Bemis Manufacturing Company, the world's leader in toilet seats, is unveiling a seat with a unique smart lift easy clean design new to the UK market.

A brand new adjustable bypass valve has been launched by Altecnic for use in central heating systems. The eres valve is designed to prevent the pump from working against a closed circuit when all the control or thermostatic radiator valves are closed.

The new Esmai range from Roca combines the ease and convenience of single lever brassware with advanced technology and simple, contemporary design. Esmai has a geometric form with a cylindrical rounded body offset by an angular and tapered spout and lever. Its clean simplicity makes Esmai a versatile option for contemporary bathrooms.

Monica is a brand new contemporary bathroom suite from Impulse Bathrooms. Beautifully simple styling with angular, clean cut lines it is remarkably compact and has water saving benefits which will make it a popular choice for those who consider the environment.

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.

Latest bathrooms trends show that on the whole, basins are being chosen as the focal point of a bathroom – a hero product, chosen for impact as well as practicality. Combining this trend with the growing demand for storage solutions, Roca has developed a new range of coordinating basins and furniture called Stratum.

HiB, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of quality bathroom products, have added to their successful mirror range a new original design, “Volta”. Volta is the first back-lit mirror in a “landscape” design to be included in HiB’s collection.

Chemique Adhesives and Sealants Ltd, pioneers in the development of solvent free polyurethane adhesives have just launched their new range of Honeycomb clear panel adhesives, perfect for the latest in bathroom design.

Leading electrical manufacturer, Micromark launches Firehold, a new range of downlights that are fire and acoustic rated to maintain the integrity of the ceiling. Suitable for both residential and commercial premises, the new range also includes IP65 versions suitable for bathrooms.

A leading name in Italy, Air Uno is famous for extractors which combine real design flair with high performance extraction. Linear and sculptural, Air Uno extractors are the stylish choice for today’s ‘lifestyle’ kitchens, where every piece of equipment must have its own design values. Although the collection has a high-end specification, the designs are very well priced.

Swiss manufacturer Peka has developed new drawer concepts which are not only a design statement but provide the user with an easy to use system for kitchen islands or partition systems. Voted a winner by an international jury of designers this year, the Riverso two-way sided drawer can be opened from either side and the drawer front is held in place by the mechanism. While one side is open and in use, the other drawer front remains closed as an overlay application.

With the arrival of the LC8K950B, leading kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is introducing a totally new concept in extractor hood design. Model LC8K950B is striking in appearance: instead of a traditional horizontal canopy, this extractor boasts a trend setting angled glass canopy design to ensure that it soon becomes the focal point of any new kitchen installation.

Convenient, healthy and kinder to the environment – let the Franke Little Butler 2000 cold filtered and hot water tap ease the pressure in the kitchen. On-demand hot water taps are obvious time-savers in the kitchen but few consumers realise that they are energy-savers too. Once the water is 88ºc, the Franke Little Butler 2000 keeps it hot via its super-efficient insulation, meaning it uses a fraction of the energy of a regular kettle which heats from cold every time.

Badea bathroom furniture from Bauformat. German rigid bathroom furniture delivered to your warehouse within 28 days.

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.

Ergonomic solutions of outstanding quality are at the heart of every Franke product range; and the Franke Lira Basket Strainer Waste is a prime example of innovation. Available with most Franke sinks with 31/2” wastes, the stainless steel basket strainer waste collects food and debris which may clog and damage pipework, while letting liquids pass through, enabling the consumer to simply empty the plug into the bin.

Creating unique range of height adjustable baths, a major consideration was to design the baths to look and operate as closely as possible to an ordinary bath so that Aquanova baths are filled with water prior to use. The baths divide into four categories:

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.

Quietly effective yet beautifully designed, Lux Air’s range of designer Italian cooker hoods and islands make the ultimate statement in the kitchen.

Lorna Fellowes, managing director of Triton Showers, comments on the where the showering market is heading in 2008:

As Triton celebrates 30 years of its best selling T80 collection, the addition of the striking new T80xr Chrome and T80xr Satin/Chrome electric showers look set to expand its popular appeal even further.

Matki Showering is a name synonymous with style, innovation and quality. Outstanding design and exceptional craftsmanship form the essential components on which every Matki shower is created. The collection comprises a comprehensive range of showering products from enclosures, surrounds, bath screens and trays through to industry leading thermostatic mixers and brassware.

Make a splash with ‘aquabatix’, a comprehensive range of electric showers from electric heating market leader Dimplex, offering a choice of 10 shower options in four styles – from entry level to high performance models.

The Classic single slider shower enclosure from Simpsons combines quality craftsmanship, superior style and easy access. The high standard of manufacture is demonstrated in every element of the Classic single slider.

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%.

The new Saniku Duo provides the ultimate in flexibility, offering a bath and optional shower enclosure in one. Designed to provide easy access, the inward opening door is simple to operate and closes automatically with an electronic safety latch, which cannot be opened again until the water has drained.

Shower specialists Redring are launching a thermostatic shower and suction pump package. The Selectronic Level Access Pump has been engineered to meet rapidly growing demand for wet rooms and care sector installations where level shower access is required and gravity drainage not possible.

For those with more traditional tastes, Sequel is the perfect choice. It’s antique cross head handles and ceramic detail are in the classic style of the Victorian era. Period fittings in chrome or goldline provide the flexibility to give the whole assembly original authentic styling. A co-ordinating luxury shower (Memento) completes the look.

The Walk-in Micro is an ideal solution for the smaller bathroom where space is at a premium. The Micro fits 2 sizes of tray, 750 x 900 or 800 x 900. The curved panel measures 720mm and the “flip” panel 390mm. Access is via the flip panel which rotates 260 degrees, allowing an entry width of 700mm. Equally at home on an HSK minimalist tray or direct on a wet room floor. Feature include:

With the Wetroom trend increasing more attention is placed on the shower screen: With an open minimal environment the screen must encompass the same aesthetic i.e.: heavy aluminium profiles are out.

Ellbee Ltd. has built a reputation as a first class manufacturer producing quality products for their customers at outstanding value. With over 50 years manufacturing experience, Ellbee Ltd. supply several ranges of shower enclosures to the bathroom industry, including own brand and OEM products, and their retail brand, Profile Plus, which is targeted at the mid market sector.

Waterfront Bathrooms have launched the second phase of their design collaboration with Kelly Hoppen, called KH2. Appropriately unveiled at 100% Design in Autumn, one of the star features of the stand was undoubtedly the wet-room showering suite.

Kermi have specifically designed the answer to saving space in smaller bathrooms enabling the use of a showering facility which may not previously have been possible. By combining a sliding and bi-fold door to form a corner entry in the budget Ibiza range Kermi uniquely provides solutions with a wide range of size combinations for corner installation from 750 to 1200mm.

Swedish manufacturer Tylö AB takes the ‘wellbeing’ of bathing to new heights with the ‘Felicity’ range of multi-purpose steam-showers, that occupy the same floor space as a conventional bath yet incorporating a circular or relaxing “rain therapy” full-width shower, six adjustable high-pressure invigorating massage nozzles, a cascade waterfall and steam-room all in one unit. It even has an addition thermostatically controlled hand-held shower.

The new Progetto Ecoscape shower tray from Capital Marble Design combines sleek, ingenious contours with outstanding functionality. Made from porcelain it is designed with hygiene and safety in mind without compromising on style.

Tonax is Ideal Standard International’s latest innovative showering system collection combining functionality with innovation. For the first time a new material has been used to produce the shower cubicle which allows for more silent showering and retains 20% more steam than a traditional glass shower cubicle.

The Selecta Utopia Open Space is a frameless shower enclosure featuring a large corner entry for easy access. There is a stabilising bar which secures the fixed panel for extra rigidity and also acts as a towel rail. The large showering area allows for a luxurious shower experience in a contemporary, minimalist design and is also large enough to be used as a drying and dressing area.

Mira Showers has introduced an improved version of its popular Advance electric shower aimed at the growing domestic healthcare market and the ageing population.

Shower-baths from Häfele come with a pushbutton dual-flush economy cistern WC and elegant circular, pedestal mounted wash hand basin. Shower-baths are handed for convenience and the shower screen is built in. The combined shower unit occupies the circular part of the shell - ideal where space is at a premium.

With a myriad of chrome in the shower market, Chartley Ltd, which represents only the highest quality, design led brassware products, has brought in a stunning range of black and white shower heads, valves, body jets and accessories to complement their black and white brassware offer.

Galaxy puts an additional shine on shower sales with a new, strikingly stunning all chrome finish to the top selling Galaxy G2000LX all-in-one thermostatic power shower. Designed to impart a feeling of pure luxury to any bathroom, this stylish model features a slimline modern design, outstanding performance and superb co-ordinated accessories including a crystal clear soap dish.

Create a truly show stopping bathroom with Bristan’s new G-type Thermostatic Surface Mounted Shower Valve with Rigid Riser & Handset. Unique sliding handles operate temperature and flow via smooth glide controls; while it’s high quality thermostatic valve presents precision temperature control for comfort and safety.

Aqualux's Pura collection is a premium range of products that meets the consumer demand for high specification enclosures that are affordable and easy to maintain.

As the trend towards the ‘wet room’ look continues, tc bathrooms has introduced three new walk-in showers to its range. The three new designs; Orbit, Nova and Metro, have a contemporary look featuring frameless screens that create a ‘wet room’ type experience. The slimline shower tray available on all three ranges also completes the minimalistic look.

Vectaire’s new LuxVent Plus range of centrifugal shower fan kits with light extract steam and condensation directly from source through a longer length (up to 6m) of ducting. The kit is complete with all that is required for easy installation, including the choice of a chrome or white low voltage ceiling light/vent.

Coram Showers has launched the Acora Sliding Door enclosure, a contemporary, high performance design, which has been specially developed to create a large, lavish showering space.

Flair International, Ireland’s leading manufacturer of quality glass shower enclosures, introduces a highly versatile collection of shower trays that are both stylish and easy to install allowing you to create contemporary shower spaces in every property.

Despite influences from TV programmes where kitchens change from being a dull corner of the house into a vibrant hub, the British public has opted for the softer look which they know will not offend when it comes to everyday living or selling their homes.

With more and more homeowners looking for kitchen designs which reflect their individuality and own personal style, sales of special-sized doors have more than doubled over the past year alone. To help their customers meet this growing demand Burbidge has invested £150,000 in a brand new, high-tech moulding machine, which will allow for a greater range of timber bespoke doors at a lower cost than ever before.

From a gorgeous selection of both contemporary kitchens with a strong Italian influence to classic British designs, the Adam Furniture range of kitchen doors is one of a few British manufacturers producing quality products with prices to suit all budgets.

When is comes to matching quality carcasses with popular door styles, Mereway Kitchens have the solution. They offer robust, quality 19mm rigid carcasses with 8mm solid backs in a range of over 20 colour and finish options for complete colour co-ordinated interior and exterior units.

Curves for the compact kitchen Curved units look fabulous but many of the options need a large interior for maximum impact. However, when space is at a premium PWS’ small curved doors are the answer to bring shape into the kitchen.

With consumers now acutely aware of the wide variety of finishes available, it has become essential for manufacturers of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture to be able to offer a wide range of finishes. Where vinyls and foils are concerned this needs to incorporate the latest finishes and effects along with traditional surface designs to cover as many options as possible. The fact that increasingly more manufacturers understand this is confirmed by the continuing growth of David Clouting Ltd.

Quality products, good design and exceptional service are the watch words associated with the Bella Door range from leading bespoke ‘made to measure’ vinyl wrapped door and component manufacturer, BA Components.

The new Proline ED range from Pronorm offers an easy living look that sits comfortably in the design territory of trad-modern. Complementing Pronorm’s contemporary portfolio, it allows designers to appeal to consumers looking for modern rather than minimalism, while offering all the precision engineered quality of a rigid built German kitchen.

Feature Doors

Many options are available such as glazed or curved doors in both contemporary and classic styles within the new Kitchen Stori from Uform.

The success of the Pinnacle Door range, available exclusively from NESP, has been given further boost with the addition of a range of shaker style vinyl doors. The new range has taken inspiration from the clean simple lines of shaker, giving them a modern twist with five piece construction allowing greater flexibility & superiority over other shaker styles.

The new Inspirational Collection from Häfele is gloss lacquered in a range of bright, vibrant single colours to complement the broadest possible range of styles in cabinet furniture for kitchen, bedroom and bathrooms.

Ageless character and warm natural tones combine to create a timeless shaker style kitchen design – Portland.

The stunning centre piece in this kitchen is a curved island in mouth watering-lime Parapan, set against an almost seamless backdrop of black Parapan units that include a specially formed bottle storage area.

Clean lines and sleek surfaces are kitchen trends that are here to stay. To avoid the need for handles Parapan® have now introduced finger pulls to their design repertoire for kitchen doors and drawers. The raised back edge avoids the need for any additional panelling on the doors and drawers creating a seamless look, unbroken by handles.

The Fusion collection from East Coast consists of high gloss painted & lacquered solid colour doors, high gloss veneered wood grain doors, & aluminium framed doors which can be combined to create unique kitchen designs.

DK Distribution offer a quality range of high quality fitted kitchen carcasses has met with unqualified success. Construction and colour-co-ordination have been the keys to this.

According to Richard Partridge, Sigma 3’s Commercial Director, the key kitchen trend for 2008 will be the return of darker grained woods.

Marpatt plc, supplier of wooden kitchen doors and accessories, is delighted to announce the opening of it’s new purpose built warehouse and showroom facility open to trade visitors 9am -5.30pm Mon-Fri.

Traditional skills of cabinet makers at Scottwood of Nottingham, combine with 21st century technology to produce the finest bespoke fitted and freestanding furniture. Scottwood designers are widely renowned for creating many exclusive and unique pieces to make each individual kitchen, bathroom and study ‘extra special’. Our designers create a plethora of design innovations for each project keeping Scottwood at the forefront of ergonomic development and styling.

The growing sophistication of design software brings ever higher expectations from consumers. As a result, retailers are under constant pressure to maximise the effectiveness of their system investments. Experience can undoubtedly play a significant role, however effective and targeted training must also be a part of the equation if tangible benefits are to be achieved.

ARCON 3D software, part of the Eleco group, has released its 3D Architect range of software. 3D Architect will now supersede the widely used Arcon+ range, providing a comprehensive range of planning software options for the retailer, selfbuilder, interior designer and architectural market.

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the quality of your designs can be a major factor in whether a client decides to place business with you rather than one of your competitors. Planit International – the UK’s leading developer of advanced design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets – is committed to helping its customers maximise the potential of its CAD system.

"CARAT is an impressive solution for kitchen designers, saving time and money.” states Joe Flood, Managing Director of CARAT.

SuperView21plus Gold design package from M’n’G designs Ltd provides the features a retailer needs at an affordable price. With dimensioned scale plans and quality interactive 3Ds you can easily produce superb presentations containing all the information you, your business and your clients need.

Virtual Worlds has just launched its new Kitchens catalogue with thousands of up-to date new models of units, special worktop, splashback and upstand shapes and a wealth of the latest textures for doors and worktops. The company is also about to launch new tile manufacturer catalogues from Candy, Vitra, Bisazza, CTD, Villeroy & Boch and Porcelanosa making the system the most complete for showing everything that a client might want in their dream design.

VR kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design software makes things easy for you.

Splashbacks may not be the first thing to spring to mind considering a kitchen refurbishment, with larger more prominent pieces in the kitchen dominating design focus. However, splashbacks are a functional necessity, and so as the rest of the kitchen surges forward in design it is no surprise that splashbacks too are becoming more exciting in their aesthetics. Quite simply, when one is spending time and money on creating a ‘wow factor’ kitchen, it seems an oversight to scrimp on the finishing touches.

Caple’s range of glass splashbacks is designed to offer the practicality that a splashback should always provide, whilst enhancing the kitchen’s aesthetic with a touch of designer style. Offered in eight fashionable colours, Caple’s glass splashbacks perfectly complement any existing kitchen range, or indeed act as a focal point in the more neutral kitchen. With reflective options including Claret Burgundy, Chestnut Brown, Metallic grey, Biscuit beige and Ebony black, as well as matt white and matt dark grey, there truly is a splashback to suit every kitchen and taste.

Wenge and Walnut are often regarded as the exotic woods of choice, but Sapele strikes a harmonious balance on the spectrum between dark and light making it an appealing design alternative.

Volcanics – the revolutionary acrylic stone surface from LG HI-MACS® - is shown to superb effect in this high tech kitchen.

The UK’s leading branded worktop and accessories range, Axiom by Formica®, is extending its Solid Surfacing range with the introduction of matching upstands, splashbacks and breakfast bars. The growth of the collection allows designers and homeowners to co-ordinate their kitchen layout and create a perfectly seamless look.

Prestige contract order for new Duropal 60cm worktops. Laminates Ltd. decision to stock Duropal 60mm thick worktops has paid off with a prestigious contract order. Crosby Lend Lease’s Greenquarter apartments in Manchester are fitted with Poggenpohl kitchens. Poggenpohl’s group business development manager Ray Tollerfield selected Duropal 60mm thick worktops to give a luxury look that complements such high quality kitchens. Four Duropal decors, Glacial Stone, Anthracite, After Eight Maple and Brushed Aluminium were chosen to suit the kitchen style.

With a fabulous range of colours and manufactured from optical quality float glass up to 30mm thick, the new range of worktops and splash backs from Enigma Glass makes the ultimate statement in any kitchen.

The new Italian Marble design in Bushboard’s Prima collection is a fine example of how authentically laminate worksurfaces can replicate real marble and granite thanks to excellence in high print definition and gloss surface technology.

James Latham continues to have great success with its LG HI-MACS® Natural Acrylic Stone™ worktops, a versatile solid surface product that can be used with ease.

Pushing the boundary of surface technology is one of the key motivations behind Wilsonart’s success in today’s worktop market. Continuous research into new materials and colour trends provide the inspiration to create a laminate surface that not only looks good but also performs to the highest levels.

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke coloured glass splash-backs and wall coverings has recently moved production to the idyllic location of Priston Mill, near Bath.

The wide perception of bathroom distribution companies is often of sizable outfits catering for the mass market with middle of the road product. Thankfully, for the up market high street bathroom retailer, this is not the case. Luxury bathroom product distributors are available to supply an excellent range of specially chosen fixtures and fittings sourced from exclusive manufacturers which enable the retailer to deliver its customers a superb product range with a unique edge over its competitors.

Aquaplus Solutions will be returning for its 3rd consecutive year to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry’s leading trade exhibition KBB 2008 with a 168sqm stand, doubling on last years size and a stylish collection of bathroom brassware, ceramics and furniture oozing quality and inspirational design for which the company is renowned.

One of the UK’s leading distributors Allied has recently announced that it has added the Lofra range of Italian cookers to its impressive product portfolio. Lofra cookers come in three ranges - Professional, Curva or Maxima – all of which offer many time saving features and practical cooking functions.

James Latham is pleased to announce the availability of the new Kronospan Kolorband brochure. The portfolio features the highly successful range of coordinating products that link concept and creation for an unrivalled design solution.

PWS have extended their wirework storage portfolio with a new range of pantry pull-outs. Designed to take the strain out of everyday kitchen activities, these new basket variations offer a flexible approach to larder storage.

The White-Westinghouse range of ovens from Premium Appliance Brands is as much about style as it is about function. Available in black and stainless steel, the sleek finish can only be described as stunning.

This October, Ideal Bathrooms is launching Trade Secrets, a new quarterly communication which will be mailed to all customers. Trade Secrets will be a newsletter crammed full of special offers, display deals and new products for all Ideal Bathrooms’ customers.

It’s just two years since Ebor Equipment Ltd gained the sole importer and distributor rights in the UK and Ireland for CaesarStone. Ebor’s warehouse was remodelled to make room for the CaesarStone slabs.

Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix the leading national distributor of Bathroom, Kitchen and Heating products have recently launched their new BCG XL brand name and image.

As a welcome addition to it's ARLEY Ceramica range Robert Lee is proud to introduce K-One, with it's clean sharp lines and geometric simplicity. As well as the expected core range components of close coupled toilet suite, wall hung pan and bidet and two sizes of washbasins the range is further complimented with some stunning grey oak finish furniture to provide that totally bespoke look.

With no two bathrooms the same Yukka, a small independent distributor has built a reputation over the years for beautiful sanitaryware, showers, taps and bathroom furniture which can be chosen separately or combined to provide a sleek tailor made affordable solution which fits perfectly with the user’s lifestyle.

KBSA National Chair, Tony Nicholas announced a number of exciting developments at the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association corporate networking forum which was held at Ansty Hall in Coventry on November 15.

Roca is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Hawcroft to the position of Area Sales Manager for the North West of England. Emma has gained invaluable experience in the bathroom industry working within the retail sector for 5 years as Bathroom Specialist in a key showroom in the North West. The role was a management position and involved the selling and designing of high quality bathrooms.

PWS are pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Stirrat as Area Sales Manager for Scotland. Jim has joined PWS following a successful career with brand-leading appliance manufacturer BSH Group where he was area manager for the Neff portfolio. Prior to this Jim worked for Kenwood for 18 years.

Consumer Credit Solutions Ltd (CCS) – the sector’s leading independent finance provider – is now able to offer finance solutions for more niche products.

Johnson Tiles has announced the promotion of Karen Brindley to the management team as Head of Exports. In her new role, Karen is in charge of worldwide sales and Johnson Tiles’ global portfolio, including the management of overseas factories, Johnson Tiles’ distribution warehouse in the USA and the Middle East office in Dubai.

It's that time of year when we start full of good intentions and make our New Year's resolutions. The usual resolutions are eat less, drink less, smoke less, exercise more, and according to many polls, find a new career or job.

Adhesive and grouts are essential to any tiling project. The choice and suitability of the correct tile adhesives and grout depends upon the size and type of tile, the nature of the substrate and the conditions to which the tile installation will be subjected.

The TTA Awards are the Oscars of the tile industry. You don't have to be a TTA member to submit a nomination, win or be at the awards ceremony.