Monday 10 December 2012

SLEEP REVIEW: Dream event



Far from the suggestion of its title, the Sleep exhibition was anything but tired. Held in the UK’s fashion and architectural capital of London, at the Business Design Centre, Sleep was the ultimate showcase for hotel design. And this year, the show seemed to have an even greater emphasis on the role and influence of style-centric bathrooms in hotel developments.
It had not only brought the most recent bathroom products from the Italian show Cersaie to the UK but products were also being unveiled at the Sleep exhibition. All of which gave the event a design edge, a buzz and a genuine belief that Sleep was setting the standards for future hotel styling.
Its significance to interior designers, architects and developers was reflected in the visitor numbers, where exhibitors suggested they were anything from ‘reasonable’ to ‘the best year ever’. Although, numbers are yet to be confirmed, standing room-only at the seminars, plus crowded room installations, suggests Sleep is the pinnacle of hotel styling and specification. In fact, visitor Kia Sundra of Kia Designs acclaimed it as “definitely one of the best shows I’ve been to at [the] design centre. [It] can be a difficult space.”
Part of the same organisation team as kbb, Sleep set the bar for showcasing bathrooms for hospitality projects. Now the only question remains, can the team equal that, along with kitchens, at kbbLDN, in May. It simply must, not only to create an air of anticipation, but to give the kitchen and bathroom industry the design-focused show it craves.

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Tuesday 4 December 2012

Uri Geller entertains at Poggenpohl showroom


At the recent Poggenpohl showroom refurbishment, in Guildford, guests were introduced to the newly promoted UK managing director Simon Richmond.
Taking over from Neil Bailey, who has been named managing director of Poggenpohl in the USA, Richmond said: "I've got big shoes to fill but I take on a fantastic business with a very established, integrated team of people."
He said his focus was to grow business through its retail studios by targeting marketing spend to developers, architects and specifiers.
In fact, these were among the invited guests to an evening event at the refreshed retail showroom, which featured a live swing band and the spoon-bending extraordinaire Uri Geller.

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Wednesday 14 November 2012

TALKING SHOP: Support kitchen students

Sean Phelan of the British Kitchen Designers Association says in a bid to launch a professional qualification, the industry must support students post-graduation, by creating a career path
The majority of readers of this article will be kbb professionals of one kind or another, specialist showrooms, interior designers, architects or specifiers. Some may have entered the kbb industry as a dedicated career choice, while others may have drifted in from other sectors. But there is one group of kbb professionals  - kitchen designers  - where it would probably be fair to say very few will have made a conscious decision on leaving school to enter this sector. The reason? There hasn’t been a dedicated career path or training scheme in the past. But this is about to change.As of September 2013, the first students will be entering Bucks New University with the express aim of qualifying with a degree in kitchen design .
With a course length of two years (full-time) and an third year (part-time) , this is not just a step in the right direction but a quantum leap. And that’s not only for the students but also for the kbb industry and the discipline of kitchen design. So it’ s a win win scenario?  Well not exactly.

Create post-graduate path
Given that the course fees are approximately £15,000 for the two- year course and another £15,000 can be added to that for living expenses , there could be a financial cost of at least £30,000 (subject to state grants ) for full-time students. And it’s not only the cost of the course, but the loss of earnings which could affect those already working in the industry who wish to study part-time. These new graduates will be entering the jobs market in late 2015, the first to have a dedicated kitchen design degree. Many will have to carry that debt forward with them, like other graduates, except unlike architects or engineers, there is no industry requirement for them to hold any qualification to practice as a kitchen designer.
Is it not incumbent upon the industry to set up a graduate entry programme for these young professionals, to aid their development and to gain from their training, for the betterment of the industry as a whole? Given that these young people can choose from a wide range of more established design disciplines and ones that have dedicated career paths, will not some incentive be needed to attract the brightest and the best?

Vocational route needed
And we should never forget that, as the vast majority of young kitchen designers will continue to enter through vocational routes (on the job training). A dedicated programme will still need to be developed for those who need to learn as they earn . Some might say that no special treatment should be given to those who enter through the graduate route, but should the industry not make the most out of these new graduates and encourage kitchen design as a profession as opposed to a job?
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Tuesday 13 November 2012

Roper Rhodes acquires tc bathrooms design rights

Following tc bathrooms ceasing to trade, Roper Rhodes has now confirmed its has secured design rights for a number of its more popular ranges. In a statement released to the press, marketing director of Roper Rhodes, Simon Taylor commented: "We can confirm that the Roper Rhodes Group has successfully bid for the design rights of a number of tc ranges."
He continued: "Whilst we consider how best to incorporate these lines into our brand portfolio, including of course the very popular Mini range of sanitaryware, we wish to make it very clear that we are determined to protect these design rights."
The Roper Rhodes Group incoporates a number of brands, including Roper Rhodes, Tavistock Bathrooms, R2 and Trade.

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Monday 12 November 2012

Leicht and Toto exhibiting at newly-rebranded kbb LDN

German kitchen furniture manufacturer Leicht and Japanese bathroom giant Toto are among more than 50 confirmed exhibitors at the newly rebranded kbb LDN (formerly kbbLondon) show.
According to the show's organiser, it is around 20 years since Leicht exhibited at a UK show and Toto has never appeared at any kbb exhibition.
In addition, the show has also confirmed Italian kitchen furniture manufacturer Arredo3 will be exhibiting for the first time in the UK.
These companies join the likes of Poggenpohl, Baumatic, Scavolini, Mark David, Abode, BK Nolte Contracts and Perrin & Rowe.
It will form part of The May Design Series, an umbrella event which includes three adjoining shows: Arc, a lighting event, DX which will focus on technology, and Interiors LDN.
It means visitors to kbb LDN will also be able to access the three additional, design-related events.
The May Design Series has been conceived for design professionals who work in residential and  commercial markets and is "realistically targeting 14,000 visitors" said brand director Andrew Vaughan.
The  interior and visitor experience of the May Design Series will be designed by Ab Rogers who created the look for Richard Rogers retrospective at The Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Comme des Garçons flagship store in France.
In total, The May Design Series will cover 20,000sqm, with half the space expected to be dedicated to kbb LDN.
kbb LDN, as part of The May Design Series, takes place at ExCel in London from May 19-21, 2013.

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Wednesday 7 November 2012

High street must adapt or die

To survive the economic upheaval high street retailers must embrace multi-channel shopping, according to Phil Duffy of global financial advisory and investment banking firm Duff & Phelps.
He stated: “There is a revolution taking place on British high streets today, one that is changing its face forever, impacting consumers, retailers and landlords alike. We need to recognise this change and both retailers and landlords need to adapt to survive. The driver for this is the rise of online shopping and the continued growth of the out of town retail park.”
According to figures from the IMRG Capgemini eRetail Sales Index, some £5.8billion was spent online in August alone, an 11% increase month-on-month.
Phil Duffy of Duff & Phelps commented: “This trend is expected to continue and with the increase in the number of smart devices – phones, tablets and the like – we would expect this to grow still further.”
He continued: “The message is therefore clear: If the high street is to survive then the sector needs to address the changing habits of the market and adopt a ‘bricks and clicks’ business model. Today’s consumer wants the flexibility this affords and retailers need to address this head on.”
Duffy further added: “Another major trend is the rise of what we would term ‘destination shopping centre’ and again this is going to affect not only shopping habits but retailers as well. Over the past decade the rise of the out-of-town shopping centre had been almost unstoppable and in many cases this has led to the rise of retail citadels such as The Trafford Centre in Manchester or Westfield in West and now East London. Those retailers that focus their energies in these hot spots are going to survive and arguably survive well in the current economy.”
He concluded: “Don’t’ take my comments that the UK retail sector is dead and buried. It is in fact in a period of incredible change. Those retailers that keep their nerve, and focus on adapting to changing buying habits, will be the ones that survive the current economic challenges. Let the market change and put the consumer in the driving seat and the sector will rebound.”

Tuesday 6 November 2012

EDITOR'S COMMENT: Avoiding the Comet trail

Philippa Turrell, Editor
Kitchens & Bathrooms News
With the collapse of Comet, one of the biggest casualties of the recession since Woolworths, what lessons can we learn from its administration? It was a well-known retailer, and seemingly successful, selling branded major domestic appliances, alongside AV and electrical goods. But what made this household name, which employed more than 6,000 people, go pop?
Could it be the precarious position Comet occupied in the market. Comet wasn't the cheapest retailer of appliances or electricals, so was under pressure from internet prices. But it certainly wasn’t considered a specialist in any of its goods either. Arguably it didn’t satisfy either end of the shopper spectrum – the empowered, knowledgeable consumer or the value hunter. In fact even a statement from one of its joint administrator from Deloitte pointed out, it had "been battling the changing landscape of the electrical retail sector for many years." And further cited: "It has become increasingly difficult for it to compete with online retailers."
However retail analyst Richard Perks claimed the likely the demise of Comet was in the fact that it didn't embrace the internet, as successful retailers use the best of both.
So herein lies the first clue - make sure you are seen as a specialist in your chosen bathroom or kitchen field. Move your business away from possible price comparisons on the internet. Showcase your product knowledge, understanding of design and client consultation in one package that far exceeds a £199 price tag for a washing machine.  But, and here’s an important factor, use the internet to create internet traffic and to support your in-store offer.
Richard Perks also cited lack of investment in the chain and a slip in service standards that sealed its fate. Although unconfirmed by Deloitte, it points to two further areas that kitchen and bathroom professionals need to keep on top of. Just because times are tight, don’t let the standards in your showroom slip. As if to illustrate my point, CP Hart and Poggenpohl recently refurbished a showroom, which wasn’t performing to their expectations, but has since met with more successful sales.
And although we all know customer service must be the cornerstone of all retail operations, particularly for kbb specialists, make sure it truly is. Go the extra step, even if you don’t feel you should. Great customer service can deliver amazing customer recommendations. And let's not forget consumer experiences can now be broadcast ever further afield thanks to social media. Rather than 10s of people, consumers can now reach 100s.
While it’s always sad to hear of any high street retailer's demise, look at each individual case,  and see what may have gone wrong – but constructively. This will allow you to move forward with added understanding, perhaps an adaptation or two in your strategy, but certainly some confidence in your business.

Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Email the editor with your thoughts.

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Friday 26 October 2012

Stephen Johnson: “Some kitchen retailers can be a fickle breed”

Managing director of Quooker UK, Stephen Johnson has shown his frustration with kitchen retailers who don’t show manufacturer loyalty, lashing out: “Unfortunately, some kitchen retailers can be a fickle breed. They are very quick to say they want more support and service. But when they do get that, they don’t always recognise and reward it.”
Johnson explained: "What I mean by that, there may be a supplier who comes out with a new tap and it'll go into a showroom, where you've offered them a free display, five years of service and thousands of pounds in support."
He said he had a display given free to a showroom, whom he long-standing relationship with, taken out and replaced with a competitors. He said he hadn't been told the showroom had removed it, until he paid a visit.
"Providing we continue to offer a service and ensure the product is at the cutting edge of where it needs to be, and invest in that dealer, they should recognise and reward you with a significant level of their business", says Johnson
He continued: “We’re here to work hard for our dealers but what I don’t think is that some of them give you that loyalty back. They want the service from us and the quid pro quo is we want the business from them.”
Johnson added: "A number of kitchen dealers are obsessed with everything. I think some of them are guilty of stocking too much product."
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Electrolux names Aeroball as future appliance winner


Electrolux named the winner of its 10th annual Design Lab 2012, a competition for household appliances of the future, as Aeroball by Jan Ankiersztajn from Poland.
Aeroball is a collection of luminescent, hovering balls that can filter and fragrance the air in the room and fall to the ground when they are ready to be changed.
This year's competition remit was to create concept household appliances that stimulate, engage and enlighten senses.
Design director at Electrolux, and head of the jury, Thomas Johansson explained: “We rely on our senses for almost everything, so considering the senses is an important factor when designing appliances.”
He continued: “This year’s winning concept, Aeroball is a truly innovative concept that uses space in a unique way and delights our surroundings. It also changes our perception of an air cleaner because it is delicate in aesthetics; it is emotional and also relevant, because it addresses the consumer’s needs.”
The second prize in the competition went to Ben de la Roche from New Zealand for his refrigerated wall, Impress, with bottles and containers placed directly in the wall. The third prize was presented to Christopher Holm-Hansen, from Denmark, for Tastee. It is a spoon has utilises receptors based on the human tastes buds to tell the chef what ingredients are needs to improve the dish.
These three prize winners were chosen from 10 global finalists. The UK had three entries in the Electrolux Design Lab competition, which qualified for this year’s semi-finals.
Jan Ankiersztajn from Poland follows last year’s winner, Adrian Mankovecky from Slovenia for his portable spot cleaner. Like, Mankovecky, he wins €5,000 Euros and a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design centre.

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Thursday 25 October 2012

tc bathrooms ceases trading

Following tc bathrooms adminstration, the company has held a sale of its entire stock, at its warehouse in Dewsbury, and now ceased to trade.

The stock was acquired by bathstore.com and although the figure has not yet been finalised, it will be included in the proposals to creditors by December 18, 2012.
Joint administrator Hunter Kelly said: “We received some expressions of interest in various parts of the business from a number of parties. No offers were made that included both the trade and retail operations of the business.
“Following the sale of stock – one of the Company’s most significant assets – the business has ceased to trade and is in the process of being wound. As a result, it has been necessary to make a further 68 redundancies. The remaining staff are being retained to assist us in winding down the business.”

The administrator is still seeking a buyer for the 205,000 warehouse in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

It is still unknown how much money the companies owes or the number of creditors.
tc bathrooms was a distributor and retailer of bathroom equipment and furnishings and operated 17 retail showrooms across the country. It employed 187 people, including 47 in showrooms across the country.
The administrator cited the economic downturn, contraction of new housing and refurbishment markets, as well as it being unable to service its debt which had funded a ‘recent consideration expansion’.
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DIY giants voted worst on-line shops

DIY giants Homebase and B&Q, with its diy.com website, have been voted among the worst online shops, as voted by their customers.
According to the annual Which? survey of the best and worst online retailers, the consumer champion asked 14,353 of its members to rate sellers based on customer satisfaction.
Homebase and B&Q were in the bottom five online retailers, along with interiors website Achica.com.
However, the home industry was buoyed by johnlewis.com rated second and Lakeland.co.uk rated fourth.
According to the survey, customers chose to shop online because it’s cheaper, easier to compare prices between shops and easier to find items. However, the shoppers also found delays with deliveries, faulty items and poor availability were the most common problems.
Which? executive director, Richard Lloyd said: “With household budgets squeezed, it’s not surprise that many more consumers are going more of their shopping online, with seven out of ten people saying they shop online for cheaper prices.
“But it’s clear some online retailers need to raise their game, with people complaining of delays with deliveries, faulty items and poor stock availability. Although we’ve found many are providing excellent customer service, we want to see the rest not only meeting the minimum fair trading rules but catching up with the best.”
The research follows an Office of Fair trading (OFT) investigation into retailers who are failing to meet online trading regulations. The OFT has written to 62 retailers after a check of 156 websites found problems including unreasonable restrictions on refunds, inadequate contact details and unexpected charges at the checkout.
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Tuesday 23 October 2012

Neff awards top MasterPartner dealers

Appliance brand Neff presented its annual MasterPartner awards to its leading kitchen showrooms at a lunchtime event held at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham London.
Nine awards were presented at the ceremony, which this year was hosted by sports presenter John Inverdale. The winners also collected a prize hamper, courtesy of Neff, worth £500.
The best window display was awarded to Vanessa Sharp from James James Kitchens in West Kirby and the best MasterPartner showroom was presented to Nathan Hopper from Simply Kitchens in Plymouth. The best use of advertising and marketing was scooped, this year, by Mark Gilligan from Kitchen Design Centre in Uxbridge.
In addition, the best kitchen design using Neff (up to the value of £20,000) was presented to Steve Dempsey from Ebstone Kitchens in Uxbridge, and Best Kitchen design using Neff (over £20,000) was won by Development Direct in Edinburgh.
Completing the line-up of retail award winners, Gary Martin from Distinctive Kitchens in Prescot was awarded Best Newcomer and the anniversary award was presented to Chris Byle and Penny Tyon from Byles of Hyde in Cheshire. But the top honour of the event went to Simon Street of Sylvarna Kitchen Design in Chichester, who was acclaimed Supreme MasterPartner.
Finally, the MasterPartner Area Business Manager Award, which was nominated by Neff’s dealers, was given to Ian Adams.  
Simon Street, managing director of Sylvarna Kitchen Design which won Supreme MasterPartner said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the title of Neff Supreme MasterPartner after a relationship built with Neff over 30 years of business together. We are proud to offer the highest level of service and product knowledge to our customers and are committed to support the Neff product range by showcasing it in our award-winning kitchen showroom, demonstrated by our experienced designers. Receiving this award is the ultimate recognition of our hard work.”
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Friday 19 October 2012

Ebac to open washing machine plant in UK

A washing machine factory set to be opened in the North East of England, by the Ebac Group, will create more than 200 jobs. The County Durham company is to develop the products in a £7million venture, made possible by £1million from the Regional Growth Fund.
Ebac currently employs 200 people and manufactures watercoolers, dehumidifiers and air coolers. With the development of the washing machine factory, it will double the company's workforce.
According to the firm, 4 million washing machines are brought into the UK, and Ebac believes it can replace those exports with appliances made in the UK.
Managing director of the Ebac Group, Pamela Petty said: “This exciting venture is a huge boost to manufacturing in the North East of England, because it opens up a new market for us, creating jobs and making County Durham home to the UK’s only washing machine manufacturing facility.
“We have spent months exploring not only the feasibility of manufacturing washing machines, but also the processes involved and we are very confident of having a high quality, competitive product on the market within the next two years. The money from the Regional Growth Fund makes all of this possible and will quickly reap returns for the economy.
“It’s good for Ebac, it’s good for the North East and it’s good for the country.
Ebac chairman John Elliott added: “During my 50 years in manufacturing, the trend has been for jobs to be lost in the North East. It is great to have this chance to bring sustainable jobs for County Durham people.
“If we are to resolve the UK’s economic problems, we need to start making things again and support for project, such as this, is a huge step in the right direction.”
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Wednesday 17 October 2012

TALKING SHOP: Builder versus kitchen designer

Proprietor of Modern Homes in Leamington Spa, Tina Riley asks why is there a continuing battle between the builder and the kitchen designer?

I have often wondered why and how there is so often a battle of wills between a builder and a designer, when ultimately it should be a case of the client is king. We should be working together to come up with the best solution for our customers.
Now don’t get me wrong, we deal with some fabulous builders with whom we have built up great relationships over the years. They get us involved at the earliest opportunity, from the architect plans. It gives us plenty of time to work with the client and builder together, as opposed to the builder or client who calls us in when walls are plastered, services fitted and all electrical supplies are in the wrong place.

Let us design
Our good builders take advantage of both our expertise and our showroom. They often come and introduce their clients and then let us take over. We find that this can be a benefit to all parties. The builder can get on with what he does best – building – and we can get on with what we do best - designing. And the client gets the best of both worlds!
We, kitchen designers, often have to be extremely flexible to meet our clients’ expectations, so my heart sinks when the client tells me the builder has designed her kitchen. It’s not that I am questioning his ability as a skilled craftsman but kitchen design is a very different discipline to a house building project. We only just manage to keep up-to-date with current trends, new appliances and new furniture units, by working on kitchens every day, so I really don’t expect a builder to be as up-to-date as we are.

Better working together
Then there is the matter of actually working together with some builders, some of whom still seem to have an aversion to dealing with women. Possibly they think we should be washing-up in the kitchen not designing it! So, imagine my surprise on a recent technical survey, to discover a boiler, Megaflow, and heating manifold in the kitchen. This had been discussed and was all going to be in the basement but the plumber decided it would be easier to put it in the kitchen, then neglected to mention it. He uttered my favourite phrase of all time ever “can’t you just cobble the units around them, love!”
Not least, there’s the small matter of when the kitchen should actually be fitted. It doesn’t seem to matter how often I state it should be one of the last jobs. I have been on site to see plasterers working around a high gloss kitchen, electricians standing on brand new worktops and loads of rubbish all over the new off-white porcelain tiled floor!

So my plea to all builders and property developers who may be reading this, please let’s work together. I wouldn’t dream of being able to do your job, so please don’t think that you can do mine!

Are builders your bugbear when designing kitchens, or bathrooms, for that matter. Email the editor Philippa Turrell with your view.

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Friday 12 October 2012

“We are the champions”



At the recent Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) gala dinner, held at Heythorp Park Crown Plaza in Oxfordshire, Kitchens & Bathrooms News scooped Trade Magazine of the Year.
It was presented at the Diamond Jubilee-themed event to editor Philippa Turrell and assistant editor Britta O’Boyle by BMA Chairman Steve Lee and an impersonator of the Queen.
In addition, there were presentations to Trade Journalist of the Year, Consumer Journalist of the Year, Consumer Magazine of the Year and Exhibition of the Year – won by kbbBirmingham.
Keeping to the Jubilee theme, guests were entertained after dinner by a Queen tribute band
The Diamond Gala dinner was the finale to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association annual Conference, which was focused on the Retail Revolution.
The conference spanned topics such as embracing the internet, social media, and finding new routes to market. It boasted keynote speaker Peter Cross, managing partner of Mary Portas, at Yellowdoor.

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Thursday 11 October 2012

EDITOR’S COMMENT: Distributor disarray

Kitchens & Bathrooms News Editor,
Philippa Turrell
Just what is happening to the distribution business? First AWA Bathrooms announced its intention to stop trading from December 2012 and now tc bathrooms has gone into administration. We all know the market is tough out there – but that tough? And is it the only plausible reason for distribution companies to be suffering? While we all know the economic climate is far from easy, has it just continued to exacerbate issues already taking hold in the distribution sector?
Of course, distributors could be more open to economic pressures than any other business, with spiralling petrol costs causing logistics to soar. But, equally, perhaps a clue could also lie in a comment made by joint administrator of tc bathrooms, Hunter Kelly from Ernst & Young, which, in addition to the economic climate, stated tc bathrooms had “been unable to service the debt taken on to fund its recent consideration expansion”. So, are in fact, distributors in danger of trying to extend their business just too far?
AWA Bathrooms was a regional distribution outfit, servicing the South, before going national and opening (then subsequently closing) a Northern depot in Manchester. And in a recent interview on kandbnews.blogspot.com, chairman of Swift Electrical says distributors now offer too many brands. It points to distributors seeking to become generalists, rather than specialists, in order to gain a larger slice of a smaller, and (some may say) diminishing, pie.
And, then, there are retailers looking to enter the distribution market by sourcing their own goods from overseas, in a bid to gain a USP and to prevent customers from ‘like-for-like’ shopping around. The demarcation lines of ‘who does exactly what and where’ in the bathroom and kitchen industry have become increasingly blurred, if not completely removed.
So what are the answers for bathroom and kitchen distributors, which are not only in competition with businesses in their own channel, but perhaps now even selective retail showrooms? Well, that’s the $1million question.  Could it simply lie within the old adage “turnover for vanity, profit for sanity”? Undoubtedly (as in the case of tc bathrooms), a catalogue of issues can drive a business into administration. But with news that parties are already interested in buying tc bathrooms, let’s just hope that this distributor can be saved and show it’s not game over for this sector.
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Wednesday 10 October 2012

tc bathrooms in administration

Despite slamming industry speculation about tc bathrooms going into adminstration, it has since been confirmed. Headquartered in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, tc bathrooms is a distributor and retailer, owning 17 retail showrooms.
The retail showrooms included 16 which operate under the trade name bathrooms4all and one which is branded Victorian Bathrooms.
The company which employed 187 staff, including 47 in stores across the country, has made 87 redundancies. It has also closed eight of its bathroom retail showrooms.
At the current time, it is unknown how much money the company owes or the number of creditors.
Ernst & Young in Leeds has been appointed, with joint adminstator Hunter Kelly, who said: "The company's trading performance has been impacted by the economic downturn and the contraction of the new housing and refurbishment markets. In addition, whilst the business remains profitable, it has been unable to service the debt taken on to fund its recent considerable expansion.
"The business owns a 205,000 sq ft modern warehouse in Dewsbury and has also opened a number of retail stores over the last two years."
Kelly continued: "We have receieved some expressions of interest in various parts of the business from a number of parties, which will be explored further over the next few days. The business is continuing to trade whilst we explore the interest."
Managing director of tc bathrooms Martin Chalcraft recently said competitors started sthe rumour of the company's demise, which was buoyed by stock shortages. He stated: "Let me be clear. This business is doing fine. We're not going into adminstration."
tc bathrooms was established in 2000 and offers a wide variety of bathroom products from cast iron baths to steam cabins, furniture through to taps.

Custtomers with product order queries should contact Tel:0113 298 2317 Email: bathrooms4alluk.ey.com
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Friday 5 October 2012

Chalon rebuffs administration rumour

Handmade kitchen furniture manufacturer and retailer Chalon is not in administration and rebuffed claims of financial difficulty.
Slamming any speculation, marketing manager of Chalon Barney Bell said: “It’s not true. We are not in administration. We are operating and training through our showrooms as per normal.”
The company, which has its headquarters and showroom in Somerset, is sold through a network of five additional Chalon retailers. These include showrooms in King's Road in London, St Albans, Harrogate, Tunbridge Wells and most recently Knutsford. Chalon also sells its kitchens through an agent in Dublin and to the developer market.
According to its website, Chalon is also looking to expand its business with trade partners across the globe.
Chalon was founded in 1981 by Michael and Rose Chalon, who designed furniture to emulate the eighteenth and nineteenth century, with a painted finish.
The company recently sponsored a show garden, teaming up with RHS medal award-winning Carolyn Hardern, at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show

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Thursday 4 October 2012

Foundation degree in Kitchen Design opens 2013

Head of National School of Furniture,
Dr Jones
Buckingham New University is set to introduce a Foundation Degree (Arts) in Kitchen Design, in September 2013, which will be the first of its kind. Head of the course, Dr Lynn Jones said: “It is an exciting leap forward” for kitchen design in the UK and believes it will add academic credence to the profession.
Head of the National School of Furniture (NSF), based at Buckingham New University, Dr Jones hopes the course will contribute to establishing the UK as the world hub for kitchen design.
The course is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time qualification, where each of the 12 study modules has been developed with industry partners, including kitchen designer Johnny Grey of Johnny Grey Studios. He will also sit on the advisory board at the NSF.
The course, which has taken two years to develop, will cover dealing with customers and suppliers to designing and managing kitchen projects, as well as computer-aided design. In addition, it will include business and finance, materials and technology.”
Dr Jones said: “The course will build on the many excellent apprenticeships in the UK, such as the Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms Training Group courses, run by the well-respected Renee Mascari, and will allow students the chance to gain further qualifications, and perhaps move on to degree programmes in furniture at Bucks New University or elsewhere.
“We have listened to what our industry partners and contacts have said and come up with a foundation degree programme that meets the needs of what they are looking for.”
Dr Jones continues: “Visits and live briefs from industry partners will be a key aspect and this course will also offer students the chance to work in industry and spend as much time learning outside the classroom as inside it.
“Now we want to build momentum, attract the students, and make a significant contribution to UK kitchen design.”
Among its industry supporters is Hettich UK, where students will work with them on live briefs. Managing director of Hettich UK, Tim Leedham commented: “The kitchen industry is both big and diverse. There are over 2,000 manufacturers of varying sizes and over 5,000 retailers. Nearly one million kitchens are sold in the UK every year and the industry is therefore a large employer and important to the UK economy.”
Applicants should hold a Level 3 qualification in kitchen fitting, furniture manufacture, design or similar qualifications. Mature students with relevant experience, but no formal qualifications, can also apply and applicants from industry can combine the part-time mode with employment.
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Barratt Homes appoints BK Nolte Contracts preferred supplier

BK Nolte Contracts has been appointed as preferred kitchen furniture supplier to Barratt Homes across the UK. It will see the company provide the product and a project management service on sites, nationally.
Bob Ruler, joint managing director of BK Nolte Contracts, commented: “As a supplier of kitchens to Barratt’s special projects, mainly in the London area, we are very pleased to be on Barratt’s national preferred supplier list. Hopefully, this will give us a chance to quote for more business with other Barratt regions in the future.”
He added: “We feel that we have been selected by Barratt Homes as we supply the full package; a branded German product, in-house design, full logistic support to deliver to plots as and when required, and flexible on-site management.”

BK Nolte Contracts has been involved with 30 Barratt Home projects and works with national housebuilders in London.
Part of the Barratt Group, which includes David Wilson and Ward Home brands, Barratt Homes has been awarded a 5 Star Housebuilder Award and named Housebuilder of the Year by the Home Builders Federation.
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Wednesday 3 October 2012

EXHIBITION REVIEW: Cersaie will always love you

Laufen Palomba 2012 collection
If the ISH exhibition, in Germany, is the barometer of bathroom fashions for the UK high street, then the Italian show Cersaie is most definitely haute couture. While this bathroom catwalk showcases future interior design cues, these are cleverly combined with concepts destined never to be more than a drawing board project – showcasing manufacturing expertise and designed to gain visitor interest. The show spanned offerings from the chunky Azzurro or light blue pedestal basins and gargantuan filo pastry-esque overshower bath from Ceramica Flaminia, through to Laufen’s latest collaboration with Palomba with a freestanding basin and bath, plus super-slim profile furniture. And while Hansgrohe showed its recently launched Axor Starck Organic bathroom collection, Dornbracht displayed its horizontal and vertical shower. It all added up to an eclectic, design-conscious show, (well what else would you expect from Italy?), which not only captivated its visitors but created a circus of excitement around bathroom design.


However, the one challenge that the inexperienced visitor could face, is  which products will truly be the future influencers of fashion. Not to mention, which products will actually leave the Italian coast and be destined and available on UK soil.

We've simplified our show review and selected a handful of products that will be available to designers in the UK. So, why not take your choice from our November issue?


Friday 21 September 2012

100% Design: Total recall

Now under new management, 100% Design has taken on a fresh new look this year. Using the same formula as its sister show Grand Designs Live - tunnel entrance and central bar leading to themed spaces - it still manages to maintain the air or ambiance associated with 100% Design.Think of a uber-chic Cocktail bar where it's so stylish, you feel you shouldn't be allowed in. Door hosts? Check. Dark, theatrical areas? Check. DJ spinning chill-out tunes, designer labels. Check and check. It's fashionable, it's bang-on trend but far from being effortless, this show is contrived to be the at the apex of cool.
Yet is it simply a case of style over substance?The division of the exhibition space and dedicated Kitchens & Bathrooms zone helps to focus on these rooms of the home. But separated from the Interiors space, it does lose out on the relationship between designs that influence kitchen and bathrooms.
The Kitchen & Bathroom space of the show may not have the largest representation - visitors could navigate the area in a matter of hours - but think posh shoe shops, the more expensive, the fewer in the window. And, although far from comprehensive, it does have a wide choice of products on display from appliances to work tops, furniture and  hot taps through to sanitaryware. But what makes 100% Design stand-out is the names the show attracts, which differ from the regulars on the kitchen and bathroom exhibition scene. Silverdale Bathrooms, Venete Cucine, Ella, DeVol, Not Only White, Doca and Bora are just some of the designer brand names on show.
It would be unfair to judge 100% Design as a bathrooms and kitchens show, after all the space forms part of a wider contemporary design event, including Offices and Eco Design & Build. But for bathroom and kitchen designers, who want to see the very latest in cutting-edge cool, 100% Design is in its 18th year and has come of age. And it will be interesting to see how this revamped show continues to mature.

100% Design takes place at Earl's Court in London and runs until September September 22, 2012

To see the products from the show, read the review of 100% Design in the November issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms News. Subscribe for FREE.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Kitchens & Bathrooms News supports WorldSkills UK

Publisher of Kitchens & Bathrooms News, Hamerville Media Group has been named official media partner of WorldSkills UK, which is part of the National Apprenticeship Service.  WorldSkills UK showcases the skill level of apprenticeships through competitions, awards and local activities, which can culminate in The Skills Show and National Apprenticeships Week.
The Skills Show is the UK’s largest skills and careers event and takes place at the NEC Birmingham from November 15-19. It showcases national talent, across a variety of subject disciplines and features over 50 competitions, alongside ‘Have a go’ activities. The event will include kitchen and bathroom affiliated trades, showcasing skills in cabinet making, carpentry, plumbing, plus wall and floor tiling.
In addition, there will be national and regional employers, colleges, universities, higher education institutes, sector skills councils, trade and membership associations with exhibition stands.
Around 100,000 visitors are expected to the show, which includes students, young adults and teachers.
There is also a two-day conference programme, as part of the wide events schedule, which brings together sector leaders, young people and businesses. The programme has been devised by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Business in the Community and The Edge Foundation, showcasing research into technical and vocational education.

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Tuesday 18 September 2012

World premiere of Axor Starck Organic

After three years of development, today saw the world premiere of the Axor Starck Organic bathroom collection at the Ewert in Berlin. The collection is the result of another collaboration between designer Philippe Starck and Axor, which also marks the 20-year milestone of the two companies working together. Axor Starck Organic features a new spray technology, which has 90 outlets to provide a larger spray surface area. Water flow and temperature are controlled separately, with flow controlled at the end of the spout and temperature at the top. The design is said to be more economic with less water lost between switching the tap on, and placing the hands underneath. It delivers a flow rate of 3.5 litres, which can be increased to 5 litres if required. Also keeping ecological issues in mind, its construction allows for a third less brass to be used.
 Axor Starck Organic comprises over 40 products spanning basin mixers in four heights, as well as a wall-mounted solution, and bath and shower mixers. A range of accessories including a towel rail, hooks, toilet roll holder and toilet brush are also available.
 Philippe Starck explained the design and inspiration behind the collection: “Slowly but surely I started to realise that life was missing. That it [previous Starck model] was perfect but the sort of energy of life was missing.
 “So I started to work on the idea of how could continue to go to less but stay human. If I can find the minimal but with the natural inspiration of the human body and the vegetal, perhaps we can have the final solution.
 “It was the idea to speak about the elegance of the vegetal, the elegance of the human and it was about the energy of life. That is what we shall present you with today.”

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Monday 17 September 2012

Ideal Bathrooms saves Showerlux brand in UK

Following the closure of Showerlux UK, the brand will now be available through national distributor Ideal Bathrooms. The exclusive distribution agreement sees Ideal Bathrooms supplied by the parent company of Showerlux UK, Duscholux.
Commercial director Danielle Lillis commented: “Following the unfortunate closure of the Showerlux UK operation, we entered negotiations with Duscholux, who have manufactured almost all of Showerlux’s products sold in the UK.” She continued: “In effect, Ideal Bathroom will perform a similar operation, importing from the manufacturer to supply merchants and retailers”.
The distribution agreement includes a review of price points and customer discounts, which will be realigned to be competitive for the market and to offer improved retailer margins.
Ideal Bathrooms will focus solely on Showerlux shower enclosures and will be taking models in stock, which like the rest of its product lines, will be available with next day delivery.
In addition, Ideal Bathrooms will be undertaking product development with the Duscholux research and development team to introduce additional product tailored to the UK market.
Ideal Bathrooms managing director, John Bagshaw added: “Whilst the loss of any bathroom company is unfortunate, we recognised that this is a fantastic opportunity for Ideal bathrooms to form a new supplier partnership by strategically aligning the two businesses. This is a big move for us, providing us with a major opportunity to add a very strong showering brand to our existing product portfolio. We will be investing heavily in stock and marketing to ensure the Showerlux future is a bright one.”
Simon Lake, Duscholux managing director, welcomed the arrangement: “Duscholux are delighted that we have agreed an exclusive partnership with Ideal Bathrooms to enable us to continue to supply the UK market. Crucially it will allow us to improve the commercial offer to our customers and, coupled with the excellent back-up and service that Ideal Bathrooms is renowned for, means that Showerlux retailers will benefit from a far superior business package moving forward.The last few weeks have been difficult and I apologise for any disruption that has been caused to our customers. I fully believe that this new era will enable the brand to prosper one again and we are fully committed to working closely with Ideal Bathrooms in order to achieve this.”

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