Golden Idea

Instarmac Group plc, the adhesives and grouts manufacturer, has just launched an unusual product sales promotion for the early months of 2005.

As part of its New Year 'Gold Promotion', the Tamworth based company will be giving away a number of exclusive fleeces. Each fleece is black in colour and carries an embroidered white Ultra logo. They can be claimed by any person lucky enough to find a gold disc inside one of the company's UltraProStick HG buckets.

Each gold disc, which will be placed into the packs at random, will be printed with a unique reference number and a contact telephone number. The lucky winner simply has to telephone, quoting the reference number and where and when the adhesive was purchased, in order to have the exclusive Ultra Fleece immediately dispatched to them completely free of charge.

The Gold Promotion is the first of a number of initiatives planned for 2005. All will be designed to enhance brand awareness of the extensive Ultra range of premium adhesives and grouts.

UltraProStick HG is a ready-mixed thin bed wall tile adhesive suitable for fixing ceramic, glass and mosaic tiles to most substrates, in dry or intermittently wet conditions. Its high grab, non-slip properties allows the professional tile fixer to apply large format tiles very quickly.

Further information on both UltraProStick HG and the Gold Promotion can be obtained from the Marketing Department, Tel: 01827 872244 Email: mailto:email@instarmac.co.uk

Indesit & Finish 'Dino' Outdoor Campaign

December 2004 saw the launch of the Indesit and Finish outdoor campaign. The campaign features an image of a dinosaur on poster sites positioned around traffic hotspots in London and the South East.

Representing the extinction of washing up, the impressive dinosaur character was created with Euros RSCG design agency from various dishwasher components, washing-up liquid bottles and sponges.

Sarah Pascal, Indesit's Marketing Communications Manager comments on the outdoor campaign, ‘We wanted to come up with an exciting way to promote our partnership of the Finish brand. 'Dino' is a fun and eye-catching character that symbolises the end of washing-up with the help of Indesit and Finish working together. By placing posters in traffic hot-spots we shall be targeting areas where dwell time is higher than average - and in turn driving this traffic hopefully into kitchen retailers' showrooms!’

To request an Indesit brochure please contact 0870 777 6485 or for more information on Indesit's product range please visit http://www.indesit.co.uk

Total Marketing Support from Four Seasons

Four Seasons has introduced a total marketing support package for retailers and new look logo to coincide with the launch of new fascia, cabinetry and accessory options for 2005.

Designed to give the brand a fresh look for the New Year while reflecting the aspirational nature of the total kitchen collection, the new logo features a more contemporary version of the familiar oak tree in Four Season’s trademark purple.

The new identity will feature across the complete spectrum of marketing and point of sale materials, as well as on Four Seasons’ new website http://www.fourseasonskitchens.co.uk, which features full listings for all key retailers and an on-line brochure request facility.

In addition to the website launch, the total marketing package includes a brand new kitchen brochure, which has a strong lifestyle feel to it and over 70 colourful pages of aspirational photography and kitchen design ideas.

Developed for use by retailers as a selling tool or ‘take-home’ piece of literature for their customers, the brochure is also accompanied by a new 2005 price list and updated product manual.

The new price list groups Four Seasons’ 19 ranges into 6 simple price groups, making it even easier for retailers to price kitchens at a glance, while the product manual features all the relevant technical information required by designers.

An exclusive point of sale package completes the new marketing offer. Available free of charge to key premier dealer retailers, this includes a range of point of sale materials to draw attention to the product in-store, from hanging promotional displays to a full window livery kit, and full fitting service by Four Seasons’ own installation team.

Joni Thrush, Head of Marketing for Four Seasons, comments:
‘When developing the new marketing package we thought carefully about what retailers really need to support them in business and how we can ultimately help them sell more kitchens.

‘As a result, we have the best support package we have ever had to offer retailers and our network of Four Seasons premier dealers. With this in place, our aim is to show both new and existing customers that we are as serious about their businesses as they are.’

Lathams Launches Timber Sample Kit

UK timber distributor James Latham Plc has made choosing its hardwoods and softwoods even easier with a new timber sampling kit.

The conveniently sized box provides a more efficient way of choosing timber products than the traditional method of selecting from a catalogue.

The box contains 18 species in 15 x 7 cm sample size, of all commercially stocked North American hardwoods such as Black Walnut, the tropical species including Obeche and Meranti, and softwoods including Southern Yellow Pine.

John May, timber sales director for James Latham, says, ‘With our new sample boxes customers can actually see and touch the products, which makes it much easier for them to make an informed choice and select timbers which are suitable for their needs.’

To find out more about James Latham’s timber products or to request a sample box, contact the marketing department on 0116 257 3415 or visit the company website at http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk.

Victoria & Albert Baths Elevate TV Developer up the Property Ladder

One of the most popular models in the Victoria & Albert range of freestanding baths has featured in the latest series of Channel 4's 'Property Ladder' television show. The Marlborough bath was chosen by lone developer Michael Horgan to be the focal point of a stunning new bathroom created in his three storey Victorian house in Suffolk.

Complementing the Victorian elegance of the development, The Marlborough is a large double ended bath made from QUARRYCAST™ in a one piece casting.

Incorporating strong styling cues from the past, the model has been described as a luxurious slipper bath for the 21st century. At nearly 2 metres long it has the grandeur to make an impressive statement in any property.

Bathrooms are a key selling point within every house and encouraged by presenter Sarah Beaney, Michael adapted his plans to incorporate a luxury master bathroom.

'The Marlborough makes a fantastic centrepiece that increases the appeal of the house as a whole. I really wanted a bath that would reflect the style and quality of the final project and knew that the V&A range had the qualities that I was looking for,' says developer Michael Horgan. 'Not only is it very beautiful, it's an excellent investment that will provide handsome returns when selling the property.'

The Indesit Graffiti Fridge Turns into an Aerosol Masterpiece by Mode 2

Roger Federer was awarded the Indesit ATP 2004 Race Trophy on November 16th in Houston, in front of worldwide TV networks and in the presence of ATP CEO Mark Miles. Fabio d`Angelantonio from Indesit awarded the prestigious prize to the famous swiss tennis player, who has earned the most points in the Indesit ATP 2004 Ranking.

'Indesit loves sport and we are very proud today to have the honour of awarding Roger Federer as the winner of the Indesit ATP 2004 Race. At the end of this first year of sponsorship I can say we are very happy to be linked to tennis and to the ATP.' said Fabio d'Angelantonio, Indesit Brand Director.

Roger Federer has written his name into the history books after clinching his 10th title of the season at the Thailand Open in Bangkok last October. By defeating Andy Roddick, Federer has become the first player to win 10 titles in a season since Thomas Muster won 12 in 1995. He also won his 12th straight final, joining Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe as the only players to achieve that feat in the past 25 years.

Since the beginning of 2003, Federer has won a stunning 17 titles. He also has won 18 consecutive matches against Top 10 players, including 13 in 2004.

After winning his third Grand Slam title of the season at the US Open this summer, it was announced that Federer had won the Indesit ATP 2004 Race, marking the earliest a player had ever clocked up the year-end World No.1 title.

At the Tennis Master Cup Houston, Indesit invited the graffiti artist Mode 2, one of the most famous in the world and a key speaker for the Hip Hop culture. He has represented with his art a unique interpretation of the event, capturing the feelings and emotions of the moment. During the matches he drew on the Indesit Graffiti fridge, turning the refrigerator into an authentic piece of artwork. After each match the players signed the Graffiti fridge, which will be put up for auction at a later date. The money will be given to the Peace of Mind Association, to support its projects in the caring of Seniors at home.

Indesit co-operates with various sport teams all over Europe, in many disciplines. Indesit has been present at football stadiums, in the qualifiers to the European Championship in 2004, on the shirts of the Olympique de Marseille and SS Lazio teams, at volleyball grounds with the Indesit European Champions’ League of Volley in the last three seasons, the European Volley Championships and the Italian Beach Volley Championship.

Indesit is a leading brand of Merloni Elettrodomestici, one of the top three manufacturers in the European white goods industry. The company, which in 2005 will change its name to Indesit Company, has a 15.8% market share in Europe with sales of more than three billion euros.

Cheltenham's In-toto Sponsors Jamie Oliver

In-toto kitchens of Cheltenham sponsored TV chef Jamie Oliver's participatlon at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature in October. Thanks to In-toto's support, Jamie explained his passionate views about the state of the nation's food and how easy it is to revolutionise the way we eat for a healthier society.

The presentation took an interview format in front of a packed Town Hail audience and questions were taken. His genuine concern for our diet and in particular that of children were apparent and he left to warm applause.

Robert and Hilary Evans of In-toto at Cheltenham were delighted to sponsor this event as it mirrored In-toto's kitchen philosophy. 'Just as Jamie believes good food will transform the well being of the nation, we understand that good design will make the kitchen a safer, less stressful and more pleasant place to work. A carefully considered kitchen design can make users willing to experiment with food and cooking methods, weaning them off convenience meals.'

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

Ceramica Dolomite Helps its Dealers to Capture more Bathroom Sales

Retailer focused bathroom brand Ceramica Dolomite has created a range of initiatives to bring more customers into its dealer's showrooms.

Ceramica Dolomite has a complete range of practical bathroom styles, from quintessentially British to adventurously Italian, it is a range that sells well and offers dealers good growth and margin opportunities.

This latest initiative is designed to ensure that Ceramica Dolomite's dealers have more opportunities to show its saleable products to consumers.

The company has introduced a number of marketing support initiatives to support the showrooms that display Ceramica Dolomite; including point-of-sale material, a new website, advertising, a comprehensive marketing binder and a consumer January sale.

Marketing binder and PR Guide
The new Ceramica Dolomite marketing binder has been designed to provide dealers with the latest product information with a complete set of brochures. The brochures have already won praise for making the bathroom purchase easier, featuring specification details and an example of retail prices for each suite, as well as a section of inspirational room shots to give ideas.

A dealer price guide is also included in the binder with full product codes and prices including and excluding VAT.

Advertising
The marketing binder also provides examples for half and quarter page dealer adverts, which Ceramica Dolomite will then provide complete with each showrooms individual details for use in their local press.

Editorial Tips
The Ceramica Dolomite PR Guide appears in the back of the marketing binder and gives showrooms advice and ideas on using PR to encourage customers through their doors.

The guide explains methods for generating positive editorial coverage in local press, with some 'golden rules' on writing and issuing press releases, as well as suggestions of ways to create further PR opportunities.

The Ceramica Dolomite PR Guide also includes contact details to order Ceramica Dolomite's full PR pack which includes a pre-written press release announcing the arrival of Ceramica Dolomite to the showroom, the latest Ceramica Dolomite photography - in a format accepted by the press and the details of local press contacts.

Ceramica Dolomite Brand Manager, Jenny Williamson comments, ‘PR is a very important part of any business' marketing strategy and we are keen to share our knowledge of the subject with our customers, so they too can take advantage of this very effective way of promoting their showrooms. As a brand committed to the retail channel we want to help our customers in every possible way - this PR guide will help them to promote the arrival of Ceramica Dolomite in their showrooms and also help them appreciate how PR will raise the profile of their company and bring in more business.’

Website
The Ceramica Dolomite website complements the brochure and is an ideal tool to support the showroom's own marketing activity. The easy-to-use site includes an intelligent search facility to help consumers find exactly what they are looking for - with detailed information on the full range of sanitaryware and furniture, including product codes and retail pricing - while the dealer search tells consumers exactly where they can see Ceramica Dolomite.

The site also includes a brochure download facility and the Ceramica Dolomite 'Flick-Book' which allows visitors to read and turn the pages of the latest literature online.

Consumer Focused Marketing
During January Ceramica Dolomite is holding its own 'Sale' by offering to pay the VAT on all complete bathroom suites bought that month. This 'Sale' will be promoted in key consumer home interest publications and retailers will also be offered a pre-drafted press release to place in their local press. 2005 will see a number of consumer focused marketing strategies from Ceramica Dolomite, all designed to steer potential customers through showrooms' doors.

Point-of-Sale Material
Ceramica Dolomite offers a co-ordinated set of point-of-sale material to act as silent salesmen to consumers, who are browsing for a new bathroom. This includes dedicated brochure holders for the Ceramica Dolomite brochure, Hanging signs and Suite Recognition Cards in Acrylic holders to identify the suites, plus sales posters to highlight the features and benefits of Ceramica Dolomite bathrooms.

For further information on Ceramica Dolomite or to order a brochure please call 01782 645406.

Brand & Deliver: Mereway Invests in Logistics!

Following the success of the Mobile Showroom, Mereway Bathrooms has announced the arrival of the company’s first dedicated branded delivery vehicle to assist in its logistical operations.

This new facility will enable Mereway Bathrooms to retain complete control over scheduled deliveries to customers, avoiding the problems which often arise when outsourcing carriage requirements.

The 18 Tonne Leyland Daf vehicle is environmentally friendly, being 25% more fuel efficient than previous transport used, and boasts an all-alloy engine which is almost 100% recyclable. Its exterior carry’s an attractive livery Bathrooms Brand detailing the signature Adriatic Ice Blue set photography alongside the logo and web address. This is the first time Mereway has launched a branded vehicle to reinforce the Mereway name.

It is estimated that the vehicle and its driver will cover 65,000 miles per year delivering Mereway Bathroom products. Therefore the vehicle has been fitted with many essential key features to provide effective support to the driver, including Axle weight readers, full colour reversing camera with a verbal warning system and a specially designed tail lift system which hydraulically tucks under the chassis when not in use.

To facilitate prompt, effective delivery, the vehicle has been equipped with the very latest in technological advancements which include satellite tracking & satellite navigation. This up-to-the minute traffic management system will ensure the driver is made immediately aware of traffic jams or hold ups. The system also provides details of alternative routes which can be used, saving both time and energy.

Tim Wood, Business Development Manager says ‘We are delighted to introduce this exciting new facility and hope it will only seek to further augment the existing levels of service and delivery we demonstrate to our customers.’

Mereway Bathroom’s new Logistical operation commences from November 2004.

Tel: 0121 706 7844

Twenty lady golfers went to South Africa at the end of last month to compete in the finals of the AEG British Ladies Golf Tournament that took place in Sun City from 1st November.

50,000 golfers from over 1000 clubs competed in the competition between 1st April and 30th June this year. The 20 finalist will fly out on an all expenses paid trip to Sun City for the four day Grand Final to compete for the AEG British Ladies Golf Tournament 2004 trophy.

Sun City, which is built in an extinct volcano, has two championship 18-hole golf courses. The players will have the opportunity to practice on both the Gary Player and Lost City courses before competing in the final on the Gary Player course.
AEG, part of the Electrolux Group, has for the third year running sponsored the British Ladies' Amateur Tournament which is open, free of charge, to all female golfers aged 16 and over with a handicap of up to 45.

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

Hotpoint Makes it to World Rally Championships Thanks to CDL

Hotpoint has made it to the World Rally Championships thanks to distributor, Chilterns Distribution Ltd, based in Thame.

CDL donated a Hotpoint fridge to local World Rally management company Risbridger Motorsport Sports (RMS). The fridge has been used by the company as a much needed drink storage in the team's new lorry facility travelling the globe. RMS, manages a number of World Rally Championship teams including Natalie Barratt, the world's leading female driver.

Neil Parker, Managing Director of CDL comments; 'Getting involved with RMS was a step out of the 'norm' for CDL and great fun to know a little more about the glamorous world of Rallying, of which our Hotpoint fridge is now a part of!'

For further information on Chiltern Distributions Ltd call 01844 261 891, or for a Hotpoint brochure call 0870 777 6485 or visit Web: http://www.hotpoint.co.uk.

American Standard Underwrites Ask This Old House® FOR 2004-2005 Season On US TV

American Standard Companies Inc, announced that it is an underwriter of the USA Emmy-nominated series Ask This Old House for the 2004-2005 television season and a proud sponsor of the This Old House Carlisle Show House.

'American Standard has helped people enjoy their homes for more than a 100 years, and we are proud to be a sponsor of the 25th anniversary project house for This Old House and an underwriter for the third season of Ask This Old House,' said Sally Robling, vice president of marketing, American Standard Companies.

'This Old House and, increasingly, Ask This Old House, are trusted sources of information on renovating the home, with episodes presenting wonderful ways people can experience and learn about the wide variety of craftsmen, techniques and products for home renovation and design.

'These programmes teach people how to make their homes more livable and enjoyable for the whole family, a mission that is closely aligned with that of American Standard, whose products make it possible for every family member to enjoy the comfortable environment of their homes, breathe easier, or have fun splashing in a bath tub.'

25th Anniversary House Renovation
As part of the This Old House 25th anniversary celebration, This Old House purchased, will renovate and plans to sell a Greek Revival-style farmstead built in 1849 in Carlisle, Mass. American Standard will provide the bathroom and kitchen products for the This Old House Carlisle Designer Show House, which will be completed in March 2005. The renovated home, designed by Boston-based architect Jeremiah Eck, will be sold with some of the proceeds from the sale used to endow a new scholarship for the building arts.

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