HomePro - one of the UK's leading providers of Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) - incorporates HomePro Money, which provides trade professionals and installation companies with the opportunity to offer finance products to help customers pay for their home improvement projects. The finance packages - which do not expose the providing tradesperson to risk or exposure - improve ‘control' of sales, deal ‘closures', cash flow; and sales and profit values.

Presenting sleek styling with a ‘barely there' frameless design, Simpson's Semi-Frameless Hinged door from the Design range is the perfect choice for a recessed shower enclosure in today's modern bathrooms. With 8mm toughened glass fixed panel and 6mm glass door, the Design Semi-Frameless Hinged door offers sensational styling and long-term reassurance.

IDS has introduced Tuscan solid surfaced worktops to its extensive portfolio of surface materials. Arctic Snow, African Dust, Graphite Sand and Ebony Sand make up a palette that reflects the most popular colours and designs.

Keen to ensure all possible sink requirements are catered for within the Franke portfolio, the launch of the Oceana OAX 110, an undermount sink with jumbo capacity for hardworking kitchens, fulfils a gap within the market.

Lakes Bathrooms has always been known for its range of elegant and practical shower enclosures, doors and bath screens, offering high quality and real value.  Adding to that value, the company has launched an innovative protective coating, designed to keep its showers sparklingly clean and clear with the minimum of effort and fuss.

Air Uno who supply contemporary, sharp-edged sinks from Italy in Foster stainless steel are now also offering Foster worksurfaces to add to their collection of kitchen appliances.

Cheltenham is a  beech effect Saponetta door from the new Kingswood Kitchens range from Allied Kingswood.  With its slightly retro curved design and contemporary beech effect, Cheltenham combines the very  best in kitchen design. 

Responding to growing customer demand for contemporary oak kitchens, Burbidge has extended its Ravello range with the launch of a new Natural Oak option - providing a fresh take on the popular design.

The Spanish quartz worktop fabricator, Cosentino has unveiled its latest collection of Silestone quartz worksurfaces, ‘Platinum' at an event in Germany with two-time Formula 1 world champion, Fernando Alonso the inspiration for the new range.

A low profile range of minimalistic hi-strength shower trays ideal as an alternative to wet rooms has been introduced by Golden Coast.

A low profile range of minimalistic hi-strength shower trays ideal as an alternative to wet rooms has been introduced by Golden Coast.

Market leaders Sycamore Lighting have continued to build on their contemporary splash back collection with the launch of the new splash back with incorporated glass shelf. The high quality glass shelf is easily fitted on to the stainless steel splash back, providing both functional and aesthetic qualities.

As part of the recent broadening of its portfolio, leading kitchen appliance manufacturer Coolzone announces a new range of wine chillers. With modern finishes and sleek designs, Coolzone is enabling customers to achieve the designer look for less.

Tile specialist CP Group has launched the unique EnkiTM glass splashback and upstand range including the market's first iridescent and glitter finishes.

Wrighton International, the kitchen specialist brand from Now Kitchen Group Ltd have added a new and distinctive design to their growing collection of alternative door styles.  Miami is a stunning variation on the white kitchen theme. 

The PJH Group has added a new white gloss slab door to its highly competitive value kitchen collection, Prima. Constantly changing its Prima portfolio in line with the latest styles and colour schemes, PJH Group's new VANCOUVER kitchen adds a touch of the ultra modern to the varied kitchen collection.

Planit International - leader in design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industries and part of the 20-20 Technologies Group - announces the roll-out of V15 of its Fusion software to customers from early August. This coincides with the launch of a new image that reflects the dynamic and progressive outlook of Fusion as the solution of choice.

Fratelli Onofri, the premium Italian brand of range cookers, established in Italy over 50 years' ago, is now available in the UK from the importers, Allaway Import Appliances Limited.

A new range of shower trays and tanking system has been launched by Varme for use with walk-in shower enclosures and wet rooms providing a tileable shower base which avoids the need for conventional ‘step-in' acrylic bases.

Number 1 cooking brand Belling, has expanded its collection of Kensington range cookers with the addition of a luxurious new cream shade, available to order now. 

With a move towards refurbishment of existing properties rather than new build, Ravenswood's latest range of doors and panels brings unique styling to any kitchen or bathroom furniture.

Offering a modern geometric design with a sleek and stylish black finish, RAK Ceramic's first ever foray into coloured fireclay sinks is the perfect choice for creating a smart contemporary kitchen. With black replacing stainless steel as the ‘must-have' finish in kitchen appliances these sinks are guaranteed to turn any kitchen into a talking point. Used with a dark granite or slate worktop, the sinks will give a seamless luxurious look or they can be used to provide a striking contrast when used with a paler work surface.

PWS' new Pesca kitchen is sure to hit the exotic high notes uniting a contemporary mix of clean lines, texture and rich wenge tones. The dramatic tone is blended with a tactile finish to appeal to the senses.  The finish, often referred to as peach skin, is new to the UK kitchen market, creating a unique range.

The new 124 page brochure from Hudson Reed displays nineteen different bathroom brassware ranges, including taps, mixers and a huge choice of matching shower systems.

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.

The UK's leading contemporary interiors event 100% Design continues to gather pace with even more design talent contributing to what is set to be the most exciting exhibition to date. A broad spectrum of new talent, fresh ideas and innovative design promises to make this year's event essential for the industry diary.

Duravit, the internationally renowned bathroom brand, will showcase a range of new product launches at 100% Design.  

Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe, will proudly present the results of their latest collaboration with French maestro Philippe Starck at 100% Design 2008.

Roca, the leading global bathroom brand, will be exhibiting for the fourth time at 100% Design 2008.  Presenting a one off, sensory experience with a unique installation called Water Drop, Roca aims to stimulate emotions, and generate thought and debate on the precious element that is water. 

Stand B100 at the exhibition will be the perfect launch pad for Kaldewei's new product releases and also spotlights two key trends popular in bathroom design: freestanding baths and floor level showering.  Visitors can also see and experience the benefits of Kaldewei's unique 3.5mm steel enamel from which it manufactures over 260 models of bath tub and shower tray.

VADO will be exhibiting its 500mmx500mm square shower head at 100% Design from 18th - 21st September 08. The shower head will be working for live demonstrations on stand B74. Come and see this deluge of water with 324 outlets spanning the 250,000mm squared area providing fine rain-like streams of water. The Freedom head is high grade stainless steel with anti-drip mechanism.

Castello Baths are composite stone baths of choice the world over.  Not just for their originality in design and comfort, but for their quality and luxurious finishes with a warm feel.  When it comes to 5-Star Hotels, Resorts and Game Lodges, Castello baths and basins are requested by name.  Not without good reason they were awarded the illustrious title of "The Best Bathroom in the World for 2003" at the Le Touessrok 5-Star Hotel in Mauritius.

Radiating Style will launch a number of exclusive new designs at 100% Design, 2008. ‘Leaves' is one of the first in the series of new additions to Radiating Style's portfolio of products and demonstrates how radiator design can go beyond the usual design parameters.

Dornbracht UK Ltd are regular exhibitors at 100% Design and this year will be showcasing a wide selection of their product range including Elemental Spa, Symetrics, and their most recent launch, the New Edition Tara.

Designer radiator and heated towel rail manufacturer Aestus will attend 100% Design 2008, with a range of exciting additions to its product portfolio. Visitors to the Aestus stand can look forward to an exciting and innovative array of heating designs that are sure to inspire those looking to source radiators and heated towel rails for a kitchen, bathroom or living space project.

JIS Europe will be displaying their extensive range of stainless steel heated towel rails at the 100% Detail Exhibition on Stand R33.

Led by European furniture designers, whose innovative ideas have brought us bathroom furniture in new and exciting colours and finishes. British manufacturers are providing both modular and space saving ranges which look fantastic and offer the consumer a storage solution for any setting.

At Adam furniture it is our firm belief that the bathroom should be an oasis of calm and  tranquility.  With this in mind we have created a collection of stunning  bathroom furniture that combines the best of Italian design with quality British manufacturing.

Concepts Bathroom Furniture, an innovative range where originality is matched by simplicity of design and a range which will inspire, was launched earlier this year and has already become well established. 

True to its ethos of creating bathroom products that have original shapes and exclusive styling, Rosco Bathrooms announce the launch of its Marte 50 X bathroom cabinet.

New from Roca is Cala, the company's latest basin and furniture series.  Launched at KBB 2008, Cala is designed by Roca's in-house team and takes inspiration from geometric shapes and curves.  The range is a series of simple and smooth-lined basins and furniture combining contemporary design and functionality in the bathroom. 

Grey drawer boxes in the bathroom have been the industry standard for many years.  Mereway Bathrooms have struck out from the norm to offer new crisp, clean white drawer boxes in their place.

The recently launched eco range of bathrooms from JJO is a manifestation of style design and craftsmanship. eco bathrooms is an exciting new venture down a completely new path for the long established kitchen & bedroom furniture manufacturer formerly known as J&J Ormerod, and one which will appeal to a  wide selection of the retail market sector.

Roper Rhodes introduces a walnut finish to the already popular Ella range of furniture - part of the Signatures collection.  Ella is now available in 3 finishes; walnut, white gloss and oak. 

Leading British sanitaryware and furniture manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, has unveiled a new and unique collection of contemporary hand-crafted, free-standing furniture to complement its extensive line-up of bathroom products. Inspired by colonial East Coast New England, North Shore is designed to provide a distinctive and imaginative look, offering a wealth of space saving and storage solutions.

As brand leader in the bathroom furniture sector, Utopia Bathroom Group strives to be one step ahead of the market by anticipating consumer demand and consistently updating and enhancing the product range.

With a relaxing toe in the water in the bathroom, Hafele also solves the problem of where to put things. Not furniture per se, but items that perform the same task and do it gracefully and practically.

Storage has never been so exciting thanks to an innovative new idea from Shades. 

Parapan®, the high gloss acrylic favoured by kitchen and furniture designers, is increasingly being specified for bathrooms for bath panels, cupboard doors, drawer fronts or any other vertical surfaces. Because Parapan® is a solid material, the colour runs all the way through. This means that it won't fade, delaminate or rot, even in a moist environment such as a bathroom. Easily repairable it is harder wearing than lacquers, easy to clean and very hygienic.

Made in Italy'. Three words that are synonymous with style, design and an eye for detail that has secured for Italy a reputation for setting the design agenda across fields as diverse as automotive, clothing, architecture and of course, domestic furnishings and interiors. With a long tradition of leading the world in the spheres of art and design, still Italy has an unmistakable influence how our homes look today. Cally Elston, Marketing Manager of Smeg UK Ltd., reflects on the contribution of Italy to the world of kitchens and bathrooms.

Italian appliance manufacturer Smeg has always been renowned for combining ‘technology with style' and the latest products launched by this iconic brand maintain the tradition.  A new range of freestanding cookers - the ‘Symphony' range - is positioned between the established ‘Concert' freestanding and ‘Opera' Range Cookers, offering high quality and performance, whilst the PVA750 hob builds on the success of the Linear Series build in cooking range.

To showcase some of their more exclusive products and suppliers, Robert Lee have opened their newly furnished Blue Studio showroom at their head office and main distribution centre based in Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire.

Each of the 800 products that make up the Gessi's portfolio of premium brassware, showers and accessories, powerfully demonstrates the best of Italian manufacturing.

Leading Italian shower manufacturer Cesana's impressive stand, A58 in Hall 31, at the Cersaie exhibition in Bologna will show a variety of its fantastic enclosures including the new Plano - launched earlier this year, the Suite Door plus new combinations and shower trays for the Online range.

Rosco's best kept secret is this stunning Montebianco Suite that has been in production since the 1940's and exudes a timeless grace.

One of Italy's foremost kitchen collections designed and manufactured by Snaidero  in Milan has recently launched two stunning new kitchens to add to the collection.

The bathroom is increasing in importance within the household - no longer a purely functional room, it is becoming a haven within the home, a place to pamper, indulge, relax and unwind, particularly important today when most people lead busy lives. And surroundings play a big part in creating the right atmosphere, making bathroom aesthetics key.

Waterfront sets the benchmark in both stylish and elegant design combined with exceptional quality of engineering and value for money. Their two ranges, titled Premier and Studio, offer a mix of contemporary and traditional designs.

The clean sculpted lines of the new BLANCO OVAL tap hide its true colours until it's turned on!  An integrated L.E.D heat-sensitive light is powered by a small "magic box" located under the sink, eliminating the need for batteries or external power, and the colour of the water which flows from the tap changes from cool blue to hot red as it flows, giving a clear visual indication of the temperature.  This is not only a talking point in the kitchen, but a great safety feature for households where water temperature is a key safety issue.

Where to put the brassware is always a concern when designing a bathroom that includes a freestanding bath but bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert has come up with the perfect solution to the "where to put the brassware" problem with the new  Lido Grande tap stand that will take up to five pieces of brassware - perfect for sets that include pull out hand held showers.

Kohler has launched Oblo, a stylish and contemporary range of brassware which will enhance any contemporary bathroom.  

tc bathrooms has launched two brand new ranges of taps that feature a stunning contemporary design.

Always looking to innovate, Mayfair Taps and Showers are launching another five bathroom tap collections, looking closely here at three of the ranges.

Offering an impressive range of 14 different tap collections, Gessi has something for everyone, whether classic and romantic or bold and minimalist.

Pyramis is one of the largest stainless sink producers in the world, with a presence in over 50 countries.  The company's mission is to develop and offer complete solutions for the kitchen which are characterised by high quality functional design with many unique attributes. In its 2008 collection it offers a range of beautiful sinks with taps that will complement each stunning product.

GROHE SilkMove® - GROHE'S cartridges are manufactured in-house from advanced ceramic alloy and coated with a special Teflon lubricant, providing a lifetime of maintenance free reliability and ultra-smooth, gradual and precise operation from hot to cold.

Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox, has launched its new RF 29 tap.

Created to complement the traditionally styled Classic and Original ranges of fireclay sinks, the Turton monobloc tap has been specifically designed to enhance the Shaws offering.  Introducing our own taps is in response to demands from the retail trade who want to offer the complete Shaws package and is the perfect solution to sit with our unique British made, handcrafted sinks.

The new Antro selection of brassware from Marflow offers smart and sophisticated taps and mixers and the handsome range broadens the company's  already extensive portfolio.

The Fliq Professional offers stunningly good looks and functionality, creating a practical mixertap that will take pride of place over the kitchen sink.  The design of this tap enables movement of the spray tap around the sink. 

As the issue of water conservation continues to dominate the bathroom industry, international bathroom manufacturer VitrA has introduced a faucet to tackle this timely topic.

Roca's latest brassware range is the water-efficient, single-lever mixer Singles-Pro.  Not only does it have a water flow limit of 9 litres per minute - a saving of 25% when compared to standard single lever tap designs - it also contains a progressive cartridge which offers a new technology in Roca taps.  The cartridge control always starts the flow with cold water, and as the control is continually turned this is followed by a mix of hot and cold and ends with hot leading to significant energy savings.

The Leda, with its elongated teardrop handle lever and swan like neck is a stylish complement to any sink.  Achieve the perfect look in any setting with the Leda's flowing lines and combination of elegance and function.

The Zip HydroTap is the only kitchen appliance of its kind in the UK, delivering instant freshly filtered boiling and chilled water from the same unit - simply by the touch of a button.

Professional style looks and performance continue to be desirable in contemporary residential kitchens, but sometimes the equipment can be too cumbersome, complex or oversized to be really suitable. Having invented the "single-hole kitchen faucet with pull-out spray hose" 50 years ago, KWC Faucets is once again pioneering brassware design with the launch of new KWC ONO highflex®.

Want cutting-edge bathrooms without the designer price tag? This is the aim of Crosswater's new Status range. With its clean lines, solid construction and precise detailing, the Status range is a show-stopper of a brassware collection - guaranteed to attract plenty of attention in the showroom and an excellent choice for the professional developer.

The range of taps from Hafele is growing all the time, particularly with the continuous expansion of the Rugby distributor's bathrooms range.

Boasting a magnificent seven-piece selection of bathroom brassware, Pegler's new Storm collection  is a perfect marriage of form and function, with the tubular style of the tap body being offset by the more angular handles and spout. Storm is a real step forward in innovation and a chance to see Pegler Yorkshire's take on new movements and ever changing trends in the industry made solid.

A new generation of self closing pillar tap from Inta can help provide a better, cleaner and greener experience in a washroom facility.

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.  The ranges are well timed to meet the rapidly growing demand for water saving, being designed not to exceed a flow rate of 13 litres per minute, providing ample water for washing and bathing but avoiding water wastage.

The new wall-mounted three hole basin and shower control sets from Perrin & Rowe contrast sharp lines with soft curves for a classic contemporary design.   Featuring the quality of engineering and finish that has become synonymous with the Perrin & Rowe brand, the new plaque designs offer a timeless look that will compliment a wide range of interior schemes.

The new Dante tap from Carron Phoenix has that hard-to-achieve quality of being able to work with a range of sink designs and materials, while also appealing to a broad customer demographic. Dante builds on the proven market popularity for this style of mixer tap and gives retailers an up-to-the minute style that is both design versatile and attractively priced at RRP £150 / £165 for the chrome /brushed finishes respectively. Team it with a ceramic Belfast for true traditional styling, or partner it with stainless steel or granite models for an altogether more modern look.

Packing a powerful, on trend, aesthetic punch, Jala - Deva's exquisite mono basin mixer - certainly hits the spot for those seeking optimum performance and value for money from their designer brassware.

Roper Rhodes launches Stream this summer, one of four new ranges of brassware from the brand.

Tre Mercati are pleased to announce its latest kitchen  sink mixer, available from October.

Kitchen styles vary widely - from high gloss contemporary styles to character oak rustic doors and everything in between. It's all a matter of personal choice. What isn't acceptable in a modern kitchen is poor design attention to maximising the use of the volume of space inside the cabinets. It is both surprising and disappointing to still come across manufacturers at all levels who turn out a fabulous looking product which, once installed, fails to deliver proper usage through lack of attention to detail and, in some cases, cutting costs.

Providing optimum storage solutions for kitchen is central to Blum's program of products and fittings. The Austrian company has conducted extensive independent research into kitchen users' requirements, habits and use of the kitchen.

Mereway Kitchens brings style and practicality together to form the ultimate in storage solutions, tucked away behind sleek contemporary or elegant traditional kitchen designs. Mereway's clever storage solutions can be planned into any kitchen design regardless of budget or style.

Burbidge has given a clean, modern twist to a traditional kitchen favourite with the launch of beautiful open units for its popular Lansdowne kitchen range.

The ongoing trend of building homes with smaller kitchens creates many challenges, not least that of maximising storage, whilst maintaining easy access.

Scottwood of Nottingham, where the traditional skills of cabinet makers combine with 21st century technology to produce some of the finest kitchens available.  Scottwood designers are widely renowned for creating many exclusive and unique pieces like this solid oak kitchen larder unit which can be adapted to suit all kitchens and to each customer's criteria.

Soft Close Pull-out Wire Baskets

The latest addition to East Coast's already comprehensive offer of wirework storage solutions are these wire pull-out baskets complete with soft close. Developed to work on the Blum 450mm Tandem runner with its built-in Blumotion soft close action, the baskets are designed for use in cabinets constructed from 18mm board. Available in chrome finish & a full range of sizes from 300mm - 1000mm, baskets up to 600mm wide are supplied with the 30Kg load capacity Tandem runner. 800, 900 & 1000mm versions come with the 50Kg Tandem runner.

Just when you thought every nook and cranny of the kitchen had been turned into useful space, a Hettich innovation has managed to unleash storage potential from an area which is under-used in most kitchens. Cosario was previewed for the UK market at KBB this year, and is now available.

Combining form and function in the most fashionable and practical ways for the kitchen, Pronorm offers an extensive range of accessories and storage systems that optimise space and ergonomics in the kitchen.

Gallery has conducted in-depth research with retailers and consumers to deliver a view of what customers need when designing one of the most important rooms in the home.  As a result, Gallery has now completely revamped its brochure under the banner "Love your kitchen" to include comprehensive information on kitchen storage solutions to achieve a clutter-free kitchen, these innovative solutions include: Eco bins which are clean and easy to use.  The colour coded bins take the hassle out of recycling and are designed to make use of corner cupboards.

Preparation, cooking and, as often as not these days, eating food are the glamour sides of kitchens. The elements that designers focus on for presentational purposes. Storage is usually planned at the design stage too, of course, but on many branded kitchens amounts to not much more than cupboard space. But as anyone who is even vaguely familiar with what goes on in kitchens, the job of storage is not to just to hide things away - it's also to make them easy to find and readily accessible.

The designer radiator market has remained strong with no sign of a sharp downturn in the mid to upper price brackets.  Bathrooms and kitchens are still first on the list for home improvements, even though customers are now more likely to be renovating for themselves, rather than to sell. 

With space at a premium in many homes, dual-purpose items are a boon. Clipper from the Aeon Collection is a radiator that not only looks fabulous, it doubles as a coat or towel rail, too!

Archibald is the latest addition to the Bisque towel radiator range. A highly original design in the shape of a clothes hanger, it has a simple, sculptural aesthetic suitable for any bathroom or kitchen.

  Jaga Home Heating's new Helios range of towel rail radiators, combines the comfort and convenience of a heated towel rail with the practical benefits of a room-heating radiator. The Helios is an attractive, functional and affordable addition to any bathroom or 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.

The Anafi is so stunningly sculptural you may well want one for your living room as well as your bathroom. This daring design sweeps upwards to create a work of art. The Anafi's standard colour is RAL white 9016 but for those who want the ultimate in luxury, there is an option for chrome or gold. The Anafi is available in heights of 1250, 1500, 1600 and 1800mm, and widths of 572 and 636mm. For more information on the range of towel warmers or other Purmo products please contact Kevin Gunn at purmo

The striking minimalist design of Kermi's new Credo Duo Design Towel Radiator packs a hidden punch.

Contemporary, stylish and chic. Not words one would typically associate with radiators, but the UK's leading manufacturer and supplier of radiators, Quinn Radiators, adds a new and fresh twist to the industrial aesthetics of old school models with its current line of innovative Towel and Feature radiators.

Heating specialists Heat Electric have this month launched an even more energy efficient version of their water filled electric radiator range providing an easy to install, fast acting and highly controllable heating solution for building projects.

The "Clasica" has been designed to complement the renewed trend for black kitchen appliances.  It has a 3 speed, soft touch electronic control and a 15 minute timer, extracting at an impressive 851 cubic metres per hour for proper ventilation.  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. 

Adding a touch of glamour to the kitchen is Victoria, the latest in an innovative collection of Elica cooker hoods from DR Cooker Hoods.

The new Haylo range of circular kitchen and bathroom fans, from ventilation experts Manrose Manufacturing, has been designed for the residential market. To blend with the interior décor, the 100mm units are available in standard white finish with both bezel and grille, plus an additional chrome bezel and brushed steel interchangeable grille. The 150mm version has a brushed steel finished bezel and brushed steel interchangeable grille supplied as an alternative to the standard white finish.

A number of new initiatives announced by the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) at its recent National Conference, have been launched to retail members that will offer significant savings and opportunities to develop new business streams.

Burlington's natural stone has played a pivotal part in the £11million refurbishment programme undertaken by prestige hotel group operator, QHotels, at its stunning Norton Park 4-star deluxe hotel complex in Winchester.

Leading cooking appliance manufacturer, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA), has appointed Paul Eggleton as Sales Controller for range cookers across its three brands, Belling, New World and Stoves.

The Fuelcard People has appointed Steve Clarke general manager to lead it in revolutionising the UK fuel cards market, with its promise to re-invent customer relationships while offering an all-embracing range of different fuel cards from leading brands. Formerly sales and marketing manager for Abbey Fuelcards, he has many years' experience in the industry.

The famous Homag Group "Treff" open house exhibition will take place at two venues in Germany from September 23 - 26.

Carl Yallop has been appointed Managing Director at Avilion, Britain's largest independent brassware manufacturer, following a year-long business restructure programme implemented by Steve Cole, who is promoted to Business Development Director over the portfolio of ventures under Avilion's holding company. 

Retailers in the home improvement industry are now able to offer their customers a consumer credit facility that is not only readily available in the current financial market but also outperforms many of the more traditional borrowing packages.

It is over twelve months since the credit crunch began to bite and the UK government is telling us that we have at least another twelve before the situation begins to improve.  The impact on the bathroom industry has been huge and all sections of the industry have felt the pain of a market in steep decline.

Air Uno has introduced its exciting new ranges to London's Building Centre - a showroom that helps you see how their high quality materials work together. On display are Air Uno's sharp-cornered sinks in Foster superior stainless steel, hobs that answer every design need from corner-turning gas models to kidney-shaped ceramic glass ones, multifunctional black glass-fronted ovens and a sleek selection of contemporary cooker hoods. Also on show are the innovative vertical surfaces in the high-gloss solid acrylic Parapan - a perfect complement to their streamlined sinks.

Shaws have been awarded without fault, the ISO9001 Quality Standard Certification for all aspects of business and manufacturing systems reflecting all products produced.  The Company have set themselves apart by offering products to the marketplace that are genuinely British made and handcrafted to very exacting standards. 

Aqata, Britain's leading family owned manufacturer of shower enclosures, announces a new partnership with Gourley & McColl as their authorized distributor in Northern Ireland.   

BCG, announces two new senior appointments hot on the heels of appointing its new managing director, Chris Honer. Two of Chris's first appointments to join him on the senior team are Stuart Benson,  promoted to National Sales Manger - Retail Division, and Jonathan Eyre  promoted to National Sales Manager - Merchant Division.

The Fuelcard People have entered the UK fuel cards market promising to revolutionise customer relationships while offering an all-embracing spectrum of different fuel cards from leading brands.  Strong on service, the personal approach is only the first difference in the type of service offered.  Its range of fuel cards already includes products from BP, Esso, Shell and Texaco, as well as the popular ReD and Diesel Direct cards.

Reginox UK has formed a partnership with TK Components which will see the manufacturer positioned as TKC's exclusive supplier of sinks and taps.

Leading bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG, formerly known as Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix, embarks on its 2008 Big Tour, visiting seven major sports stadiums during September.

With housing prices falling and petrol prices rising, it is proving a difficult time for many home owners and for retailers in the home improvement sector.  The Tile Association reports from its retail members a trend in homeowners giving their house a face lift rather than embarking on major home improvements.

avante bathrooms are closing their business after 10 years as the UK's leading style-setters for modern bathrooms and cloakrooms.  Over the last 18 months avante has been operating through its online store at www.avantebathrooms.com and are now looking to dispose of the stock. Details of the products which are available are shown on the avante Website at www.avantebathrooms.com. avante will be pleased to discuss special prices for the business and/or the stock.

Worktop manufacturer Bushboard has won an International Safety Award for the second year running from the British Safety Council. Benchmarking the company's health and safety performance against key criteria, Bushboard was judged to have demonstrated an excellent and consistent result for 2007-2008, with the company's accident rate being less than half the national average for their industry sector.

Private Housebuilder Michael Shea took on the challenging mantle of building a zero carbon house on the island of Unst, Britain's most northerly island in the UK and Baumatic has been specifically selected as a partner in the project thanks to its own green credentials.

Leading brassware specialist, Crosswater, has added two new vehicles to its fleet to provide a super-quick service for bathroom retailers inside the M25. 

PWS' Worksurface new factory in Co Durham is rapidly taking shape and is on target to produce granite and composite stone worksurfaces from September. 

Ideal Bathrooms Commercial Director Danielle Lillis reports: "The special promotion we launched in conjunction with Showerlux and Ideal Standard has really been tremendously well received. Apart from the exceptional margins of up to 25% for the retailer, the offer has also been particularly welcomed because it is on mainstream product rather than lower volume items which many sales tend to target.  It gives our customers a real competitive advantage and they can still take advantage of the special deal because it lasts until the end of September."