and marketing director of KBSA said: ‘We are delighted
to be part of the Grand Designs awards; they are an excellent vehicle
for rewarding and recognising excellence in our industry. Grand Designs
Lives has also become an inspiring and incredibly popular consumer event,
which proved a great success for the KBSA last year.
‘Our stand will enable us to meet with consumers who have a real
interest in improving their homes and advise them of the benefits of
using a KBSA member. We will also take this opportunity to introduce
consumers to ConsumerCare Plus, our improved insurance package which
offers enhanced protection and guaranteed piece of mind.’
For more information and tickets call 0870 060 0315 or visit http://www.granddesignslive.com
For more information about KBSA visit http://www.kbsa.co.uk
Mercury
Wins Major Award for Thermastone
Mercury
Appliances has won Gold in the 20th Annual Excellence In
Design Awards, for the company’s Thermastone range cooker.
Entered into one of seven categories, entrants were evaluated by an
independent panel of three experts in the field of design.
Products were judged by four criteria: aesthetics, human factors, innovation,
and technical merit.
Thermastone is a heat store range cooker, born of the partnership of
Mercury's design and development team, and leading product innovator
Seymourpowell.
The result is a world class cooking appliance with two of its ovens
made from Silicon Carbide (one of nature's hardest substances) delivering
twice the heat storage capacity of cast iron.
Web: http://www.mercury-appliances.co.uk
Easa’s
Evo Announced Product of the Year at NAIDEX 2007
Northern
Ireland based accessible showering manufacturing company EASA has been
awarded the NAIDEX 2007 Product of the Year Award at the UK’s number
one event for homecare, disability and rehabilitation for its design-led
range of accessible shower units, EVO at the NEC in Birmingham.
The
award was voted for by over 600 exhibition attendees, who visited the
show in April this year. Seventy five products were entered into the
Product of the Year Award, but Evo was widely recognised as the
attendee favourite after the show visitors voted it to be the 2007 NAIDEX
Product of the Year. Easa representatives Richard Matthews, Niki Turner,
Olivia Clarke and Stuart Greer were presented with the award by Jon
Squire and Joanne Smith from Emap Events, the organisers of NAIDEX.
Sales Manager, Richard Matthews stated, 'We are very proud to be receiving
this award. It really is a credit to the entire team which has been
working on the product for over two years.'
Evo represents an evolution towards more design-led products for accessible
showering and the company agrees that disabled people rightly demand
more choice. Easa’s in-house healthcare professional Olivia Clarke
stated, 'A bathroom adaptation is a major structural change and everyone
expects a choice of style that integrates easily into the modern home.
For people with disability it is essential that products which enhance
their lives are functional, but also of good design and taste.
At Easa we have achieved a combination of both with our clients needs
uppermost in mind.'
Sales Manager Richard Matthews added, 'The Evo system along with our
Essence range have combined to create a choice for the customer which
was previously unavailable. It is this unique choice for customers which
has successfully generated worldwide interest.'
Easa will begin distributing Evo through the company'swide network of
retailers throughout the UK and Ireland from May 2007.
Web: www.easagroup.com
Twyford
Bathrooms Wins Waterwise Marque for Galerie Eco-Flush
British
sanitaryware manufacturer Twyford Bathrooms
has been awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque for the Galerie Eco-Flush,
a new dual flush that operates on 4/2 litres of water, as opposed to
current legislation that requires 6/4 litres for flushing.
The
Waterwise Marque - the first scheme in the UK to highlight water efficient
products - is awarded annually to products which reduce water wastage
or raise the awareness of water efficiency. Only 15 Marques have been
awarded this year.
Committed to improving the environment, Twyford Bathrooms has refused
to accept that 6 or 6/4 litres of water per flush is an acceptable minimum
use of water, as stipulated by the current water regulations. The new
Galerie Eco-Flush goes one step further and flushes on 4/2 litres of
water maximum - this is 30% less water than the current UK standard.
Toilets are one of the top 'consumers' of water in the home, with 45
million domestic WC's in the UK using an estimated 2 billion litres
of water per day. Due to the fact that consumers do not replace their
bathrooms often, approximately 40 million toilets in our homes flush
on excessive amounts of water, between 13 and 7.5 litres per flush.
Only 5 million domestic toilets flush with 6 litres in accordance with
the current water regulations, which is unacceptable in today's climate.
Mike Conlon, Sales & Marketing Director of Twyford Bathrooms explains,
'With climate change and global warming, the fact is that the UK now
receives much less rain that it once did. With increases in population
and urbanisation, this puts extreme pressure on our finite water supply
- the UK uses 25% more water than it did in 1980! We are very proud
of the Galerie Eco-Flush WC, and are delighted to have been awarded
the Waterwise Marque. We are excited that organisations are recognising
the necessity to provide consumers with water efficient products, but
still believe that consumers must be educated and encouraged to update
their WC's.
'If we are effectively going to drive down WC flushing volumes in UK
we need a plan that will remove any objections from the consumer, the
plumber or the retailer. In short, I believe we need a 5-point plan
that covers the following key areas:
1. the product is available on a nationwide basis
2. that it is well designed but has mass market appeal so doesn't look
out of place in a UK bathroom
3. the product can very easily replace current 13 / 9 / 7.5/ 6 litres
WCs - i.e. it needs to have same footprint and installation features
and fits the normal installation requirements for plumbers and householders
4. that the product complies with all UK and European standards eg is
WRAS approved and it is tested to EN997 Class 2
5. and that it is priced competitively and so is accessible to all
These five points would make a significant step towards encouraging
‘the market’ to make water conservation a reality; five points
that the Galerie Eco Flush fulfils.'
Twyford Bathrooms has ensured that the Galerie Eco-Flush is not only
water efficient and effective, but priced reasonably and easy to install,
in order to encourage consumers to switch from water guzzling WCs to
the Eco- Flush. Twyford Bathrooms has invested much time and money to
ensure that the Galerie Eco-Flush is carefully engineered to flush and
remove waste effectively on 4/2 litres. The stylish Galerie Eco-Flush
WC has a starting price of £266 for the WC, and consumers will
be able to purchase the WC from showrooms and builders merchants across
the country.
Environment Minister, Ian Pearson, says, 'I welcome the Waterwise Marque
which will raise the profile of water efficiency, help the consumer
to make informed choices in product selection, and reward those manufacturers
who are taking a lead in water saving. It is good for the environment,
good for consumers and good for business.'
Did you know that London is drier than Istanbul? Or that South East
England has less water per person than Sudan or Syria? If every Twyford
Bathrooms cistern sold in a year was converted to this new 4/2 litre
flush over 10.8 billion litres of water would be saved per year - that's
almost a reservoir! For the average domestic toilet flushing 12 times
a day, the Galerie Eco-Flush saves a staggering 8,760 litres a year,
which is good for the environment and saves the consumer money.'
Web: http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com
Blanco
Square Sink Takes International Design Award
Already
enjoying popularity with kitchen designers and consumers alike, square
sinks have proven their design credibility with the news that the new
BLANCOCLARON iF range of square
sinks has taken a top design award from the Industrie Forum Design Hanover.
Introduced in the UK this month, and winning one of just fifty gold
iF awards chosen from over 2,200 international entries, the BLANCOCLARON
stood shoulder to shoulder with products from Sony, BMW and Apple, the
first ever inset sink to be honoured with an acclaimed gold award.
Up
till now, the popular square sinks have been available solely as undermounts,for
installation in solid worktops. However the judges, all top international
designers, were impressed by the striking simplicity of the BLANCOCLARON
iF, with its minimal 10mm radii corners, combined with the new FinoTop™
rim, giving the impression that the sink lies flush with the worksurface.
The elegant design flow from drainer to bowl further characterise this
award winning sink, as does the overall quality of production, using
the latest laser welding technology and high standards of craftsmanship.
The iF awards have been held annually since 1954 and attract over 1800
entries each year from 30 different countries. Both manufacturers and
consumers alike consider the iF awards to be reliable proof of outstanding
design coupled with high quality material and workmanship.
For further information on the new BLANCOCLARON iF range, contact Blanco
on
020 8450 9100; email: salesdesk@blanco.co.uk.
To see the BLANCO's extensive range of sinks, taps and cooker hoods,
visit http://www.blanco.co.uk
Underfloor
Heating Company in Brent Basks in Glow of International Trade Award
Brent-based
company Warmup, which trebled exports
of its underfloor electric heating systems in just two years, has won
the Exceptional Manufacturer category in the 2007 Passport to Export
London Awards, the capital's only international business awards scheme.
The
scheme recognises the achievements of SMEs in trading overseas under
UK Trade & Investment's (UKTI) flagship Passport to Export programme
of strategic advice and support for new and inexperienced exporters.
The winners in five categories were announced at a ceremony in Westminster
on 29th March hosted by broadcaster and comedian Sandi Toksvig.
Warmup's fuel-efficient underfloor heating systems for kitchens, bathrooms
and conservatories had already proved a hit in the UK, with sales growth
averaging 30 to 40 per cent each year. A move into export was seen as
a way of expanding the business and sustaining the high growth rates
of previous years.
In 2004, Warmup approached UKTI London for help, initially with setting
up a business in Spain, and International Trade Adviser (ITA) Mel Langton
introduced the company to Passport to Export. Strategic guidance from
the programme, and assistance with targeted market research, enabled
the company to start exporting, and sales have grown rapidly. The company
has established a local presence in the USA, Portugal, Germany and Spain,
substantially developed export distribution networks which now include
14 markets, and relocated to larger premises to keep pace with demand.
One famous customer quick to take advantage of Warmup's overseas expansion
was Jackie Chan, who wanted underfloor heating in his Hong Kong home.
UKTI International Trade Adviser Mel Langton, who worked with Warmup,
said:
‘Warmup has fully earned this award. In just two years, the company
has established a strong local presence in the USA, Spain, Portugal
and Germany, gained a foothold in 12 new export markets and increased
export sales from £20k to £450k - a quite remarkable achievement
by any standards. But this is just the start, and plans are already
well under way to build upon this success by further development of
existing and new markets, taking full advantage of relevant UKTI services
and support. I look forward to working with Warmup to help the company
achieve further successes.’
Charles Matthias, Chief Executive, ‘Warmup has been market leader
in the UK retail market for many years, but the support from UK Trade
& Investment has enabled Warmup to expand into new geographical
markets and we have experienced substantial growth in Europe and North
America. Our plans are now to break into markets in the Far East and
South America’.
Web: http://www.warmup.com
It
was virtually a clean sweep for ALNO: The Design Centre North Rhine-Westphalia
handed out five of the prestigious red dot design awards for products
made by ALNO and its subsidiaries Wellmann, Geba and Impuls.
The
prizes were given in recognition of ALNO's new Premium fittings and
four cooking tables that it had launched last year to much acclaim.
The winners were longIsland (ALNO), palmIsland (Impuls), cookIsland
(Wellmann) and blockIsland (Geba).
‘We are delighted by this enormous achievement. It shows us that
our strategy of developing innovative, cutting-edge products is highly
successful. The awards will encourage us to continue forging down this
path,’ said Dr. Frank Gebert, CEO of ALNO AG, after the winners
were announced.
Especially satisfying was the fact that, of all of ALNO's new products,
the awards went to the Premium fittings and the cooking tables created
together with young designers, noted Berthold Müller, a product
manager at ALNO.
‘We specifically targeted the designers of tomorrow in the cooking
tables project. We wanted to give the students a platform for personal
and professional development, and a challenging opportunity to grow.
Seeing their cooking tables win a red dot award is an amazing accomplishment
for the young designers, and will make it easier for them to embark
on a successful career,’ added the product manager.
Together with Professor Dieter Zimmer at the Muthesius Academy of Fine
Arts in Kiel these students had designed the next generation of cooking
tables - tables that allow people to prepare food, eat meals, and spend
time together, all at the same place. ALNO got five of the cooking table
designs ready for production together with the young designers. The
tables were unveiled to the press last year at a design event in Hamburg.
The Premium fittings are also a recent addition to the ALNO product
range. ‘The new fittings have added a whole new dimension of product
design to unit interiors. With an aesthetics composed of white - a hot
colour right now - bright chrome and glass, we are setting new standards
for interior unit design,’ explained Thomas Siber, who developed
the new design concept at ALNO.
Premium, longIsland (ALNO), palmIsland (Impuls), cookIsland (Wellmann)
and blockIsland (Geba) will be presented at the red dot design museum
in Essen from June 26 - July 23, 2007, as part of a special exhibition
entitled ‘Design on stage - winners red dot award: product design
2007’.
Web: http://www.alnokitchens.co.uk
Top
Retailer Award Shortlist Announced
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has announced
the shortlisted finalists for its Retailer Excellence Award 2007, which
will be presented at the KBSA Design Innovation Awards ceremony in June.
John Lewis in Solihull, Manor Design in Basildon and In-toto Kitchens
in Leamington Spa are the three retailers which will battle it out on
the night for the Retailer Excellence Award, which spotlights the top
KBSA retail member of the past year.
The KBSA Design Excellence Awards are being held on Thursday 21st June
at the sumptuous five-star De Vere Grand in Brighton and follow on from
the Association's AGM that afternoon. The evening's programme comprises
a champagne reception, dinner, the awards ceremony and entertainment.
‘We're delighted that these three first class retailers are going
forward to the final,’ said Ruth Ward, the KBSA's sales and marketing
director. ‘They all demonstrate the high standards of customer
service, quality and innovation that mark out KBSA members as special.
We wish them all the very best of luck on the night.’
The winner of last year's Retailer Excellence Award was Elite Interiors
of Stanley, Country Durham. Following their win, the company was featured
in the local press and won a substantial amount of new business as a
result. According to manager Joyce Hodgson, ‘Customers are still
mentioning the award more than nine months later.’
Aga
Foodservice Earns Award for Energy Efficient Equipment
The
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy
(DOE) have named the Aga Foodservice Equipment division of the US Aga
Foodservice Group as an ENERGY STAR Manufacturing Partner
of the year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse
gas emissions manufacturing and educating customers about energy efficient
products.
Victory Refrigeration, the Group's US based commercial refrigeration
manufacturer, was the first foodservice equipment manufacturer to be
named a Partner of the Year in 2006. Aga Foodservice Equipment, a first
time ENERGY STAR partner, earned its ENERGY STAR award for the energy
and water savings for its Victory, Eloma Combi ovens, Stellar Steamers
and Infinity Fryers.
Kathleen Hogan, Director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division
commented, ‘Manufacturing partners like Aga Foodservice Equipment
are vital to improving energy efficiency across the country. Companies
such as AFE have made outstanding efforts to give end-users the option
of choosing energy efficient products that save money while educating
them about the benefits for the environment.’
Iain Whyte, president of AFE's parent company, Aga Foodservice Group,
noted, ‘All of our companies are dedicated to producing chilling
or cooking equipment whose models are category leaders in resource preservation
and efficient functionality. We are honoured that the EPA and DoE have
recognised our Aga Foodservice Equipment division for the energy savings
and resource-consumption reductions its products offer our customers
and society as a whole.’
http://www.energystar.gov
http://www.victory-refrig.com
http://www.infinityfryers.com
http://www.stellarsteam.com
http://www.eloma.de
Hoover
Dishwasher Wins Waterwise Marque for Water Efficiency
The
new Hoover Vision One HOD7715 dishwasher
has won the Waterwise Marque for water efficiency. The Vision One is
the first dishwasher with dual vertical grip handles so the door can
be opened with total ease, using the left or right hand. It is also
super silent at only 42Dba, making the operation whisper quiet.
Waterwise, the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK, is an
NGO focussed on decreasing water consumption by 2010 and building the
evidence base for large-scale water efficiency. (http://www.waterwise.org.uk)
A
Hat-Trick for Kitchen Culture
For
the fourth consecutive year, Esher based retailer Kitchen
Culture is celebrating after scooping three awards at the
industry's annual Kitchen and Bathroom ceremony (held at the prestigious
Grosvenor House, Park Lane Hotel, London).
Designer,
Scott Lawrence took to the stage to receive both 'Designer Award for
Kitchens over £25K' and 'International Kitchen Designer'.
Scott received these awards in honour of a recent brief he completed
for an exacting Swiss client and his English family.
Scott was delighted to win the accolade of 'International Kitchen Designer'
as he was competing with designers across the world.
In addition, Kitchen Culture's Sally Gasking also went on to win 'Young
Kitchen Designer' for a recently completed project that incorporated
a stunning mixture of contrasting dark oak horizontal grain wall and
tall units; mixed with high gloss white base units.
Judges particularly appreciated her mature, sophisticated and restrained
approach.
Kitchen Culture is delighted to have a youthful, talented design team
and elated that it has once again been recognised for its commitment
and cutting edge design.
Kitchen Culture offers exclusive kitchen solutions that are tailor-made
to suit individual needs.
Whether you are looking for the sophistication of contemporary design
or an elegant timeless look, Kitchen Culture has a range of designer
brands and unique ideas to suit every consumers' individual needs.
Tel: 01372 468 469
Web: http://www.kitchen-culture.co.uk
Hubtex
Wins Prestigious 2007 FLTA Award for Ergonomics
Despite
strong competition, Hubtex has announced
that the company has won the 2007 FLTA Award for Ergonomics this year
with its Twin Masted Picking Platform, namely the EZK20. The truck is
unique in the fact that it allows two men to pick long loads like worktops
and sheet material safely and very quickly. This concept is comfortable
for the drivers as everything is picked at waist height and damage to
the product is minimised.
The trucks were initially installed into IDS Nuneaton last year and
have since enjoyed further success with other companies in the UK, mainly
in the Timber related industries but also other industries are beginning
to realise the benefits of such a truck.
The Award was collected by Jim Hammond Sales and Marketing Manager for
Hubtex UK at the FLTA Awards Dinner at the NEC. The event had a full
007 theme to it which added to the sparkle of the evening. Only a few
awards are given out each year and the standard of nominations is always
very high.
‘This is a very proud moment for Hubtex’ stated Jim shortly
after the award was received. ‘we worked hard to implement the
truck in the UK and I am pleased that the voters agree that it is worthy
of this high level of recognition.’
Web: http://www.hubtex.com
Continued
Success for Ripples Ltd as Company Sweeps the Board at Prestigious Design
Awards
Premium bathroom retailer Ripples Ltd
has been celebrating after the company took a clean sweep in all the
bathroom design categories for the first time in the award's 20 years
history at the Kitchen & Bathroom Designer Awards (5th February
2007):
- Young Designer For Bathrooms (Ripples Chichester)
- Designer Award for Bathrooms (projects up to £15,000) (Ripples
Cheltenham)
- Designer Award for Bathrooms (projects over £15,000) (Ripples
Bristol)
- International Designer Award for Bathrooms (Ripples Bristol)
The award ceremony, which took place at The Grosvenor House Hotel in
London, was attended by key leaders in the bathroom industry, bathroom
designers, manufactures, industry experts and retailers. The judges
were looking for a completely new idea, or a new solution to an existing
problem.
All Ripples award wins were praised for being 'smart and imaginative'
and Ripples was crowned as the Manchester United of the bathroom industry!
Impressively since the awards first started, Ripples has won an award
every year in the different categories of bathroom design.
Ripples was founded in 1988 by Roger Kyme and has received over 30 industry
awards, more than any other bathroom retailer in the UK. Ripples has
developed a reputation for providing timelessly designed bathrooms and
a first class service from a team of talented professionals. Today,
with a turnover approaching six million and over 30,000 sq. ft of total
showroom space in the UK, Ripples has become one of the premier bathroom
retailers in the UK.
Ripples is continuing its rapid growth with plans to open in Brighton
later this year, offering the Ripples brand to further customers nationwide.
There are currently 16 showrooms in the UK located across the South
West, London and the Midlands.
Operated as a franchise, the key to the success of Ripples is the close
relationships between the showrooms as well as the attention to detail
and personal service given by all staff to its customers.
Ripples MD, Roger Kyme comments 'We are absolutely delighted that Ripples
has won these most prestigious awards. Our designs are always innovative
and creative. One of the things that we pride ourselves on at Ripples
is having the best designers in the business and we are delighted that
these national awards recognise this.'
Tel: 0870 750 1626
Web: http://www.ripples.ltd.uk
Amana
BxM Secures Product of the Year Award
The
Amana BxM, genuine American made
refrigerator, has won the Get Connected Magazine's Product of the Year
Award.
The astute panel of independent judges, industry professionals and readers
of the electrical trade title judged the Amana BxM on innovative design,
style, technology, quality and reliability. The Amana was also recognised
as being at the forefront of refrigeration development and design.
'Amana is a hugely successful brand with many accolades to its name,
but to have this one voted independently by those that matter, is the
ultimate achievement for any manufacturer. We are truly delighted and
proud to receive this award and it recognises the product as one that
will certainly be the basis for the next generation of genuine American
refrigeration in the UK market place,' says Stuart Frost Product Marketing
Manager.
Web: http://www.amana.co.uk
VASCO Product Awarded Another Prize
After
winning the ‘red Dot Award’ last year, VASCO’s Slidex
control for electric radiators has recently been awarded the iF Product
Design Award 2007 as well.
There were a total of 2,293 participating products from 35 countries.
756 entries, among which was the Slidex control, were selected as winners.
All these prize-winning design products will be presented with awards
during the iF Exhibition 2007, running from 15th March 2007 to August
2007. Additionally, the prize-winning products can be viewed on the
iF-website.
The
jury especially appreciated the Slidex control for its union between
functionality and design. The user-friendly manual controls are hidden
behind an elegant and discreet sliding plate. Slidex is available in
white and aluminium grey and from now on it is integrated into the new
electric version of the Carré Bath (CB) and the brand-new electric
Aster (HF) Deco.
Designer: Frederik Aerts
Web: http://www.vasco.be
Whirlpool
Corporation Honoured with Multiple Design Awards
Whirlpool
Corporation has received three prestigious design awards
from the Chicago Athenaeum of Architecture and a Catalyst Award from
the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and BusinessWeek
magazine.
‘We are honoured to be recognised for our designs by these highly
regarded organisations.’ said Charles Jones, vice president, Global
Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corporation. ‘These products demonstrate
that great design, along with great innovation and continually listening
to your consumers, drives success in the marketplace.’
The Global Consumer Design team won three awards out of entries from
more than 25 countries globally from the Chicago Athenaeum of Architecture
and Design. The winners are Whirlpool® Duet Sport™ fabric care
system, KitchenAid® Architect™ II Series Microwave Hood Combination
Oven and Maytag ICE20™ Refrigerator.
The Chicago Athenaeum of Architecture and Design's historic ‘Good
Design’ programme was founded in Chicago in 1950 by Edgar J. Kaufman
Jr. with participation from Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard,
George Nelson, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Finn Juhl, and Russel
Wright - the pioneers of American modern design.
Whirlpool Corporation also was recognised by the Industrial Designers
Society of America (IDSA) and BusinessWeek with a Catalyst Award for
its design of the Whirlpool brand Duet fabric care system. Whirlpool
was one of only three companies recognised from the more than 30 other
products considered, each of which has experienced significant financial
success in its particular market segment. Judged by comparing hard data
and business performance over a five year period, the Catalyst awards
honour examples of design that improve bottom line results for a company.
Whirlpool was honoured for the Duet fabric care system, which rejuvenated
the Whirlpool brand in fabric care globally, helping to establish it
as the world's number one fabric care brand. Whirlpool experienced a
double digit increase in washer revenues following the 2001 launch of
the Duet pair. Today the Duet system remains a leader in the U.S. front
load laundry market. The success of the Duet led Whirlpool to launch
the Duet Sport™, a smaller version front-load laundry system in
2006.
Web: http://www.whirlpool.co.uk
'iF'
Design Award 2007 for Gaggenau
The
jury presenting the renowned ‘iF’ design awards (Industrie
Forum Design) in Hanover has chosen Gaggenau's
new Wine storage unit model RW 262 as a 2007 winner. In a combination
of aluminum and glass, the Wine storage unit RW 262 joined Gaggenau's
luxury refrigeration collection in 2006.
As
a free-standing sculpture, this elegant appliance displays its valuable
contents in a most appealing manner: through an aluminum-framed glass
door complete with interior lighting that can be activated even when
the door is closed. There is space for up to 194 bottles at temperatures
of between 5 °C and 22 °C. The temperature can be regulated
either for the entire interior or separately for the upper and lower
zones.
For brochures, call 0870 125 4500 or visit http://www.gaggenau.com
Local
Company Scoops Top National Award
Devon
based Candy Tile Company has been
recognised in the prestigious National Flooring Awards. The Candy Tile
Company, which is part of British Ceramic Tile (BCT Ltd) based at Heathfield
near Newton Abbot, was awarded the Readers Choice ‘Tile Supplier
2006’.
The award capped off a successful year for the local tile manufacturer,
which also received substantial investment in 2006 and submitted plans
for the extension of its Heathfield based factory. The extension will
more than double ceramic tile production at the site, a development
needed in order to cope with increasing demand for BCT’s branded
product lines. The Candy Tile Company has also kick started 2007 by
launching a new collection of marble tiles, Elgin, to enhance its existing
range.
The award was decided by 1000 readers randomly selected from the database
of Retail Floors and Contract Floors, two of the leading trade titles
for the flooring industry.
Two independent marketers were brought in to conduct the survey which
spanned over two weeks and respondents were asked which companies they
felt had best served them throughout the course of the year.
The awards were held at the prestigious OXO Tower in London, with 140
key members of the industry.
Retail Floors and Contract Floors are industry publications aimed at
the flooring market and reach everyone from distributors and fitters
to specifiers, designers and wholesalers.
Tom McMurtrie, Sales Director, British Ceramic Tile (BCT Ltd) collected
the award, commenting:
'It is great to be recognised for our commitment to product design,
innovation and customer service within the flooring industry. We have
all worked hard over the past year and this is a great achievement for
everyone at BCT.'
* The National Flooring Awards were held by Retail Floors and Contract
Floors.
Web: http://www.candytiles.co.uk