Impulse Bathrooms have invested in their own specialist brassware manufacturing facility and are launching five ranges of high quality taps and mixers to offer bathroom suppliers additional choices in complete bathrooms suites.  Timed to meet the rapidly growing demand for water saving, not exceeding a flow rate of 13 litres per minute, the range provides ample water for washing and bathing

URBAN introduce to the UK market a new solution 17" Widescreen Kitchen TV.   This high quality digital TV designed especially for Kitchens fits flush into a 500mm or larger wall cabinet.  Featuring both Digital (DVB-T) and Analogue functionality the Cabinet TV also includes MHEG-5 enabling full UK interactive services such as BBCi.

Created under the KORC (Kitchens Of Recycled Content) trademark from Milestone Design Ltd, WETCAB  represents the next massive leap forward in the future of kitchen units. Eco-friendly designed from 100% recycled materials and made to be totally waterproof to combat the problems of flood affected areas.

The seamlessly-formed TEN range from Simpsons offers ultra-contemporary minimalist shower enclosure solutions with inclusive and comprehensive design possibilities, ranging from recessed and freestanding options to the classically-popular corner installation.

June 2008 marked the 20th Birthday of Eurobath International Limited.  As with many companies, the onset of a milestone birthday gave us the opportunity for reflection! Many changes have taken place within Eurobath since we started trading 20 years ago as an importer and distributor of bathroom products from Europe, including baths. We feel that the Eurobath name no longer represents what we do as a manufacturer of brassware who sells products all over the world. As of the 1st August we are changing our name to VADO.

REHAU has introduced a new range of innovative edgebands which have the look and feel of genuine glass.  RAUKANTEX Vision has been developed in response to the trend towards using glass in kitchens providing manufacturers with a practical and cost effective new design option.

Carron Phoenix has launched its Essential Collection offering keenly-priced sink & tap packs with a minimum saving of £50 off the RRP compared to if the products were purchased separately.

France's most innovative kitchen makers, Hardy Inside, have come up trumps with their inspirational Madison design.

Pewter is the firm favourite for handle design and is rapidly becoming the most popular choice of material for classic and traditional kitchens.   Demand for solid pewter has grown in line with the consumer appeal for modern rustic interiors for which the pewter handle creates the perfect finishing touch.

Keeping cloakrooms clutter-free and en-suites in order, Bauhaus' clever new Box slim line vanity unit is slender yet big on style! Combining a compact sink with integral tap plinth, practical cabinet and indispensable mirror, complete with handy shelf, the new Box vanity is a mini space-maximising marvel.

Pilkington's has launched a striking collection of Glass and Metal Mosaics. Mosaics are growing in popularity as they provide a captivating focal point in any room and offer ideal design flexibility for smaller rooms owing to their light reflecting characteristics and the ability to create wall-to-floor applications to brighten and open up living spaces. Mosaics provide limitless possibilities and add three-dimensional textural quality to a wall when applied to curved forms like wet rooms and the latest in kitchen design.

Shaws of Darwen launch Pendle, a ‘British made' single bowl handcrafted fireclay sink with original weir overflow.  This sink has been launched in response to numerous requests for a lighter weight fireclay sink with finer lines for the domestic customer seeking a combination of contemporary design and traditional hand-built quality. 

Kingswood Kitchens - the new range - comes complete with a built-in pedigree.  Crown, renowned high quality kitchen manufacturers and our longest serving supplier, has created this brand new and up to the minute range for us,  which  is already receiving much acclaim", says Jeff King,  Allied Kingswood's Sales & Marketing Director. The range features 14 different door fronts from rich walnut to luxuriant oyster,  standing alongside the ever popular oak and beech.

Purmo has introduced a revolutionary new vertical panel radiator to the market - with a difference! The Vertical from Purmo has been designed using proven convection technology, which ensures a particularly high heat output in comparison to vertical decorative radiators. It stands alone in terms of product design, since the average vertical radiator is simply a horizontal radiator turned on its side - Purmo's Vertical is not. 

Following the huge success of its top selling Odessa Black Walnut kitchen, Burbidge has extended the range and introduced a Natural Oak version.  

Novatorre 8 is a chrome on brass accessory offer with concealed wall mounted fixings.  The contemporary look will suit the modern bathroom.  Easy on the eye and easy on the pocket.  The fifteen year guarantee highlights the company's confidence in the product quality.  There are a wide variety of sizes in towel rails, shelves and toilet roll holders ranging from £15 - £50 offering the consumer unparalleled choice  in a single range.

The timeless appeal of Cornwall, a new kitchen design from Keller, is designed to suit any home.   

The hand-made, non-fabricated solid surface ‘Versital®' can be made in practically any shape, size and colour. From satin ivory, emerald turquoise, silver, porcelain blue, dramatic red, jet black to high gloss sparkle, replicated lime stone, granite, marble - the choice is huge!  It gives a bathroom an individuality that looks stunning yet is practical and affordable.

Undermounted sinks are undoubtedly the most popular choice to achieve a streamlined, minimalist worktop. To meet demand, Franke has introduced a new one-and-a-half bowl model to its Professional Range of sinks and taps. The silky stainless steel construction of the CPX 160P is robust as well as stylish and its curved ergonomic design allows this spacious one-and-a-half bowl model to fit snugly within a 60cm wide cabinet, without compromising on capacity.

Formica Limited has introduced Lustre, an exceptional new texture, into its premium range of worktops; Axiom by Formica®. Unique to Axiom®, Lustre captures the translucent effect of natural quartz particles, emulating the look of softly polished luxury stone.

One of Britain's leading distributors to the kitchen industry, D K Distribution of Manchester are supplying an exciting new range of sink and tap designs including products from leading manufacturer Pyramis.

BLP UK Ltd showcased a brand new print on their cabinet doors at ZOW this year. The Noche Barone print design is a new digital print developed by Interprint, the digital print provides great attention to detail and allows more depth of effect in the décor.

The new Cromwell collection is the latest addition to an already extensive range of handles stocked by East Coast. Designed & manufactured exclusively for East Coast, Cromwell's styling coupled with the popular pewter effect finish makes it the ideal choice for both the traditional kitchen, & also the classic modern style kitchen currently in vogue. Suited to both natural timber & painted finish doors, the collection encompasses a range designs - from variations on the simple ‘D' handle through to designs featuring more distinctive detailing.

Following the launch of the re-branded Second Nature door brochure PWS has introduced a new suite of literature for the other key product areas of its extensive portfolio.  The three brochures present the collection of storage and lighting solutions, worksurfaces and handles, encompassing the new corporate branding and fresh new look.

FUSION, issue 6, from Allied Kingswood is now available. This summer issue covers the full story of the company's  new corporate image,  plus details and pictures of the much acclaimed  new Kingswood Kitchen range.  Jeff King, Allied Kingswood's Sales & Marketing Director says "I am really optimistic that this new range will provide our retailers with additional tools to help conquer the difficulties posed by the current economic climate." 

Leading British bathroom specialists HiB have published a superb new full colour 92-page brochure illustrating and detailing their entire range of products.

Leading bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG has launched the second revised edition of its retail and merchant price books since the rebrand to BCG XL from Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix. The price books contain all the information and pricing needed by merchants and retailers to ensure they have stocks replenished for their customers next day in most cases.

I wonder if Thomas Edison could have envisaged just how different the lighting market would be more than a century after his groundbreaking invention of the commercial incandescent light bulb in 1879.

Leading lighting supplier Sycamore Lighting has unveiled the innovative colour changing LED strip. Ideal for any contemporary environment, this creative product can be used in a variety of applications, such as under a kitchen plinth to create understated mood lighting. The LED colour changing strip boasts 7 different pre-set colours for the user to cycle through with the press of a button.

New LED lighting from Hafele opens up powerful application potential throughout the kitchens and bathrooms sector.

E-mood is an entirely new lighting concept that consists of seven modules offering task, orientation and atmospheric lighting, while also providing practical storage space and order in the bathroom. Created by designer Andreas Struppler, e-mood incorporates wall and ceiling lights, mirrors, cabinets, low storage walls and room dividers - all of which bathe the room in softly changing coloured lighting operated by an intelligent electronic control system.

Leading manufacturer of high quality furniture and kitchen lighting, Sensio Lighting, launches the LED Colour Changing Flexible Strip; a seven colour lighting system for the kitchen.

Bathroom lighting is becoming more and more sophisticated, but until now the choices of switching have been severely limited. (pull-cords, PIRs or outside switching). Sensorbility, has therefore developed the NEW Bathroom Switch controller, with Dimmer and Timer variants; thus allowing bathroom designers far more flexibility when it comes to lighting design and operation within bathrooms.

Europe's leading contemporary brand, Ideal Standard creates bathroom designs that integrate functionality with style, allowing everyone to express their own personal flair.

Ideal Standard combines practical and technical innovation with stylish design to create modern, contemporary, classic and traditional bathroom suites that fulfil the needs of the modern lifestyle, each comprehensive range offering complete versatility with a choice of styles and sizes to suit individual rooms, requirements and budgets.

Beautiful basins in both freestanding and semi countertop designs are available from Mereway Bathrooms and have been carefully selected to their core fitted and Synergy freestanding furniture ranges. 

The distinctively designed contemporary Echo range from Shires features organic shapes and imaginative curves, typical of up-market Italian design.  Oozing design and quality, each piece is individually crafted and includes wall hung and back-to-wall pans and bidets plus a striking close-coupled wc. 

The artistic flair and design prowess of the famous sculptor, collagist and caricaturist, Arnold Henry Bergier, is the primary source of inspiration for Bergier - the latest range of sanitaryware to be unveiled by leading British manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms.

Zest Bathrooms is now  the first retailer in the North West to offer the exclusive Antonio Lupi bathroom range.

Offering modern curves and a sleek contemporary design at affordable prices, RAK Ceramic's new Reserva suite allows you to relax in style. This stunning sanitaryware collection includes a beautiful comfortable 1700 x 800  bath and the option to choose between a softly curved close-coupled WC or a more minimalist but equally curvaceous back to wall WC both with soft close seats. There are also three choices of basin - a winged basin with handy shelf that has a white gloss pull out storage unit,  basin with half pedestal (pictured) or full pedestal.

Leading freestanding bath manufacturers Victoria & Albert are enjoying increased interest in their traditional range.  Sales of the latest model, the new double ended York bath, have been particularly impressive. Made from 100% QUARRYCAST, a rare volcanic limestone mixed with resin, the new model's 1750mm length assures its status as the perfect centrepiece for bathrooms large and small. 

The basin is increasingly being chosen as the key focal point of a bathroom and Roca has now introduced an extensive range of new countertop basins for 2008 with the aim of offering maximum choice.

Internationally recognised by awards for their comfort and style, Castello Luxury Baths have created a distinctive look and feel to enhance and complement your dream bathroom.

Geneva is a fresh new sanitaryware suite just launched by Tavistock this June.The new Geneva sanitaryware comprises a standard ceramic basin and pedestal, plus close coupled WC pan and cistern with soft close toilet seat.

Roca has introduced a new range of contemporary, square shaped basins to compliment its existing Senso range.  The new basin collection, named Senso Square, offers a modern and geometric look and was launched in direct response to a growing consumer demand for square shaped bathroom products.  

Kapello and Radius are two new suites manufactured by Impulse Bathrooms.

Three very different and new basin designs have been introduced by bathroom specialists HiB. The new basins - Kilo, Micro and Zepto - will augment HiB's Rialto range which was launched at KBB 2008.

Ideal Bathrooms Commercial Director Danielle Lillis considers the business opportunities resulting from age changes in the country's demographic profile.

Being the UK's number one distributor of branded bathroom products Ideal Bathrooms always has its eyes closely focused on the UK bathrooms market, spotting any market changes that will affect business for itself or its retailers.

Ideal Bathrooms famous Yellow Book, their quarterly comprehensive price guide, has been given a fresh new look together with an upgrading of its contents to assist product selection.

Kitchen appliances remain a very important part of the total kitchen purchase with the emphasis on design and style as well as function still very high on the customers' agenda.   Ten years ago appliances constituted around 20% of the value of the kitchen, but this has now increased by 50% of the kitchen value.

Extra consumer choice, the drive for new technology and coordinated design has had a profound effect on the market explains Jonathan Lim, Product Marketing Manager at Coolzone:

Coolzone, recognised as a leading refrigeration manufacturer, has announced a move into cooking appliances - with the focus on offering contemporary design and affordable value. The recent launch, held at Arsenal's Emirates stadium, saw Coolzone unveil 50 new products.

Adding to its already impressive portfolio of high performance cooking equipment, Italian kitchen appliance manufacturer Smeg announces the arrival of the SY4110 cooker, part of the new Symphony Collection.

If you love to cook, then you will love this stunning top-of-the-range double oven from Neff.  With two capacious oven cavities to choose from, model U1644 is the perfect centrepiece for any new kitchen.

With its sleek black glass styling, the latest cooker hood from Air Uno shows how you can combine high performance extraction with real design flair. The Pegaso cooker hood has four extraction speeds with touch control, automatic switch off and a filter cleaning warning.

Dimplex has extended its range of ‘ultimate' space saving heaters with the addition of hydronic models to its popular range of base unit fan heaters, allowing a choice for either an electric or a ‘wet' system.

With a shift in cooking patterns away from oven-based cookery, hobs are a growing area of the kitchen market - a demand that Air Uno's new Foster cooking appliances from Italy are set to fulfill.

A recent arrival from leading kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is a designer fridge freezer in high gloss white finish with silver sides and trims.

The iconic new range of fridge freezers from Sharp help keep food fresher for longer. With three different size models, each one has the unique plasma cluster ionization system which helps eliminate the build up of mould spores & bacteria. The innovative frost free hybrid cooling system combines the benefits of direct cooling & true fan cooling, chilling fresh produce quickly, preserving nutrients & reducing the drying effects of conventional fridges.

Adding a fresh sophistication to the white goods market, Servis has launched a new range of black appliances.  This much-awaited collection is a response to the growing demand from style-conscious consumers seeking appliances that combine both technology and chic design but provide an alternative to silver and white.  

Britannia is set to further enhance its growing reputation for innovative design and colour with its latest collection of range cookers in collaboration with Nina Campbell, one of the world's most famous and influential interior designers. 

The all new DD260 dishwasher from CDA is brimming with features to add pleasure and convenience to the life of the end user.  This dishwasher incorporates much new thinking and consists of two drawers, each of which holds a six place setting load and it's therefore ideal for the single person or couple as well as the busy family since there is no necessity to wait for twelve places to be loaded before it can be efficiently operated. 

The Combi Steam SL from V-ZUG provides health and wellbeing to its user through the function of cooking with steam. This Swiss precision engineered appliance adds a sophisticated and stylish touch to any kitchen.

MERCURY APPLIANCES have introduced another new colour for their very popular RC1090 range cooker. Cinnabar is a warm and vibrant colour, which reflects today's fashion trends for bold statements in the kitchen. As with all Mercury appliances the RC1090 is not just about good looks, it epitomises all that is best about British engineering, innovation and technology. 

Built-in models are increasing their market share mainly due to the number of new brands and product styles available; consumers have more choice than ever when building or re-furbishing fitted kitchens. Retailers and manufacturers are working harder to present products that have the right features and design to entice people to upgrade their kitchens.

The Title says it all! Esse, Britain's oldest and most innovative cast Iron cooker manufacturer, offer you the ‘Cat Enabled'.

Accolade

Known for style and outstanding functionality, Stoves now offers Accolade, a collection of over 70 stylish built-in products across a wide range of sizes and specifications.

Being cash rich and time poor has resulted in a desire for technology that helps make our busy lifestyles easier.  This trend has also found its way into the bathroom. However, there are practical benefits too. For example, we have seen dramatic growth in thermostatic showers - first as an ‘added value' trend but now more an issue of hygiene and safety.  In addition, precise thermostatic control helps reduce water and energy consumption.

Mira Showers is increasing its commitment to the environment with the launch of two great new eco-friendly showers.  Choose from the new Mira Minilite Eco which combines the Minilite with the eco benefits of a 6 lpm flow regulator or the new Mira Miniduo and Eco showerhead, which combines the Miniduo with the eco friendly Mira Eco showerhead. The Miniduo and Eco showerhead is available to house builders now and both will be available to house builders and consumers alike from Autumn 2008.

Kudos Showers has created an easy to install, risk free, yet cost effective solution to installing wet rooms, without compromising on the naturally chic wet room look, by bringing the walk-in shower tray to the wet room.

With its therapeutic benefits, steam is increasingly in demand for bathrooms and home spas. Steamomatic from Unique Automation offers a luxurious addition to bathrooms or customised shower cubicles.

Waterworld Solutions of Bury St. Edmunds continues to expand its comprehensive choice of stainless steel channel and tile-in drains for wetrooms and showers with the recent introduction of a range of wall-mounted models.

Introducing Showerstone the third-generation structural floor former that is self-supporting.  Very simple to install it halves fitting time. Budget pricing halves purchase costs. Extension pieces permit unlimited sizing by adding onto one, two or four sides. Only 22mm thick for a level- access floor and immensely strong.

Grohe recently launched the groundbreaking Rapido, a next generation concealed shower valve system, which combines flexible technology with perfect bathroom design. Developed along with professional installers, Rapido is a universal concealed shower solution, which offers premium comfort, safety and economy.

Leading shower manufacturer Triton has brought the very latest technology to the bathroom, with its flexible remote control mixer shower collection - ‘Satellites by Triton'.

The Spectra 475 hinged door shower enclosure combines innovative design with stunning good looks and practicality. The first enclosure to be highlighted in the contemporary new Spectra range, the signature clean lines, superb quality and outstanding performance of the Spectra 475 make it an asset in any bathroom.

The handsome new enclosure from leading Italian shower manufacturer Cesana is clearly a stylish solution for any modern bathroom.

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 and trays through to industry leading thermostatic mixers and brassware.

The Euphoria family of showers and accessories have been designed exclusively to co-ordinate with the complete collection of the Abode bathroom offering.  The portfolio contains a myriad of outstanding design pieces including the solid looking Euphoria Oval Mounted Thermostatic shower post.

Stuart Turner, the UK's number one manufacturer of domestic pressure boosting pumps, has launched the next generation of its Monsoon pumps for all water pressure boosting applications in the home. The new products are more compact, offering more flow and pressure with greater efficiency than previous versions.  They run cooler than before, prolonging their lifespan, and include new hoses with integral isolating valves and threaded connections on the pumps, making them easier to install and service. The new range is now in production and will be available from July 2008.

Pegler Yorkshire's impressive entry into the showering market has come with shower ranges offering a complete cross sectional approach in pricing, style and design - from new, low cost traditional and modern showers through to the exciting and new minimalist styling of Visio and Xia showering. The new product offering provides the opportunity for installers to benefit from designer product ranges consisting of matching taps, showers and accessories at affordable prices.

Since Aqualisa launched its digital technology just under a decade ago, hundreds of thousands have switched onto the benefits provided by a little black box; thermostatic temperatures, compatibility with all types of domestic plumbing system and a simple start/stop switch.  And now, thanks to an innovative accessory kit that is available for use with the concealed variant of Quartz Digital Shower, it is possible to combine both digital showering and bathing.

The new Vintage XL range of showerheads from Roca takes the showering experience to new levels.  With its minimal, industrial design and large dimensions, the series offers a dramatic rainfall-effect, creating a totally unique and stimulating showering experience. 

Niko introduces Sienna, a truly frameless shower enclosure, perfect for wet room installation, or with the Niko low line shower tray.

Aqualux is giving specifiers a helping hand to get ahead of the Governments 2013 ‘Lifetime Homes' initiative with its easy access collection of Modular Shower Panels.

For real installation flexibility and the neatest possible finish take a look at the new Jute and Fuse ceiling-fed twinline showers from Bristan's fast expanding ‘mini' valves range.

Specifically designed for hard water areas, Galaxy Showers has developed variants of two of their top selling instantaneous electric showers to help deal with the problems associated with limescale.

Mayfair Taps and Showers are launching a new collection of Thermostatic Showers. Exclusively available from Mayfair, the three new ranges match their most popular styles of taps and will perfectly complement any bathroom.

Vectaire's new LuxVent Plus range of powerful shower fan kits not only extract steam and condensation efficiently from source using a centrifugal fan fixed into ducting above the ceiling, they also gently light the shower cubicle. 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. 

UK manufacturer and market leader JT® is the home of innovative brands in the shower tray and deflector panel market and their innovation isn't just restricted to launching stunning products that make a statement.  JT®'s products are designed to fulfill the bathroom market's requirements - Whether it's about wanting a product that transforms a bathroom into a wetroom with the practicality of a shower or a product that is loved by installers because it's so easy to fit and has everything in the one pack.

Colour. Texture. Exotic. Metallic. Take your pick of any of these words as they sum up what's hot in the kitchen sector right now. In door frontals, the key look continues to centre on flat, plain gloss doors spanning the colour spectrum from black/brown tones through to the ever-popular vanilla and white. They deliver a crisp contemporary look, while offering a neutral canvas for designers to embellish with of the moment materials, textures or accent colours.

Champagne always goes down well and it's proving a favourite granite colour in the new Carron Phoenix Java 210 sink model. With its pale cream undertones and delicate flecks, Champagne offers a calm neutral that combines especially well with all shades of brown whether it be on worksurfaces or door frontals. With worksurface trends shifting firmly in favour of brown-based granites and exotic woodgrains, Champagne offers an excellent design complement.

With hot looks on the kitchen catwalk focussing on a mix of exotic woods and plain gloss doors, Pronorm's new combination of Nut Tobacco and Vanilla Gloss is exactly on trend for a sophisticated look. Fashionable and expensive-looking, this Classic Line duo rings in at just Price Group 1 making it ideal for lower value retail and contract projects.

The Italian inspired Cucina Colore collection by Mereway Kitchens is expanding its colour palette to bring the latest trends coming through from the continent.  Introducing 3 exciting new silk finish door colours; soft, neutral Light Grey, a deeper grey Graphite and striking Burnt Orange, these three exciting new tones are available from the end of August in both Futura handleless and Lastra slab doors ranges.

Burbidge is adding four fabulous new finishes to its Lansdowne Painted Oak range - White, Aubergine, Chilli Red and Black - all designed to inject vibrancy and dramatic colour into the popular Shaker kitchen.

Responding to the trend for more colour in the bathroom Kermi have introduced a full palette of 21 colours covering all their Shower Enclosure profiles and Design Radiators.

The ‘Life' range follows research into how kitchens are evolving in design and the way they are used. The combination of Microban antibacterial protection and the five breathtaking colours of ‘Life', Red Vital, Green Fun, Orange Cool, Yellow Dream and Blue Enjoy, allow trend-setting consumers to personalise their kitchen in a distinctive, functional and hygienic style. 

Consumers can enjoy a carnival of lights and create a truly spectacular showering experience with the exotic new Rio shower head from Crosswater. Embracing the wellness-enhancing effects of chromotherapy principles, which use coloured lights to rejuvenate or relax, the ultra-thin Rio fixed head provides a spectrum of stunning colour effects that provides invigoration in the morning or a soothing shower by night.

Omega's Olivewood laminate worksurface meets the design trend for exotic woods full-on, without the eye-popping price tag associated with precious hardwoods. High print definition gives the design a truly realistic colouring and accuracy of woodgrain reproduction. This is further enhanced by the innovative new ultramatt texture which cleverly retracts the light giving an even colour tone, while offering the tactile appeal of freshly sanded wood.

Add a burst of hot red to your kitchen with Baumatic's new Tango hood from the Dance Partners Collection...

Humans have always been fascinated by colour. In paintings, in houses, in fashion, we use it to express ourselves and define who we are. For practitioners of Colour Therapy this interest goes even deeper, since their treatment is based on the theory that individual colours relate to certain moods, and they use colour and light to remedy the emotional needs of their clients.

Stoves range cookers exude sophistication and now come in an impressive range of colours, styles and fuel options to fit any kitchen...and suit any trend!

The KBSA has announced that Graham Ball will take on the role of CEO  after having acted as a consultant for the last eight months.  Outgoing National Chair Tony Nicholas made the announcement at the national members' conference.

Brian Woods, the founder of Sinks & Things Ltd, has died at the age of 71 following a long and bravely borne illness.

"Allied Kingswood is the new corporate image for Allied, reflecting the two names we are synonymous with", says Sarena Joseph, the Company's Chairman.  Along with the name change also comes a new and modernised logo, being a contemporary and softer take on the familiar ‘A' style logo. This not only provides a new corporate brand "Allied Kingswood" but also a new sub-brand "Kingswood".

After receiving numerous international design awards, Aventos, the new line of lift systems developed by fittings manufacturer Blum, has also been nominated for the 2009 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. Not just any old product can be submitted for the award. The German Ministry of Economy and Technology pre-selects products whose outstanding design has attracted international attention.

BCG appoints new managing director. Leading bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG, announces the appointment of its new Managing Director, Chris Honer. Chris is promoted from the position of Sales Director for BCG, which he has held for over three years. Chris's primary responsibility and key focus in his new role will be to develop the next phase of the BCG business strategy.

The BCG XL Big Tour will be rolling into seven major sports stadiums during September, bringing over 23 of the bathroom and kitchen industry's biggest names to a city near you. The free trade show will bring with it exciting new products, the opportunity to meet suppliers easily and informally and exclusive show offers, along with more fun aspects - like free stadium tours and the chance to win prizes.

Stevens & Jubb, the British bath manufacturer (a division of Reva Industries) has appointed a national network of sales representatives. Led by industry specialists, the new eight-strong team will work with independent bathroom retailers throughout the country, to promote Stevens & Jubb's new ‘Comfort' range of baths. Several retailers have already been selected to supply the Comfort range and additional appointments will be announced in the coming months.

October may seem a long way off, but it's all go at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) in preparation for 2008 Annual Bathroom Industry Conference, set to take place on 14 October at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, Meriden, Warwickshire.

A top plumbing equipment manufacturer has announced a £6m investment more than doubling the size of its facilities in Staffordshire. Altecnic will move from its current premises at Hixon in Staffordshire to a purpose built 80,000sq ft facility at Mustang Drive in Stafford, creating new jobs in the process.

Mereway Bathrooms have continued to see year on year growth in both sales and number of products, and RAK Ceramics have contributed to this growth and success with the supply of their ceramicware, building  a strong relationship between the two companies.

Gearing up to the launch of its £10m dedicated granite manufacturing plant, PWS has enhanced its template and fit service to satisfy the growing demand for its bespoke worksurfaces.

Formica Limited is pleased to announce that Chris Rixton has been appointed Axiom® Business Development Manager.  He is responsible for the development of Axiom by Formica® in the UK.  Additionally, Chris serves as liaison between kitchen studios and Formica Limited and is a key source of information on emerging trends in the consumer marketplace.  He assisted in the development of the recent Axiom range refresh, unveiled at KBB in March 2008, which includes the introduction of three exciting new textures into the Axiom range: Lustre, Riverwash, and Finewood.

The Crosswater and Bauhaus bathroom duo has appointed Andy Phillips to handle sales for both brands for the East and West Midlands region. Having worked for Bisazza, Andy is relishing the opportunity to increase Crosswater's business along with developing the newly-acquired sanitary and furniture business, Bauhaus. 

The UK's largest bathroom and kitchen distributor, PJH Group has marked the grand opening of its new 4,470 sq. ft. design centre in North London by hosting an exclusive two day preview event for its customers based in the south of England.

The Tiling Competition at The Tile & Stone Show was a huge hit.  It was a central feature of the show with six tilers, winners from various UK finals, competing to be the UK's best tile fixer.  They were judged throughout on their designs and technical skills by an independent panel of judges.

The customer service division of BSH Home Appliances has appointed Mr. Steve Clarke as its new UK Service Manager.

EGGER, the UK's leading supplier of wood-based products to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industries, has improved its service to its distributors with the introduction of an exclusive e-newsletter.

The rapid growth experienced by East Coast over the past few years has been born out of an ongoing programme of development & investment in systems & personnel.

Gessi - Italy's leading manufacturer of exclusive brassware, showers and bathroom accessories - is set to strengthen its presence in the UK's luxury brassware market with the opening of Gessi UK Ltd.

Britain's leading family owned manufacturer of shower enclosures, has appointed Adam Dolphin as Regional Sales Agent and Business Development Manager for the South West of England.  With more than eight years experience in the bathroom industry, Adam already has an impressive track record in his previous sales roles for prominent manufacturers and a distributor.

Carron Phoenix has been recognised as an excellent example of energy efficiency, gaining a highly commended at the recent Scottish Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Awards, organised by the Carbon Trust Scotland..

Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, has strengthened its sales team through the appointment of two new regional sales managers.

Top chef Brian Turner, has partnered with Glen Dimplex Home Appliances as brand ambassador of Stoves, bringing together two prominent British cooking icons.

The UK's leading timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, is pleased to announce the latest stage of development at the new Fareham branch, Matrix Park.

Shower enclosure specialist, Simpsons, has appointed Adam Thresher to drive sales of the comprehensive product portfolio within the South West of England and South Wales region.  Adam has ten years' experience in the bathroom industry and, having worked for brands such as Ideal Standard and Victoria & Albert, is already known to many customers. 

Mr. Jan Klomp has been appointed as the new Group Managing Director for Imperial Bathroom Products Ltd., which includes the responsibility for UK distribution company Impulse Bathroom Products Limited. Jan succeeds Michael Keegan who has decided to return home to the UK after 14 years with Imperial Bathroom Products Limited.

Visitors to the Kitchen & Bathroom Show being held on 14th -16th November 2008 at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey will receive a complimentary copy of Utopia Kitchen & Bathroom magazine. The Kitchen & Bathroom Show is the UK's first dedicated consumer show for kitchens and bathrooms and in addition to receiving a free magazine, visitors can benefit from free admission if they pre-register at the exhibition website www.kbshow.co.uk and a free show catalogue.

Ideal Bathrooms have announced the acquisition of Glasgow based bathroom products distributor Inline Distribution.  This further strengthens Ideal Bathrooms position as the UK's leading specialist bathroom distributor and provides the potential to improve service and delivery levels to the existing customer base throughout Scotland, as well as expanding the customer base.

Waterfront, the bathroom product specialist has announced their new management team.