Internet News August 2007

Coram Launches New Website

Following the launch of its re-designed Premier range, Coram Showers has brought together its updated shower enclosure and bath screen ranges in a comprehensive, new-look website. The new, user-friendly design features detailed product information and stylish photography of the Premier and Optima ranges of shower enclosures, alongside the company's Waterguard shower trays and its range of contemporary, leak free bath screens.

The new site has been designed to present Coram's fresh and contemporary product range in a simple, easy to navigate format, which guides visitors step-by-step through product designs, finishes and glass options. A wide range of product photography and animated images on the site illustrates every product from each of Coram's ranges, as well as all the glass and finish options.

Charlie Wallis, marketing manager at Coram Showers commented: ‘The new website has been re-designed to coincide with the re-launch of our flagship Premier range. It contains all the latest product information and photography, including the new designs in the Premier and bath screens ranges. The site also includes installation videos, which demonstrate how quick and simple it is to achieve an accurate, watertight fit with any of Coram's enclosures or trays.’

Coram Showers specialises in the design and manufacture of shower enclosures, shower pods, shower trays and bath screens. The company's current range includes the Premier and Optima ranges of shower enclosures, Waterguard Showertrays, a range of bath screens and a new retail range, Acora. 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.

To view Coram's new website visit http://www.coram.co.uk.


SABAF Presents its New Website

SABAF has presented its new more functional website, making it operational for every category of users: from analysts to investors, from buyers to the press, and to the end consumer.

Throughout the site, you have access to pages of information structured according to content, covering the philosophy and the history of innovations of the small company from Ospitaletto, its accolades, prizes and complete production, starting with the technical Series III, selected for the Design Index Prize last December.

This new and improved website will help to keep you abreast of the activities of the company, from its economic, financial issues, and outcomes to its commitment to the ecological front and quality of life, through the release of official reports and corporate budgets.

SABAF is today one of the main world producers of components for domestic gas cooking equipment, with 50% of its sales in Italy, and an estimated 50% of the remaining sales on the international market, mainly in Europe. The company heads a well-structured group, which contributes to strengthen its strategic position on the market.

SABAF strongly specialises in the planning and manufacturing of nonferrous alloys components for the gas cooking equipment niche, aiming for the highest standards of quality, durability and reliability for their products. The company’s strong competitive advantage is the capacity to adapt new production processes to address clients' specific needs, working closely with its customers.

The company invests in pioneering technical solutions as well as in the education and expertise of its staff. The goal is to promote uninterrupted innovation of processes and products. This strategy consolidates the competitive advantage of the company and promotes civic progress, in terms of added safety and less environmental impact.

http://www.sabaf.it.


askFIRA Website Celebrates 3 Million Hits

Recently FIRA celebrated the askFIRA website's third millionth hit - an extraordinary performance and one that highlights the importance of the content it provides. Every month sees an average of at least 180,000 hits, with the last 3 months showing more hits than average reaching an impressive 200,000.

Peter Beele of FIRA said: ‘The breadth of content provided by the askfira site is what seems to bring visitors back time and time again. It provides buyers guides for consumers, news, technical information, product specifications, a timber species database, business information sheets, a detailed suppliers directory, a list of registered FIRA members and a list of registered members of The Furniture Ombudsman Service, a certificate check and details of training courses.’

Since its launch, http://www.askfira.co.uk has had 94,633 unique visitors, making 138,227 visits. The site's busiest time of day is between 2pm and 4pm. Enquiries via the site are broadly based and include people wanting to know details of glass specifications for storage units, standards for folding leg tables for contract use and retailers requiring the services of an expert witness in order to resolve a consumer dispute. Answers to all these questions and more can be found via the website or by calling FIRA on 01438 777 700.


Cesana Website Update

Italian shower enclosure manufacturer Cesana has updated and improved its website, which now includes a comprehensive and informative English version.

The new website uses images of the product portfolio along with clear explanations of each enclosure, plus details on new products, company information, downloads of Cesana brochures and an 'assistance' section.

Gloria River, Cesana marketing director, comments: ‘The new website is very simple, it uses great images, is very informative and easy to navigate. Customers will be able to source information with ease, but if they have a particular query, we have also included a list of people to contact in various departments at Cesana.’

Cesana has been established in Milan for almost 40 years and says that it has constantly led the market in both design and technical innovation.

The Cesana range is available as part of the new Moods Ultimate Bathrooms Collection from the UK's largest bathroom, kitchen and appliance distributor, PJH Group.

Tel: 01204 707070
Web: http://www.bathroom-moods.com
Web: http://www.cesana.it


Sink Appliance Specialist Steams Ahead with New Website

Kitchen retailers now have access to a new online resource that will help them convince consumers about the benefits of food waste disposers and steaming hot water taps – two innovative sink appliances that are starting to have a massive impact on the UK market.

InSinkErator®, the sink appliance specialist and the inventor of food waste disposers, has launched a stylish new website that contains a wealth of information about these key kitchen appliances. Designed to be as informative as possible, the InSinkErator website will make it easier for kitchen retailers to sell the benefits of these appliances to environmentally conscious consumers looking to upgrade the look and functionality of their kitchens. The website will also feature a number of independent studies into the positive impact food waste disposers can have on the environment by diverting household waste away from landfill.

Previously, and with little information to hand, kitchen retailers may have found it difficult to convert UK sales for food waste disposers and steaming hot water taps – products that are more widely recognised in America.

Explaining more, Ashley Munden, sales and marketing director for InSinkErator UK, said:

'Launching a brand new website, dedicated to the UK domestic appliance market is a really exciting step for InSinkErator. When we first started the project, we were adamant that our site should be about much more than just the products we sell. There is a much wider story to tell in the UK and consumers need educating about the benefits of these products which are a part of everyday home life in the States.'

Continuing he said, 'With waste management issues – like controversial fortnightly bin collections – topping the national news agenda, InSinkErator has taken a look at topical issues and highlighted how our products can add value for consumers. We are convinced our new website will make the benefits of these kitchen products much clearer and help kitchen retailers tap into these lucrative and relatively new UK revenue streams.'

The InSinkErator website also includes a store locator facility that consumers can use to find out details of their nearest InSinkErator stockist.

Tel: 01923 297 880
Web: http://www.insinkerator.co.uk


Easier Surfing With Clearwater

Clearwater Collection, the largest manufacturer of freestanding baths in Europe, has recently updated its website at 'www.clearwater-collection.co.uk'.

The new-look website details Clearwater Collection's large portfolio of freestanding baths. The home page has a fresh look, using colourful imagery and a number of room set images have also been uploaded on to the site.

Darren Allison, managing director of Clearwater Collection comments: 'We updated the website to provide a more inviting and exciting site that demonstrates our extensive collection of both traditional and contemporary styles. We have also included a link to the new American site and to our Graffiti site, at 'www.clearwatergraffiti.co.uk', which is dedicated to the latest desinger range of contemporary freestanding baths.'

Clearwater Collection specialises in the manufacture of double-skin acrylic freestanding baths and prides itself on the superb quality of its baths along with the vast range of designs it offers.

The company exports to 25 countries and has recently announced a significant deal with a major American company. Americh Corp is a well-respected private company that has been established in the USA since 1982 and has become the exclusive importer and distributor for Clearwater Collection Ltd in North America.

Clearwater Collection has also become the exclusive importer and distributor of Americh products in a number of its export markets.

All Clearwater products feature the distinctive Clearwater badge, which serves as a unique hallmark of excellence, and come with a lifetime guarantee. Clearwater Collection recently achieved the internationally recognised quality accreditation ISO 9001.


Keller Cooks Up a New Website

Keller says that its new creation illustrates that design flair and style superiority are not only evident in the range of kitchens; translating the Dutch brand's ethos of artistic elegance and putting the fun in functionality, Keller has cooked up a tasty new website.

The new Keller website is easy-to-use and full of images of the ranges available. Found at http://www.Kellerkitchens.co.uk, it provides clearly defined options for consumers and retailers, making it easy to navigate. With a catalogue of products, concepts and services in the business-to-business section, there is substantial information about what Keller can offer to retailers.

There isn't just information on the stylish kitchens available, but a few ideas are supplied about what to do with them, providing some delicious recipes to show off exactly how a Keller kitchen can make for a fine dining experience.

There is also a new feature on the website which allows you to download a Keller brochure, eliminating any time barriers you may face, with the digital version being sent to an email a few seconds after it has been requested!

For information on how to become a Keller retailer, please call +31 6 30 69 79 30, or for a brochure which illustrates the entire range, call 0161 962 6939 or visit http://www.Kellerkitchens.co.uk.


Chalon Announces the 2007 Relaunch of www.chalon.com

Chalon UK Ltd has announced the initial 2007 relaunch of the company’s website, the first part of a three phase project, which will see the company offering key furniture products available to buy online.

The main aim of this initial redevelopment was to update the home page, making it more dynamic and user friendly, and providing visitors greater incentive to return. Browsers will still enter the site via the 'splash page' that features the Chalon corporate styling.

The new home page, however, provides an array of rotating product imagery, from shots of the Chalon Original freestanding kitchen, to the new Simply Chalon fitted range, the new bathroom range and the classical freestanding furniture collection. The addition of 'news blocks' and a scrolling news bar illustrate some of the many developments the company is currently working on.

The key kitchen case study pages have been updated with recent project imagery, as well as allowing easier user navigation. However, probably the most substantial change concerns the Furniture section. This part (along with the remaining structure) has been completed re-modelled using a database backbone, which now provides far greater flexibility in terms of what products can be searched for and displayed.

Chalon says that users will be surprised at the extent of Chalon's freestanding furniture collection. The broad range of products now shown on the website will go some way to supporting the notion that ‘Chalon is more than just a kitchen company.’

Chalon UK Ltd views the relaunch of its website as another important step in the company’s continuous programme of investment in the brand, one that has been growing in recognition for well over 25 years. Future Chalon developments
2007 continues to be a busy one for Chalon, with a new showroom opening soon in St Albans, whilst the highlight of the middle part of the year will be exhibiting at The Daily Telegraph House & Garden Fair from 27th to 30th June at Olympia, London.

Tel: 01458 254610
Web: http://www.chalon.com


Mermaid Launches New Dealer Portal

Norske Interiors U.K. Limited has announced the launch of a dealer portal for its range of Mermaid wall panels. The facility is the latest addition to its updated website http://www.waterproofwallpanels.co.uk which has been redesigned to help support dealer activity.

The Mermaid brand has recently undergone a number of changes. These include the introduction of a new identity and development of an integrated PR and advertising campaign. Norske Interiors now wants to enhance the service that it provides to dealers. The dealer portal is just one of many initiatives it has implemented to help achieve this.

The secure portal will allow dealers to easily check the availability of Mermaid colours while customers are still in-store. Price information will be available and there will also be an online ordering facility. The new system means that less time will be spent processing requests and more time can be spent with customers.

Norske Interiors is already preparing to expand the dealer portal in the future by providing access to marketing materials and images. This will include advertising, approved photography and PR support.

'The portal will provide a number of benefits to our dealer network,' says David Beach, General Manager of Norske Interiors. 'Although the order system we already have in place is very effective, the new portal will help increase efficiency and also streamline the process for those wishing to take advantage of this 24/7 facility.

'We officially launched the new dealer portal at our stand (C29) during the B&K Expo. This was the ideal opportunity to promote its benefits to current and prospective dealers.'

Tel: 01472 240832


Newly Updated Crabtree Kitchens Web Site

Crabtree Kitchens has announced that its web site has been completely re-designed and re-launched and has been given a vibrant fresh new contemporary look.

Crabtree manufactures bespoke kitchens, and the website features the company's full range. Whether you desire a minimalist Metro kitchen http://www.crabtreekitchens.co.uk/metro-kitchens.htm or a more classic Georgian kitchen http://www.crabtreekitchens.co.uk/georgian-kitchens.htm it caters to everyone who would like a hand made Crabtree kitchen. The web site is easy to navigate and you can order a brochure from any page, read the company's press coverage and check out the location of its London and Bristol showrooms, aside from browsing the kitchen portfolio pages.

Crabtree makes a wide variety of hardwood (all from sustainable sources), hand painted and high gloss solid acrylic kitchens in the company's Bristol workshops by an experienced team of joiners.

Tel: 020 8392 6955
Email: alex@crabtreekitchens.co.uk
Web: http://www.crabtreekitchens.co.uk


Imperial Bathrooms Spins A Bigger Web

In response to the accelerated growth that British bathroom manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, continues to enjoy, the company has launched a new and significantly improved web site to showcase its extended product portfolio.

Logging on to http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com provides retailers, interior designers, housebuilders and specifiers of bathroom suites, bathroom furniture and ancillary products with a superior interactive web experience. As well as accessing information via selected product categories, browsers can now view products via a virtual brochure – a replica of the company’s 2007 Design Guide that may also be downloaded in pdf format in its entirety or by page.

Redesigned to improve usability for the growing consumer interest that the site continues to attract, the new web design presents a host of innovative and timeless product lines, both contemporary and classical. It also serves to promote the company’s ethos – A Modern Classic – and browsers have a visual insight into the high quality standards and craftsmanship employed by Imperial throughout its manufacturing process.

Antonio Garrido, Imperial Bathrooms’ Managing Director, explains: 'In response to the increasing volume of consumer traffic, our aim was to improve the functionality and friendliness of the site. At the same time, however, it was critical that it remained a dynamic proposition to fire the imagination of visitors through creative imagery.'

He continues: 'To help drive traffic into our retail footprint, the new site makes it even easier for consumers to locate their nearest Imperial Bathrooms retailer by postcode.'

As well as offering ease of navigation for dealers, the site features a useful Export and Dealer section. Password protected, this facility enables retailers and stockists, both at home and overseas, to access information relating to the company’s latest incentives and promotions, as well as gain advance information on new product introductions.

The ambitious new product development programme adopted by Imperial Bathrooms has seen the launch of a plethora of products that includes a new line-up of sanitaryware, freestanding and wall hung timber wash-stations, brassware, tiles, furniture and ancillary fittings.

For further information visit http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com or contact the customer services team on 0870 60 61 62 3


Housing Website for Young People is a Hit

A website giving young people the answers to all their housing questions has proved a major success with over 500,000 'hits' since it was launched.

The website at http://www.mypadgateshead.co.uk, contains a wealth of information to help 16 to 24 year olds make the big step of living in their own home.

The site, which was launched late last year, was created by The Gateshead Housing Company with the help of young people from across the borough.

Sections on the site include leaving home, finances, looking to rent a property, the housing company's HomeChoice lettings scheme, buying a home and much more.
The site also features a glossary to help people understand some of the more complicated areas, terms and jargon about housing.

The 'mypadgateshead' website followed the launch of Gateshead Council's Children and Young People's Plan last year, in which housing was identified as a top ten priority for young people.

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of the company said: 'The website provides advice, information and guidance about housing services, rights, responsibilities and provides further contacts where people can get further help from.

'We are delighted that so many young people in and out of Gateshead have already found the site so useful and appealing. And we look forward to even more visits from young people as the site develops.'

Free copies of the Young Persons' Plan and summary are available online at http://www.mypadgateshead.co.uk/pages/useful/index.html or by calling 0191 433 5381 or 0191 433 5382.


Simpsons Freshens up Website

Simpsons' new-look website completes its rejuvenation under the Crosswater banner.

Since designer bathroom fitting authority, Crosswater, acquired the shower enclosure specialist, Simpsons, a campaign has been underway to connect the two in branding style.

The new website, http://www.simpsons-enclosures.co.uk, has a fresh look - and is easy to use. While images of the enclosures and bath screens revolve on the home page to capture your imagination, you are greeted with a list of menu options.

If you're after a few ideas or not sure what you're looking for, there's a full list of Simpsons products and a photograph of every enclosure and bath screen. But if you’ve visited before, there's a quick menu so you can go to the specific product.

So you can be fully aware of all the features the product has to offer, there's a frequently asked questions section. For those that prefer to see pictures in print, ordering a brochure is only a mouse click away and you'll be sent a brochure within 24 hours.

If you've chosen a shower and you want a corresponding look throughout your bathroom, there's a link to the Crosswater website so you can complete the contemporary and stylish design.

For more information on Simpsons, please call 01483 303 711 or visit http://www.simpsons-enclosures.co.uk


Atag Launches Website for UK

ATAG, the built-in Dutch kitchen appliance brand, has just launched its first website designed for UK retailers and consumers alike.

Visually reflecting the contemporary style of the brochure, the new site has creative functionality and innovative ways to navigate and view ATAG's appliance collection.
The home page allows you to choose from any one of eight product groups, via a single button, taking you straight to your choice with an image, as well as detailing the major features and benefits.

The Magna range emulates pure Dutch design and has its own dedicated section. It is hand crafted, professionally styled and finished in stainless steel and glass.

And for those who wish to 'thumb' through the pages of the catalogue and immerse themselves in the essence of the brand, they can gain a full view of the range in a relaxed style, via the 'turn the page feature'. Clicking the corner of the website page, turns each page of the brochure in front of you. In addition, each section of the brochure is accessed individually via a series of tabs at the top of the page for speed, ease and simplicity.

In-depth information on each model is available via the specification pages and there is also the option to download the brochure.

‘With nearly two-thirds of consumers having access to the Internet it was a priority for us to have a website up and running quickly. It is often consumer preference to research on the 'net prior to going to a store, and we realised we needed to make this great resource available as soon as possible.’ Ellis continues, ‘We have entered the market very quickly and have been extremely pleased with the response and commitment from retailers.
This current site is very much an interim measure as our 'master site' is still under development. However, this will enable everyone to view the ATAG range quickly and easily, and gain all the relevant information they need with ease. It will also be a great aid to our passionate retailers in driving the growing number of consumers to them,’
explains Ellis Bardsley, Business Development Director for the UK.

Web: http://www.atagkitchenappliances.co.uk


Website is a Big Hit

Aqualux has proved its new website is a big hit as www.aqualux.co.uk reaches the first page of the world's leading search engine, Google.

Since the launch of its new website, Aqualux has moved from page 10 to the first page when searching for 'shower enclosures' in Google. This leap is without the widely used click per view or sponsorship fees and is based on the popularity of the site and the amount of visits it gets.

The UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures launched its new website last year to provide customers with extensive technical information and specification information in an easy to navigate format.

The website also offers Aqualux's trade customers a dedicated section where members can log on and find all the latest information on promotional offers such as point-of-sale and display discounts. Users can also search the site by product and collection name, door type, size specification or height. The website also offers technical tables for architects, builders and installers to allow simple specification.

Aqualux has also catered for the consumer with a stockist postcode search, Q&A section of frequently asked questions and a brochure request page.

Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk


Electrolux Launches Reality Show on the Web

The kitchen has in recent years transformed from what used to be a separated closet to prepare food, into the social hub of the home. Research carried out by Electrolux, a leading global appliance producer, shows that people today spend more time in the kitchen than ever before - not only for meals, but also to mingle, work, listen to music and watch TV. In a effort to gain even deeper consumer insight into how families use their kitchens, the company is now launching Electrolux Kitchen Stage, the 'first kitchen reality show on the web'.

As of March, 1st, 2007, Electrolux brings an Italian family from Cagliari, on the island of Sardinia, to the forefront of the web. The family will be filmed by 3 webcams for 16 hours every day in their kitchen - a stage that, from time immemorial, has hosted food, chats and dramas in every household. The website can be accessed under http://www.kitchenstage.it.

‘The modern kitchen is a stage that inspires people to perform in different roles - for example as a chef, host, entertainer, or interior designer. It hosts all sorts of plays, from drama to comedy’, says Ulrich Gartner, VP Communications Europe at Electrolux, ‘Our Electrolux Kitchen Stage project will allow people all over the world to share some of these plays.’

The Manconi family, stars on the Italian Electrolux Kitchen Stage, were chosen in a recruitment process that Electrolux conducted in cooperation with the University of Padua. Unlike several TV reality shows, the show is not staged on an artificial set, but in the family's private home.

The six family members - Luigi, 60, Grazia, Francesca, 32, Margherita, 28, Lucia, 21, and Emanuele, 19 - will carry on with their daily lives and share their hopes, passions and problems with the web community. Viewers will be intrigued by their sympathetic pairing of the savvy use of new technologies with traditional values like the love for their island Sardinia and their passion for pasta.

‘At Electrolux, all product innovation starts with consumer insight - meaning a deep, intuitive understanding of what consumers really need. For the last few years we have had hundreds of research teams visiting and observing consumers in their homes, to detect the hidden problems they were struggling with in daily household chores’, Ulrich Gartner comments. ‘Electrolux Kitchen Stage takes this consumer insight to a new level. We are hoping to learn more about the daily life in the kitchen, the heart of the modern home. And we imagine that many people will be curious to learn with us. After all, however, it should also be a lot of fun.’

In the making of Kitchen Stage in Italy, Electrolux cooperated with several prestigious partners: MK Cucine delivered the kitchen furniture from design to creation; Beta80 Group is responsable for the technical set-up and broadcasting of the show; Tiscali is providing the broadband connection; and Dada.it will host a dedicated blog.

In order to grant the Manconis a reasonable level of privacy, the kitchen broadcast will be on-line between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m every day, from March, 1st to June 1st. In the beginning of April, the reality show will be expanded to a second family from Tampere in Finland.


Tab UK is Pioneering New Technology to Support its Shower Enclosure Distributors

A new online issues management system is being pioneered by Tab UK, supplier of quality shower enclosures, steam rooms, hydro-massage units and bathroom furniture, to enable distributors and retailers to have instant access to its stock levels and delivery times.

Tab has acknowledged that to make technology work for itself, it must also work for the company's customers.

By opening up its technology resources, Tab is able to show its distributors in real terms which items are in stock and when items are due to arrive in the country for distribution.

Customers will be able to view the stage at which their order is within the supply chain so the end customer can be quickly informed and lead times are not concealed.

The company says that its investment in the new technology confirms Tab UK’s support for its distributors and strengthens its pledge to provide good quality products at competitive prices in reasonable time.

Tel: 0191-4695500
Email: sales@tab-uk.com
Web: http://www.tab-uk.co.uk


FIRA Launches New Online Specifiers' Guide - Designed to Make Life Easy

FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) has launched a new online specifiers' guide, which is designed to help specifiers determine what standards apply to specific office and contract furniture applications.

Furniture specification for the UK market can be more complex than at first sight. It requires an in depth knowledge of British, European and International Standards, and, where some factors are not adequately covered by existing standards, further knowledge is necessary to ensure that product liability and general safety requirements are addressed.

Some specifications will not always be definitive. In many cases (for example finishes) it will be necessary to select a performance level applicable to the severity of a product's end use.

The new online specifiers' guide is regularly updated, accessible 24 hours a day and covers all contract and office furniture at a cost of only £95 per annum. Segmented by product type, the guide comprises 12 easy to understand documents covering general requirements, lists of standards and specific sections relating to workstations, lighting, seating, screening, monitor arms and so on.

FIRA Testing Manager Phil Reynolds comments: ‘Employers have an obligation to provide a safe working environment for their staff. Purchasing equipment that meets the requirements of current British, European or International standards goes a long way towards doing this and also mitigates any claims should there be an incident in the workplace.’

This guide is the latest development of the FIRA ‘all you need to know about furniture’ website http://www.askFIRA.co.uk. By signing up for the guide users will also be allocated a unique username and password enabling access to technical information, a suppliers directory, business information sheets and publications.

For further information and to gain instant access to these reference tools, please contact the Customer Service team on 01438 777 700 or email info@fira.co.uk


www.nieburg.de

In support of the UK and Ireland dealer network Nieburg Kitchens has added a fully interactive English language service to the company's main web site at www.nieburg.de.

The English web site is easily accessible from the Nieburg main Home Page by selecting the Union Jack icon.

Nieburg has also updated its sales literature to show newly launched designs including range 522 / 533 which combines an entry point Price Group 1 door with a RAL option lacquer accent door selected from Price Group 3.

Also newly available are door options including Gloss Plum, Black and Sanded Oak together with ranges in Walnut and Ash as well as an expansion of the High Gloss range.

Further details through the web site http://www.nieburg.de or direct to:

Barry O'Brien
Tel: 078 2193 7168
Email: nieburg@aol.com


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