Leading British manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, once again brings design innovation to the bathroom market with the unveiling of Rouen – a truly unique range of solid timber-faced shower enclosures that serve to provide a decadent alternative to traditional existing models with their breathtaking fusion of hand-crafted solid timber, glass and leather.

Warmup, Exceptional Manufacturer of the Year, at UKTI London Passport to Export Awards 2007, has launched their latest bathroom accessory. The all-new Warmup® Mirror Demisters are a technologically advanced, permanent, safe and simple solution for steamed up mirrors – ideal in the bathroom.

Geaves Surface Solutions is providing a bright new addition to its in-stock kitchen doors with the introduction of Luna, a white gloss pvc range. Luna’s eyecatching design includes an integrated handle, smooth to the touch, adding to the overall stylishness of this new door.

With what is believed to be an industry first, Hudson Reed launches wall mounted thermostatic mixer taps as part of the successful Tec Crosshead brassware range. The minimalist design of Tec thermostatic mixer taps is honed down to a neat flush mounted chrome wall plate that conceals all pipework and valves, leaving just the spout and a single Tec crosshead sequential water flow and temperature control visible.

Sleek minimalism and smooth profiles are the main design element of the GL4000 from Keller Kitchens. Keller has designed continental kitchen concepts and showcased them within the Black Label Collection: a range of kitchens with high-end styling and top-quality production.

Stainless steel not only offers durability and a practical, easy-to-clean finish, but can add a bold twist to any modern kitchen design. Therefore, this versatile material is fast becoming big news among trend-setting homeowners looking to make a statement with their kitchen design.

Food waste represents up to 35% of the total amount of household waste in the UK. As dustbin collection is reduced nationwide to encourage recycling, so the true benefits of waste disposal units can be presented to the ecologicallyconcerned customer.

Imperial Bathrooms’ ambitious new product development programme continues unabated with the launch of Plaza - a new, hand-crafted, hand-finished roll top cast iron bath. Designed for the discerning, this new double-ended model cleverly combines classic cast-iron elegance with contemporary design, and is an addition to the company’s hugely popular and comprehensive cast-iron bath range.

Danish craftsman Holger Nielsen designed the first Vipp pedal bin in 1939 for his wife’s hair dressing salon. The classic pedal bins from Vipp have been hand-made in Denmark ever since. The bins are available in six different sizes, suitable for both bathroom and kitchen, and in the colours white, black, crème and stainless steel, as well as a yearly Limited Edition colour.

New guidelines, published in the Defra ‘Water Efficiency in New Homes’ publication, are a clear indication that the nation cannot continue to use, and worse – to waste, water at our present levels. So Impulse Bathrooms has introduced its Tribune Suite with water saving 4.5/3 litre dual flush operation.

A texting service making it easier and quicker for sales staff to set up credit deals for their customers has been pioneered by leading independent finance company – Consumer Credit Solutions Ltd (CCS). CCS has introduced the service to give retailers instant access to the financial data necessary for providing individual credit quotations via an ordinary mobile phone while the customer waits.

In support of the curved drawer fronts available in its new Fusion high gloss painted & lacquered & Ancona timber shaker door ranges, East Coast have introduced 3 curved handles to its already extensive handle collection. Designed specifically to complement the 995mm wide curved fascia’s, all 3 designs are available in 736mm centres & are supported by a variety of standard size handles of the same design.

K Kitchens, the contemporary kitchen brand exclusive to distributor, PJH Group, has added a range of new kitchen fascias to its portfolio – the “Colour Collection”. Focussing on introducing new ‘mix and match’ colour schemes to the range, the first new design unveiled is the striking Urban Lime & Urban Aubergine kitchen.

The latest new design to be released in the Bella range from BA Components, the leading ‘made to measure’ vinyl wrapped door and component manufacturer was produced to coincide with the publication of their recently launched Trade price list & Product information guide.

Bradshaw Appliances are delighted to announce the exclusive UK launch of the stylish Italian Bertazzoni cooking range brand. Celebrating 125 years of appliance manufacture this year, Bertazzoni’s professional-performance ranges and range-tops are made in the Emilia-Romagna region, the food and cooking heartland of Italy.

Genna is a new range of monobloc mixers in high gloss chromium plate by Hudson Reed, with precision machined edges and flat planes that mirror the light. The proportions of Genna reflect a natural balance between the rectangular control handle, spout and tap body that creates a symmetrical design pleasing to the eye while being totally functional.

RAK Ceramics new Trilogy Collection has been designed to provide not just co-ordinated sanitaryware but brassware, tiling, mirrors and furniture - a real statement in styling and design for the bathroom.

Coram Showers has expanded its retail range, Acora, with the launch of a new, contemporary crescent shaped enclosure. The new Acora Crescent is a luxurious corner design, which has been specially created by Coram to offer a more stylish alternative to conventional space-enhancing shower enclosures.

This ingenious product was designed to give the user dishwashing support whilst they are cooking so that their kitchen is always tidy and spotless, ready for more action. Small loads such as glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils, pots and pans, can all be washed and dried in the appliance that fits inside the sink in considerably less time than a normal dishwasher.

Kronospan has bolstered its best-selling Kolorband collection available from January 2008 by adding a variety of new shades and finishes. Recently announcing the 2008/2009 portfolio of the company’s most popular products, the emphasis has been placed on providing a balance between refreshing the collection, while retaining the popular classics to ensure a continuity of service.

A natural, timeless flooring material traditionally associated with classic interiors, slate is becoming an increasingly popular partner for contemporary kitchen interiors. The recently introduced metallic slate from PWS is very much the modernist’s choice with its sleek, dark looks united with natural beauty.

With superb depth of colour and high print definition, the selection of woodgrains within the Prima range from Bushboard offers a fabulous alternative to solid wood worksurfaces. With its realistic surface finish, Prima woodgrains combine the best of both worlds – natural beauty with hygienic, easy to maintain quality.

Following last year’s successful launch of contemporary door range Linea, Coventry based shower manufacturer Showerlux, has announced that enclosures will be moving to 8mm glass. The transition from 6mm to 8mm is in response to increased consumer demand for a thicker premium-quality glass door which is competitively priced.

Satisfying the trend for seamless, modern looks within the kitchen, Bushboard’s laminate upstands offer an integrated design solution to neatly finish off the area between wall and worksurface. The addition of a 100mm laminate upstand gives a higher perceived design value to the kitchen, while at the same time offering a hygienic surface area.

Storage is no longer just a buzzword for kitchen manufacturers, it is possibly one the most fundamentally important aspects of the furniture design. Wirework cabinet interiors, shelving systems, pull-outs and special units offer unique storage solutions giving accessibility and visibility to the cabinet interior and its contents.

Gelson can provide a variety of shower curtains to suit individual decorative schemes. The elegant white-on-white Regency Stripe and Gelson’s classic white or creamy ivory textile curtains are expertly manufactured from soft woven polyester fibres treated with Proseal® to ensure maximum water repellence.

At just £134 RRP, complete with the all accessories, the Precision 150 from Carron Phoenix is a lot of sink for its incredibly keen price tag. And there’s no compromising on the quality because as with all Carron Phoenix sinks, the Precision 150 carries a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defect and so can be specified with absolute confidence for private domestic, contract and social housing projects.

The sink has traditionally been a less exciting product than other appliances in the kitchen like ovens, extractor fans and fridges and it’s time to close the gap. Many sinks are moving into a new era, to the level of style and functionality we believe the consumer is asking for. The sink will become more sophisticated in the future and will morph into a more streamlined and minimal object for the consumer to desire and ultimately buy.

Rieber’s Waterstation® Cubic Sink System features a bowl big enough to clean large pots and pans (540 x 332 x 180mm), but still easily fits a standard 600mm base. The most important feature is a second level in the main bowl, which enables the consumer to work with several GASTRONORM trays at once.

With a fresh modern design and capacious bowl size, the Zeta 100 stainless steel sink from Carron Phoenix offers a versatile kitchen sink for any kitchen setting. Measuring a roomy 450 x 420 x 180mm deep, the bowl size is the largest which can be fitted into a 600mm cabinet.

Offering a fresh take on the popular Geo sink, leading sink manufacturer Astracast introduces the latest from the Studio Collection: The Geo Sand. Prominent in its sandy yellow colouring the Geo Sand sink reflects the growing trend for the contemporary kitchen, where striking colour and statement designs are very much in vogue.

Reginox UK has made two additions to its immensely successful RF 500 range of contemporary stainless steel sinks. The new RF 505S and RF 506S are destined to appeal to customers seeking esoteric design within the kitchen and, as with all members of the RF 500 family, they feature a progressive angular finish with vertical sides and a flat-bottomed bowl.

Inspired by the popularity of its sleek and stylish range of undermount square bowls, the BLANCOCLARON iF concept features distinctive square bowls that will complement the most contemporary of kitchen designs, but without the need for the kitchen to feature a solid worktop. The simple lines of the sink belie the sophistication of the concept.

From Tewkesbury based Sterling comes the Profi Star undermount water-saving design. Designed by leading Swiss manufacturer Suter, the Profi Star is probably the most versatile undermount sink ever. It combines unique ‘stepped’ walls with a series of coordinated accessories.

Sink and taps are just as important as the furniture in a kitchen and the Pyramis Tetragon designs of brushed stainless steel sinks are contemporary and up to the minute. The stainless steel undermount range comprises a selection of combinations manufactured to stringent standards and guaranteed to stand up to the rigours of the busy household.

The Cubix sink offers a striking contemporary design with solid, practical appeal. Incorporating a large main bowl, handy second bowl and a deep drainer, the Cubix sink is ideal as a food preparation area of a washing up station.

The Kitchen Works from Armitage Shanks includes an extensive fireclay sink collection that offers durable, stylish and affordable solutions for the kitchen, with choices that include undermounted sinks for a clean minimalist style, the modern lines of a Ceramas sink, or the more traditional look of the classic Belfast sink (pictured).

The next generation steam oven is now here in the form of Neff’s new B8762 CircoSteam oven. This recent addition to Neff’s built in cooking range uses a combination of steam cooking and fan cooking to prepare meats, fish, vegetables, breads & desserts for genuine culinary expertise.

KitchenAid is extending its culinary expertise in the UK with the launch of premium built-in major domestic appliances. Stylish and simple to use, the range includes ovens, microwaves, cooktops, cooker hoods, refrigerators, and dishwashers. The 90cm STEP™ cooktop combines exceptional performance and perfect craftsmanship with innovative technology to create a hob product that will complement any kitchen and cooking style.

Following on from the recent successful launch of the A2RW-6 100cm ‘Opera’ Range Cooker in Red Wine, Smeg has added the red colourway to 90cm model A1RW-6. This fashionable yet understated colour blends in with a variety of kitchen designs from traditional wood through to contemporary laminates.

Vectaire is committed to ensuring that its range of cooker hoods give the best performances not only to comply with Building Regulation requirements, but also to creating a comfortable kitchen environment free of steam, condensation and unwelcome odours and keeping noise levels to a minimum.

Since Britannia launched its very first 110cm width range cooker in May, sales - as well as cooker widths – have been expanding. The 110cm XG is available across three of Britannia’s most prestigious designs – the Sigma, Dynasty and Classic, and has been prompted by demand amongst retailers and customers, primarily those in the replacement market.

Vibrant colours come and go, but for those who decide upon a more enduring colour scheme, cream exudes style and a sense of calm! Seen here is the MERCURY RC1090 range cooker in warm cream, which sits perfectly in its surroundings. This contemporary classic, which is available in a host of colours, is a perfect fusion of innovative design, detail, quality, and performance.

New from leading kitchen appliance manufacturer, Siemens is a stylish single built-in oven with a huge 60-litre capacity and electronic touch control for innovative cooking technology at your fingertips. The ten alternative cooking programmes on the HB770560B are all operated by touch control sensor technology using clever electronics to guide you through the selection process.

The hood is the last major kitchen appliance to make the leap from pure function to a key design feature. A leading name in Italy, Air Uno is famous for extractors which combine real design flair with high performance extraction.

Stoves new collection of premium built-in products, appropriately named Accolade, offers a full suite of alluring cooking appliances. With the increasing popularity of open-plan living and current trend for completely coordinated appliances, the new collection has been specifically designed to help create a streamlined look throughout the kitchen.

In the past when people imagined washstations and vanity units it was with the very clear perception that they were purely functional pieces of furniture. However, the more proactive of furniture manufacturers are becoming increasingly progressive in their designs, the result being a clear shift away from simple ‘square box’ cabinetry.

Mereway Bathrooms have the perfect wash station solution with their freestanding Synergy range. The focused collection of freestanding bathroom furniture combines cabinets, sinks and brassware. The ranges were all carefully selected and designed to allow bathroom retailers the flexibility to offer a versatile and contemporary range of stand alone units that require no real planning and are easy to install.

When it comes to adding style in the bathroom, Walnut continues to set the trend, so it is no surprise that tc bathrooms has released a number of new products in this stunning woodgrain. The latest additions to the Westwood range are a 750mm real walnut veneer vanity unit with basin and attractive mixer taps and matching wall cabinet with mirrored doors and co-ordinating base unit.

Ambiance Bain has added the sleek Quadra range to its contemporary bathroom furniture portfolio. Quadra pushes the boundaries of contemporary bathroom design without compromising on functionality. Quadra is available in a choice of four widths; 500mm, 700mm, 900mm and 1200mm, and a variety of finishes including Oak, Wenge, Zebrano and Makassar, a streaked effect chocolate coloured wood.

A quite distinctive collection of new bathroom furniture is being made available from Britain’s leading bathroom accessories distributor, HiB. The cabinet designs are sleek and geometrical finished in a combination of contrasting materials. The two primary finish choices offered are Walnut and Grey Oak.

In recent months we have noticed that the natural warmth of wood-style finishes has been creeping back into the bathroom.

Sourcing bathroom brassware is now a global business and in the twenty one years since we started we’ve seen the relative merit of different source countries change repeatedly. What was once a mecca for buyers - cheap taps from India and brassware from China are coming to an end now that the real cost of stocking and supporting these products is becoming evident to buyers.

Add the finishing touch a classicstyle bathroom with our Avensys Traditional thermostat. Featuring a ceramic-look lever for flow control and a capstan handle to manage temperature, the Avensys Traditional combines period charm with GROHE StarLight®

Continually venturing further into the design and innovation of kitchen sinks and taps, Astracast has added a unique new range to the Studio Collection. The Ariel colour match tap is manufactured from chrome with Volcano Black trim around the spout and handle.

Inspired by the spirit of the big city, Axor Citterio M is the latest bathroom collection from Hansgrohe, designed by Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio (with colleague Toan Nguyen).

The new Thesis brassware range from Roca offers a stylish tap series that combines functionality, water efficiency and cutting edge design. Designed by Antonio Bullo, Thesis is all about the art of contrast. Combining rounded curves and clean straight lines, the overall block shape contrasts perfectly with the slender and slim line features that run through the range.

A‘Designer’ bathroom is an overplayed and often inappropriate term used by manufacturers and retailers when trying to promote their wares and so it is refreshing when a manufacturer really does have truly celebrated designers working alongside it on its product portfolio.

Abode SWICH, an innovative new product which will convert any kitchen mixer, new or old, into a filter water tap to improve the overall taste, smell and appearance of drinking water. SWICH is simple, quick and easy to fit utilising the latest Abode ‘push fit’ pipe technology.

Combining classic themes with a contemporary twist, the Alvero from Crosswater offers sophisticated brassware with original styling. The smooth, gentle curve of the spout gives a streamlined profile and the traditional crossheaddesign controls add a modern, geometric element.

Hudson Reed announces Kristal, a new range of bathroom brassware with matching shower options. Produced in high gloss chrome plate, Kristal features a minimalist tubular theme with practical quarter turn crosshead water controls; achieving the combination of form and function that is the hallmark of good design.

With a worldwide reputation for manufacturing the finest taps and mixers you can buy, you can’t choose a better name than Francis Pegler. The current range offers a complete cross sectional approach in pricing, style and design, from traditional and modern styles like Sequel and Signia, through to the exciting and new minimalist designs of Xia.

Allure is part of Grohe’s ‘Sensual Minimalism’ collection with its purist design approach that concentrates on subtle and refined detail. A pared down design with graceful lines, Allure makes a confident design statement. There is a choice of two basin tap designs, a single lever mixer with flat rectangular lever or a two handled model with three spoke handle – ensuring that Allure is compatible with all bathroom lifestyle looks.

With what is believed to be an industry first, Hudson Reed launches wall mounted thermostatic mixer taps as part of the successful Tec Crosshead brassware range.

For the purists and modern traditionalists alike, the Shannon tap from Carron Phoenix offers classic styling and good old fashioned charm. It fits perfectly with the trend for mixing old and new within the home for the feel-good factor of nostalgia.

Mayfair Taps and Showers, a leading manufacturer and distributor of taps and Showers in the UK, has launched two new ranges within its New Trends collection. Although summer is now firmly behind us, the new Loli and Stic ranges (pictured) are inspired from a cool ice lolly stick and are set to heat up the cold winter.

With customers increasingly demanding different and unique showering experiences, Aspirante by Triton has unveiled its latest Italian inspired Sorgente mixer shower collection with, in a first for Aspirante, coordinating bath and basin taps, to offer a complete luxurious spa aesthetic for any discerning modern bathroom.

Just Taps Plus, a leading national supplier and distributor of taps and bathroom accessories would like to present Kubix, one of its most popular ranges.

Consumers are increasingly looking for brassware to add a touch of class to their bathroom with taps and mixers that are both stylish and come with a range of co-ordinated accessories. The Pixel range from YUKKA does just this.

Chartley Ltd, Staffordshire based supplier of premium brassware and accessories to the bathroom industry, has been inundated with display orders for their new Stone range from retailers across the UK.

We’ve come a long way since the first self cleaning oven was introduced in the 1960’s...

The AquaCycle 900® is an innovative indoor water recycling system that takes water from the shower, bath and sink, and recycles it for use flushing the toilet, cleaning the house, washing clothes and watering the garden. It is the only system on the market that provides a purely mechanical-biological way of cleaning water, without the use of chemicals.

The Grohtherm wireless is a brilliant digital system that enables the user to select and start the perfect thermostatically controlled shower from anywhere in the home. Combinations of temperature and spray-force are simply and easily programmed into the main control unit and then can be reselected directly or by means of a remote control.

The launch of Hüppe UK early in 2007 preceded the launch of the highly successful 501 Design range and the addition of new Walk-In, Walk- Through and U shaped enclosures to the flagship Studio M range.

Häfele’s kitchens portfolio is probably the largest from a single source in the UK markeplace and extends from connecting fittings and components to cookers and white goods, encompassing everything between. The same is not perhaps quite true of bathrooms … yet!

Kaldewei introduces six new colours especially for their 3.5mm steel enamel floor-level shower trays. Installing a shower tray flush to the floor not only looks visually appealing but is also highly practical as it allows safe and easy access for all the family. Fifty models of Kaldewei floor-level shower trays are now available in the fashionable colours of beige, light brown, dark brown, chestnut, greenbrown and anthracite. This makes it possible to achieve a perfect match between the shower tray and a wide variety of flooring materials – from tiles in all possible shades and structures to modern wooden flooring.

Pressalit of Denmark, one of Europe’s premier manufacturers of toilet seats, has introduced an element of fun and innovation to this essentially prosaic product through its establishment of ‘Art Gallery’.

JADO, a leading provider of exclusive and luxurious designer bath and kitchen products, has unveiled its new range of bathroom fittings and accessories further reinforcing its position amongst interior designers and consumers as the exclusive, top-end brassware brand.

Ideal Standard, a leading provider of innovative, design driven bathroom and kitchen solutions has developed the world’s first bathroom product to integrate a range of wellness needs into one home bathroom unit.

Combimate, the domestic scale prevention system from Cistermiser, not only eliminates hard water limescale from forming, it also protects against aggressive soft water corroding plumbing and heating systems and appliances.

Blue Moon is an attractive deep pool for indoor and outdoor use that allows the user to move around freely and bathe in weightless buoyancy. Wellbeing additions include choice of whirlpool systems and coloured mood lighting, while ease of access makes the pool suitable for all ages.

Combining eye-catching designer style with exceptional performance and choice, the launch of the new Accolade from Stoves built-in hob collection is set to move the brand into the premium market with its most comprehensive, quality range of products to date.

Due to the increasing popularity of the eyecatching aesthetics range cookers offer, Stoves has launched a brand new dual fuel mini version of its popular Richmond range cooker collection. The new Richmond mini range cooker offers retailers a stylish new option for the range cooker customer with limited kitchen space. The Richmond mini range cooker is available in classic champagne and black finishes and features the much sought after looks and sophisticated functions of a classic range cooker.

Set to drive refrigeration specialists Lec into the premium sector is the launch of ‘Quartz by Lec’, a new collection of premium refrigeration offering consumers a range of high quality products full of the latest in cooling technology with a stylish and functional design. Mirroring some of the types of precious stones of its namesake ‘Quartz’, this collection comes in a choice of Onyx (high gloss black), and Platinum (Stainless Steel) finishes. With three high specification, A-energy rated, models to choose from – a larder refrigerator, frost free freezer and combination fridge freezer.

PELICAN is just one range of products from the inspirational Italian Collection from Shires. Pelican is a beautifully crafted ultra modern range of sanitaryware available in white or in fabulous dual colours of white with black, blue, green and yellow.

Kermi have launched GIA XP at the top of their range of minimalist shower enclosures. A brilliant piece of Kermi engineering (Patent pending) allows the profiles to be fitted from outside the enclosure without the need for the fitter to keep climbing inside.

The best of 2007 for Mereway Kitchens was the launch of their Futura handleless range. As the first independent UK manufacturer to introduce a handleless range to the British market, Mereway Kitchens Futura collection has been a big hit with retailers, developers and architects alike.

Mereway Bathrooms have made a huge impression this year. 2007 saw the introduction of a wide range of new products, including their collection of freestanding furniture and associated products. The ranges were all carefully selected and designed to support the bathroom retailer and further increase Mereway’s share of the bathroom furniture market.

A new remote control shower, Trevi Logical - combining eye-catching design, precision engineering and innovation has taken showering into the digital arena.

Cabinet Vision’s Jobsite Companion allows the user to collect and store on-site data easily, accurately and quickly. Running on a PDA device, Jobsite Companion enables bathroom and kitchen manufacturers to input furniture/room dimensions on site, take notes, mark electrical locations and attach digital photographs. The data can then be fed directly to their Cabinet Vision design and CNC manufacturing programs.

Rangemaster is excited to be the first appliance manufacturer to launch the first ever built-in range cooker - Freestyle. This truly innovative product is designed to offer all the functionality features of a range cooker combined with the clean lines and the modern look of a built-in with the added benefit of being able to place the hob anywhere within the kitchen.

Marked by understated design with functionality, the collection offers a total bathroom solution including WCs with close coupled, back-to-wall and wall-hung suites, which all have a soft-closing seat option that uses a special hinge system to lower the seat and lid slowly and reduce ‘seat-slamming’.

Designed specifically for bathrooms where space is an issue, RAK Ceramics “Compact Collection” is a real winner in the space saving stakes. Available in both regular size or cloakroom slim line it comes complete with one of the smallest WC’s on the market. RAK’s close coupled WC is truly slim line measuring a mere 62cms from the wall.

This year VitrA has unveiled collaborations with a number of leading names from the design world, including Ross Lovegrove and Matteo Thun, expanding the brand’s product portfolio and further highlighting its design integrity.

The GROHE Rainshower® with its GROHE Dreamspray® technology offers both a complete shower system and a collection of head and hand showers that guarantee the ultimate showering experience. Stimulating and refreshing rain spray comes from a choice of 160mm, 210mm head showers or the breathtaking 400mm ’Jumbo’ version with its incredible 252 nozzles.

Which would you choose – the relaxation of a bath or the convenience of a shower? Now you can have both, thanks to Eurocare Showers. The Doncaster-based accessible bathing and showering manufacturer has introduced two new products that deliver ‘the utmost in stylish living’ to its popular bathing range.

According to research recently carried out by the KBSA, more people purchased their new bathroom from a specialist retailer than any other source. 34% of people interviewed at the Grand Designs Exhibition held in Birmingham had chosen this option as oppose to a DIY shed, plumbers merchant or other option if they installed a new bathroom within the last five years.

Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, has appointed Stuart Kirkpatrick as Regional Sales Manager for the south. Stuart joins Reginox following seven years as Regional Sales Territory Manager for James Theobold Ltd, and he has also worked for Spring Ram Kitchens and Crosby Kitchens. His brief at Reginox is to develop business through targeting southern-based kitchen distributors, manufacturers and developers, whilst also focusing on the company’s existing retail and wholesale customers.

Roca is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Davis to the position of Specification Manager. Neil will be covering the London and M25 area and is responsible for creating awareness of the Roca brand and product range amongst architects and designers, as well as proactively seeking specification opportunities.

Kronospan’s commitment to greener practices has been recognised at the prestigious Wales Business and Sustainability Award when the world’s largest wood-based panel producer and user of recycled fibre won the Resource Efficiency in Business category with particular mention made to its dedication to recycling, high rates of waste recovery and reduction in carbon emissions at its site in Chirk.

25 October 2007: After benchmarking range of software solutions, Wolverhampton-based Chamois Eco- Kitchens has ordered more than 50 seats of Easyquote’s leading business management system for the KBB industry – in order to increase efficiency throughout the company.

Upmarket retailers opening in an upmarket location need an upmarket brand to match. That’s the story behind the selection of Pronorm as the solus brand for the new 1,600 sq ft showroom recently opened by EKCO in the smart Stocksbridge area of Edinburgh.

Nigel Harston has joined leading ‘made to measure’ vinyl wrapping door and component manufacturer BA Components as Sales Manager in the North and Scotland.

The 2007 Bathroom Conference took place on 30 October 2007 at the Oxford Belfry and reports indicate that it was a resounding success. There’s no doubt that the annual event is growing in size and popularity. Delegate numbers were up by a third from the 2006 to 161 this year with attendees representing a good cross sector of the Bathroom Industry from manufacturers, distributors, retailers, designers, consultants and both trade and consumer media.

It may seem unlikely that Tim Henman and Nigel Denning of Ideal Bathrooms would have anything in common. However, not only have both recently announced their retirement, but both play each year at Wimbledon.

Recent statistics from Ideal Bathrooms - the UK’s number one national distributor of branded bathroom products - have revealed a surge in the large showers sector of the market. Over the last year they have seen an increase in large shower sales of over 400%.

Kitchen designers are increasingly using Parapan® when designing contemporary, high-gloss kitchens. All the finalists from the Kitchen Designer of the Year category in Designer Magazine’s Design Awards for 2007 are already specifying Parapan®.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA) has won the Domestic & General’s prestigious Total Excellence and Quality Award (TEQ) for the third time in a row, securing its position as the only UK based home appliances manufacturer to retain the high profile title for three consecutive years.

PWS have appointed Mervyn Jones as Supply Chain Manager. This key appointment comes at a time of significant growth and expansion at PWS. Formerly purchasing director at Gower Furniture Mervyn has a wealth of experience in procurement matched with in-depth industry knowledge. Comments Martin Elgood, MD at PWS, ‘On the back of a record sales year, it’s an exciting time for Mervyn to strengthen the management team at PWS.

Matt Canavan has joined leading Vinyl wrapping door and component manufacturer BA Components as Sales Manager for Ireland, and brings a wealth of experience to the role having spent more than thirty years in this marketplace.

Modern house building techniques are using more factory-assembled units or modules, to shorten construction times and reduce costs. This trend is increasing bringing with it the challenge of having to bond tiles to a range of dry lining partition wall systems and proprietary composite joist and board overlay products for floors.

Continued major growth over the past year at East Coast Fitting has resulted in a number of new appointments being made. From left to right, Simon Noble joins as Communications Manager with responsibility for IT and the development of IT marketing solutions; Martin Lander joins as Area Sales Representative responsible for Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, N. London & Wiltshire;

International bathroom brand VitrA has strengthened its contract team in the shape of Ian Pearson, who has been appointed as the company’s northern contracts manager. Pearson joins VitrA from Porcelanosa where he worked for nine years, building his way up to north east area sales manager. Pearson brings to VitrA an in-depth knowledge of architects and housebuilders and his role will focus on developing relationships with national companies based in the north of England.

The success of Harrogate-based Specialist Tiling Products’ (STP) two best sellers, Mira X-Plan and Stonefix, has helped seal a record year for the company and not only has 2007 seen STP take on extra staff to cope with demand, but it has also finalised plans to move to larger, purpose-built premises early next year.

Keller Kitchens has expanded an already impressive number of showrooms in the UK with a brand new retailer, ColeRoberts Ltd, and a debut showroom in Loughborough. With a dedicated space of 1200 sq ft and housing seven large displays, Keller possesses a prominent position to showcase a stunning collection of contemporary kitchens.

Plumbing Imports has announced the acquisition of bathroom distribution business Wilky Bathrooms. Wilky Bathrooms was formed in the early 1980’s and supplies prestige brands such as Villeroy & Boch direct to housebuilders and developers from its operation in Farnborough Hants.

October proved to be a special month at leading door and component manufacturer BA Components, not only because they achieved record monthly sales, but also because they were able to mark a very special milestone for some loyal BA employees.

Crosswater has relocated to a brand new 65,000 sq ft, multi-operational site. The complex in Crossways, Kent is the company’s group headquarters which features a stunning showroom, conference and training facilities.

Leading door and component manufacturer BA Components regard their relationship with the community in their home town of Cookstown very highly. BA continues where possible to contribute to the community by getting involved in local charitable initiatives and community events.

The Autumn issue of FUSION , Allied's quarterly magazine, is now available and features 2 new product launches. “Firstly, I am really delighted to announce that we now stock a stunning selection of range cookers from Lofra, the leading Italian appliance manufacturer”, says Jeff King, Allied's Sales & Marketing Director. “These appliances are not only contemporary in design, but also feature state of the art technology with exceptional functionality. This provides our retailers and their customers with really innovative cooking solutions.”

Impulse Bathrooms has launched a brand new consumer brochure showing its latest bathroom ranges. The Impulse Bathrooms brochure is certainly designed to appeal to the consumer with 52 pages showing the full range of suites in room settings, together with drawings, sizes and retail guideline prices. It steps away from the typical A4 size brochure to provide the ideal format to show the suites to their best advantage.