Abode taps are created for people who want the perfect blend of design, performance and sheer quality and the ultra slim LINEAR tap is another design first from Abode.

LINEAR is a sophisticated, architecturally tall monobloc tap with a chrome stand and slim chrome handles with creatively designed cut-outs which nestle comfortably on the stem of the tap. But the beauty to behold is the extra slim, matt black Teflon coated spout which is completed with a highly polished chrome aerator. This design-led tap will colour co-ordinate with both modern, sleek sinks and appliances.

After a successful launch period and due to popular demand the new range of PVC edged doors from HPP has already been extended to include high gloss doors in bedroom sizes.

Available in Black, White and Cream the new additions cover all the most popular bedroom sizes up to 2350mm high. The extra doors are manufactured to the same high standard as the kitchen doors using melamine faced furniture grade MDF featuring a metallic ‘aluminium effect’ back and the unique 1.2mm thick `3D` PVC edging which combine to create a very attractive glass look finish.

Beko, the UK’s No.1 refrigeration manufacturer, is proud to announce the launch of the Beko GNE114610X. This stylish and unique new four-door fridge freezer model joins Beko’s extensive cooling portfolio.

In a first for Beko, the innovative multi-functional frost-free freezer has a ‘Flexi Zone’ compartment which can be easily changed between a fridge, chiller, wine cooler compartment and a freezer, just by simply pressing a button on the easy to use touch control digital LCD.

Polymer specialist REHAU has just published a new 36 page, full colour brochure for its Premium Selection of RAUKANTEX Edgebands.

Available free from: 01989 762732 or downloadable from the REHAU website at www.rehau.co.uk, it gives a stunning insight into what can be achieved in contemporary furniture design using REHAU’s most advanced ex-stock ranges.

The first point is the term accessory; which smacks at something the customer can take or leave. We make jokes about teenagers keeping everything on the ‘floordrobe’ but most people are not content to leave their towels, tooth brushes and toiletries on the bathroom floor. We certainly need to take accessories far more seriously as necessities and as an important and profitable part of the complete bathroom sale. For if we do not, other retail outlets will surely profit from the oversight.

With the government keen to emphasise that we are moving out of recession, although weakly, it chimes well for those for those of us in the kitchen and bathroom industry who are looking positively ahead to KBB2010.

Clearly, the exhibition is missing some notable names who have been historically stalwart exhibitors, a decision perhaps taken that it will not deliver the return on their marketing investment and that the money can be saved, or maybe spent, elsewhere. Whilst its always important to manage the budgets, it’s also vitally important to keep investing in brand awareness and new product development so that as we emerge out of recession we have new things to offer retailers and consumers alike.

While the Italians are renowned for their flair and passion for high-design, the Germans pride themselves on quality and technical innovation. From car manufacturing to architecture, the precision, detail and thought that goes into their work is evident from the final result and this dedication for excellence has ensured German product is sought after all around the world.

IDS has unveiled a smart update to its vehicle livery that underpins the company’s dynamism with its use of bold colours in conjunction with its iconic tree symbol. The design clearly communicates its flooring, worktops, panel, laminates and solid surfacing products, as well as contact details with the new IDS Webstore emblazoned across the back doors of its 100-strong fleet.

Kbb Birmingham 2010 is set to take place from 21-24 March, with thousands of visitors descending upon the NEC to source products for the year ahead. This seminal show, now in its 25th year, has recently reported a record number of new exhibitors.

This year, 74 new companies will feature at the event, including the likes of Allied Kingswood, April Showers, Crown LifeSpace, Damixa, Decotec, Galassia UK, Sch¸ller/ InHouse, Scavolini and Starck by Warendorf. These companies are all poised to increase their market share at the industry’s only dedicated KBB event.

So what is the big issue in bathrooms? As for just about any other industry today - it’s simply survival. Times are tough and will continue to be so. Money management considerations are affecting all stages of the supply chain and there are those who unfortunately will fail to survive - retailers, merchants, distributors - and some manufacturers may be forced to restructure in the downturn.