KBSA corporate member Cosentino Group has added three of its popular brands ‘Silestone’, ‘ECO’ and ‘Sensa’ as Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) brand members.

Leading CAD software developer for the kitchen and bathroom industries 20-20 Fusion will be running a series of free seminars for its supported customers during November to ensure they are getting the most out of their Fusion software.

The Federal Republic of Germany has nominated the latest “Clip top Blumotion” hinge for its 2011 design award.

Ultra Tile adhesives , both cementitious and ready mixed, have been used to fix a variety of tiles within the new Inspired Design showroom. Situated in Oldbury, the showroom has over 60 different kitchen and bathroom pods for viewing.

Moores Furniture Group received a glowing report in its latest Environmental Management System (EMS) assessment, reaffirming the company’s long-held commitment to adopting the highest environmental standards throughout its business.

How does anyone, embarking on the installation of a new bathroom, find details of the most water and energy efficient products on offer?

On Thursday 8th July, Kaldewei held an Open Day to officially mark the launch of its new UK headquarters in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire.

Waterline’s former logistics director Andrew Lillywhite has joined BCG as commercial and operations director. He will be responsible for the commercial, operations and customer service departments including more than 50 members of staff.

Keen-eyed viewers of the current series of Channel 4’s Big Brother will have spotted two distinctive wall coverings in the bathroom. One is a custom-made floral wallpaper depicting scenes from previous shows, the other consists of thousands of tiny glass mosaic tiles (tesserae). This innovative wall covering forms part of the Trend Wallpaper collection designed to create outstanding feature walls with tactile appeal.

Geberit has opened a new logistics centre to ensure it can continue to respond with speed and efficiency as the number of orders the manufacturer receives continues to grow.

Slip resistance has long been a contentious topic in the flooring industry. It is, perhaps, less important in a domestic setting than in commercial contracts where there is less risk of litigation but it still needs to be taken into account particularly where any floor is likely to get wet.

Kevin Galer has recently been appointed Financial Accountant for the Mereway Kitchens.

Towel warmers from the Essential range have been flying off the shelves at Ideal Bathrooms with retailers ordering in larger quantities as they know they can be certain of selling these high quality products for an unbeatable price.

Building on the successful launch last year of the industry’s first surface materials e-commerce site with its Webstore, IDS has upgraded it to be even slicker in functionality and looks.

Companies can check whether they have the best possible deal on refuelling with an Instant Fuel Card Audit - a new free service from The Fuelcard People.

PROFILE SHOWERS, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of shower enclosures, has launched its new state of the art shower enclosures website:

www.profileshowers.co.uk

PWS’ Avant Black range was selected for an award-winning show garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Instead of worktops, lilies and orchids were planted on top of the base units.

The concept of the Wet Room has seen a steady growth in popularity and is having a major impact on bathroom layout and design.

Congratulations to a group of Mereway staff who recently completed a walk for charity. Jo Brown, Sales Co-Ordinator for Mereway Kitchens organised a ‘Crocus Walk’ of 7 miles for Breakthrough for Breast Cancer, whose work gives hope to the 46,000 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.

Marcrist International has launched the diamond CC750 tile blade, designed for cutting curves in even the hardest ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Caroline Hardman, Northern Regional Sales Manager at Franke UK Ltd, recently took part in The Great Manchester charity run to raise money for The Christies Cancer Care charity; and successfully raised £525!

A visit to this year’s KBB show paid off for Kerry Hopkins from Maddisons Bathroom and Wetroom Specialists in York as her name was drawn from more than 800 entries as the winner of a new car in a competition to celebrate the recent alliance between Croydex and Damixa.

REHAU hosted its fourth Lightweight Network seminar at the end of June in conjunction with Hettich, Egger and Homag.

Companies can achieve significant administration savings by using a fuel card from The Fuelcard People. Regardless of which card they choose from the wide range offered, a single weekly invoice will cover all refuelling, with payment by direct debit.

Corporate membership of the KBSA is proving to be a recession beating benefit according to several corporate members who have voiced their support and urged other organisations to take up membership.

Mereway Kitchens has appointed Mark Keogh to the full time position of Technical Author. This is a new position within the company and Mark has joined the Mereway commercial team to provide the very best in technical data and literature for their customers.

The big yellow retail price book from Ideal Bathrooms has undergone some significant improvements to make the latest issue even easier to use while containing an ever increasing product offering.

In the wall and floor tile industry natural stone is one of the fastest growing markets. For The Tile Association Awards 2010 an unprecedented number of nominations were received in this category. There are specialist retailers of natural stone, marble, granite, limestone and slate but in today’s market every TTA member distributor and retailer offers a sizeable and varied range.

MHS Radiators has supplied 544 of its chrome and white electric-only Space towel rails to Strata SE1, London’s tallest residential tower. Nicknamed ‘The Razor’, the 148 metre high 43-storey building has three 19kW wind turbines integrated within the building’s façade and expected to generate up to 50 MWh of electricity annually.

Amica has announced the expansion of its UK operation with the appointment of national accounts manager Peter Sherwood-Clarke.

PWS CEO Mark Stephenson and son Oli joined Sir Ian Botham in April for his 25th anniversary walk in support of leukaemia and lymphoma research - 15 miles daily for 10 consecutive days through 10 towns.

Hot on the heels of its successful relaunch at KBB2010, Bushboard has updated the POS material for its Prima range. A new 28-page brochure showcases the whole collection including new True Scale and Radiance designs. Lifestyle photography, product information and technical details provide a useful selling tool for retailers.

Ideal Bathrooms prides itself on providing a first class customer service and even during the current economic decline this has remained the company’s top priority. Additional sales staff have been appointed while the number of vehicles in its fleet operating from four distribution centres has been increased along with the amount of delivery routes.

Robert Lee has announced an exciting partnership with Emco – a company at the forefront of European accessory design for many decades, bringing new and innovative ideas for the bathroom from conception to reality.

All bathroom companies, no matter where they sit in the supply chain, are always looking to see how they can improve sales and margins. Most will tell you that good customer service is essential in ensuring that customers remain loyal. They will also say that keeping a good customer is a lot easier than attracting a new one. If customers feel valued, they are more likely to recommend you to others, and business growth results.

Intervari has selected PWS’ premium Metris® collection for its flagship London showroom. With three stunning displays gracing the entrance and first level, Intervari has combined an appealing mix of materials, finishes and shape which successfully demonstrate the sheer diversity of Metris®.

The website for the Showerwall, the waterproof wallpanelling system, has been updated to be more user-friendly and information-rich. The update coincides with the release of the new Showerwall collection from April 1st with 7 new laminate design additions reflecting the trend for neutral tones and stone-inspired effects.

Long standing KBSA corporate member Aga Rangemaster has added two of its most popular brands as Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialist Association brand members.

Reginox is strengthening its team with two appointments that will open up additional opportunities for the company within both its existing and new target markets for its sinks, taps and accessories.

Symbolising the savings that can be achieved by use of water-saving products such as Cistermiser’s Sensazone which was launched at Ecobuild, the company ran a competition inviting visitors to identify buckets of money (‘gold’ coins filled with chocolate).

With its commitment to offering nationwide availability on its extensive product portfolio of laminates, solid surface, panel products, work surfaces and flooring, IDS has opened its 16th distribution branch to service customers in Devon and Cornwall.

Marley Eternit is encouraging installers to consider the benefits of using fibre cement tile backing boards such as the company’s Hydropanel product because of its excellent water resistant properties.

D&AD Annual Inclusion

The first is the achievement of the “in-book” status at the D&AD (Design & Art Direction) Awards 2010. This means that the GROHE Rainshower^® Next Generation showers will appear in the latest edition of the renowned D&AD Annual. To achieve this, at least 50 percent of the international jury must have voted in favour of the products being included in the Yearbook based on criteria such as originality and inspiration, good execution and, last but not least, relevance. 

Ceramic Tile Distributors (CTD) has completely refurbished the flagship showroom at its Newcastle headquarters, including the laying of more than 400 m2 of beige Gemini Young Stone tiles. Every one of the 1,200 glazed porcelain, 600 mm x 600 mm floor tiles was fixed using BAL Supercover Rapidset adhesive with BAL Admix AD1 and finished with BAL Microcolour grout.

The Contempora concept from Aster moves kitchens away from a purely functional space into a highly aesthetic environment, transforming practical units into beautiful items of furniture. The concept is based on a moving design where the kitchen can be totally hidden from view within sliding or closing furniture. This provides flexibility of space so that a living, cooking, dining area can be transformed according to specific requirements.

Ellis Furniture – a leading manufacturer of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture – is sending one lucky couple on an African adventure for their honeymoon as part of a unique competition worth £2,500 to name a new door for the company’s bathroom furniture range.

Ellis Furniture joined forces with its retail customers across the country in the hunt for a new door name and after sifting through scores of entries the judges finally decided on a suggestion from William Wilson customer Graham Marshall.

The KBSA (Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialists Association) has invested in improvements to the website to make it more user friendly and announced that it will be adding two consumer shows to those already in the programme.

The Fuelcard People are warning contractors to beware of misleading claims from fuel card companies trying to push their products:

Fusion software from 20-20 Fusion has been selected to be used exclusively in showrooms across the Travis Perkins Group of builder’ merchants with more than 600 branches nationwide, supplying over 100,000 product lines to trade professionals.

Recent trade exhibitions have been very successful for the Bathrooms Manufacturers Association. Yvonne Orgill, its chief executive, explains why.

MHS Radiators has supplied more than 80 of its Decoral 10 radiators, 34 Space towel rails, 19 Arturo designer radiators and a Mistral radiator to Golden Hill Fort near Freshwater, Isle of White which has been transformed into 18 individual luxury homes.

Burbidge has opened its doors to a refitted Coventry-based showroom, allowing customers to experience the craftsmanship and innovation behind its new designs.

Whatever the scale of the project, Geberit has the sanitaryware solution to match. Its superior products have been specified for two prestigious buildings in the desert city of Dubai.

Burlington is changing the structure of its UK sales team to focus on achieving increased market penetration for its natural stone products.

The Metris Wave Curve® from PWS has won the prestigious 2010 Grand Designs best kitchen award. The fantastic news was revealed at the glittering awards ceremony during the Grand Designs exhibition, where Kevin McCloud presented the coveted accolade in the form of a striking metallic trophy. The best kitchen category included both modular and bespoke design entries. The appeal of the Wave Curve® is that it achieves what historically has been a bespoke product, but is in fact ingeniously created from a modular 1200mm curved system. This ensures Wave Curve® carries an unexpected level of versatility and is surprisingly affordable. The system has also achieved registered design status.

After almost 15 years of continued service, Len Ball has announced that he will be taking early retirement from Mereway Kitchens.

Gx Glass was commissioned by Design Republic to supply doors and wall cladding for Cascades Tower - an upmarket residential development near London’s Canary Wharf.

Its a new era in politics. That’s what they are now telling us. But in the bathroom industry, leaders and industrialists are contemplating the outcome of the general election with some trepidation. They are studying the politician’s promises of a new consensus in government. Will this new era and new approach help our industry or hinder it? Will the market expand or contract? It remains to be seen.

 Already 2010 has been an interesting year for bathroom design and as you start to think, ‘surely it’s all been done’, the market pleasantly surprises you. Consumers continue to demand the highest levels of sophistication at competitive price points, ensuring a healthy challenge for bathroom manufacturers nationwide.

Quad Uno

Quad Uno

Quad Uno

Quad Uno

BCG, the leading kitchen, bathroom & heating distributor is doing it all over again!

“How could we not?” said Chris Honer, BCG’s Managing Director. “2009 saw the industry go through turbulent times, and we watched almost every one of our competitors cut costs and spending. We took a tough decision not to, and I believe we played the ace card. Our decision to go ahead with Big Tour 3, coupled with the tremendous advertising and editorial campaign we ran, saw BCG’s profile within the industry rocket. We attracted a record number of customers through the doors of Big Tour 3, and the support and enthusiasm for both the tour and the launch of our Airmiles incentive scheme was phenomenal.

In order to match current and future customer needs, the Franke Kitchen Systems Group has reviewed its manufacturing strategy and has decided that Carron Phoenix Ltd. will fully focus on the production of composite products.

Stainless steel sink production will be re-located to other European manufacturing plants within the Group as part of the re-organisation. The re-organisation affects less than 20 staff who will all be offered the opportunity to redeploy within the composite sink production facility and no redundancies are anticipated.

Bristan Group has bid a fond farewell to Steve Lee who, after 19 years with the company, has stepped down as chairman.

Steve joined Bristan in 1991 and was instrumental in growing the business after leading a management buy out in 1997.

Under his direction, Bristan grew from a small business with eight people to a multi-million pound success which attracted the interest of Masco, the US global home products group.  Steve sold the business to Masco in 2002 but stayed on as CEO, steering Bristan through a merger with other Masco-owned brands including Heritage and Gummers to create the Bristan Group.  He became chairman in 2008.

The KBSA has announced that one of Europe’s largest privately owned manufacturers of domestic appliances, Hoover Candy, is the latest corporate member to join the association.

 Hoover Candy is a well recognised and respected company with more than 100 years experience in the industry.

Ideal Bathrooms has introduced an eye-catching livery on 15 new vehicles to further promote its Create Your Ideal Bathroom initiative, directing consumers to the website launched in January. This will help them select a bathroom suite and find out where they can purchase it from, which in turn will help increase sales for the 1000 retailers already signed up to the scheme and for the 23 top brand suppliers featured within the brochure.

C.R. Laurence of Europe, leading supplier to the glazing, railing, architectural, construction, industrial, stone and automotive industries, has appointed Chris Ashton as marketing co-ordinator.

Chris will be responsible for coordinating marketing communications throughout the UK and the rest of Europe. As well as working on the full range of glass hardware, tools and accessories, he will be marketing the CRL stone range, including tools and accessories and the range of CaesarStone quartz surfaces.

The National Training Group for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry (NTG) has given its stamp of approval to 20-20 Fusion’s training programmes.

“One of the best ways we’ve found to raise training standards within the kbb industry is by working with companies like 20-20 Fusion who provide top-quality training programmes,” comments NTG chief executive Renée Mascari. “NTG accreditation sends out a message to the industry that their training provides quality teaching and upholds standards.”

The new Metro Wenge from über furniture is a stunning range that provides countless options for retailers and designers. The dark veneer of the Metro Wenge creates a finish which is understated yet bold.

Besides its striking finish, the new Metro Wenge range has a multitude of plus points including its choice of handles. The beauty of Metro Wenge is that it can be supplied with Überline Matt Silver anodised aluminium handles (as shown), but is also available in a plain slab door to which a variety of stylish handles can be adorned.

MHS Radiators, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of towel rails, designer and panel radiators, has launched a new and exclusive website for trade customers. Giving access to special trade-only products, as well as technical installation guides, the website can be reached at www.mhsradiators.com.

Profile Showers has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Darren Hammond as Area Sales Manager, for the South East & East Anglia region.

Darren joins the company following extensive experience within the bathroom sector over 20 years with Ultra Finishing, Ideal Bathrooms & Ideal Standard.

Water is hidden in all that we see and all that we do - in our bricks and mortar, our transport, the clothes that we wear and the food that we eat. We all have a ‘water footprint’ and it is closely linked to the carbon footprint which has become increasingly ubiquitous.

Experts now talk about water, energy and carbon savings in the same breath and at the recent meeting of the BMA’s General Council two presenters, Jo Kaye of the Energy Saving Trust and Ike Omambala of Waterwise spoke with enthusiasm about the correlation between all three.

Belling’s BI60i Eco induction oven has been awarded a prestigious Red Dot Design award by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany - one of the most coveted international honours in product design.

The Belling BI60i is a built-in appliance that uses induction technology in the main oven cavity - consuming 50% less energy than an A-rated oven.

Metris by PWS has won Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine’s coveted award for best kitchen innovation. Overall winner in the kitchen category, the striking and versatile 1200mm curved system comprises three inspiring designs – the Peninsular, Wave and Fitted Curves.

The Awards were supported by the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show which focuses on individuals looking to build or renovate their own homes, with over 60% of visitors having live or imminent projects. As the best attended event of its type in the UK, the innovation awards were perfectly placed to highlight the quality and design excellence in the market.

The Tile Association Awards are the “Oscars” of the wall and floor tile industry and the products below have been judged to be the best tiles on the market in the 2010 awards.

Wall tile of the year Royale Range from N&C Nicobond

Designed to replicate travertine and limestone, Royale beauty of natural stone with the benefits of ceramic; colour consistency, size regularity, ease of fixing and ease of maintenance. The range offers large format design with a range of decorative finishes, mosaics and capping and skirting pieces.

The Sink Space, Carron Phoenix’s wholly owned distribution outlet based in South Cerney nr Swindon, celebrates its first year in business on April 1st.

The Sink Space, while being owned by Carron Phoenix, complements the company’s strong distribution network that operates across the UK and Ireland. It serves customers in the geographical area of the South West, South East, Wales and the West Midlands. The Sink Space stocks all of Carron’s sinks, taps, accessories and waste management products, rather than only the best sellers, making over 300 items available for ex-stock delivery on a twice weekly basis.

With a steady number of bathroom retail showrooms going out of business since the recession started to bite almost two years ago, Impulse Bathrooms general manager Gary Hawkins believes that avoiding a ‘cut-price’ war is the key to survival over the next 12 months.

Ideal Standard International has selected Fusion Bathrooms from 20-20 Fusion as its preferred CAD solution for its Bath Room design studio and resource centre in London. The software was chosen for its ability to provide the most photo-realistic design visualisations available on the market, combined with unrivalled access to accurate manufacturer data.

Located at the heart of one of the most famous cities in the world, passers-by are defied not to be impressed with the stylish Baumatic appliances in the window of a new showroom devoted to the world of cooking.

Distributed in France by Eberhardt Freres, the latest Baumatic appliances take pride of place in the Parisian L’Atelier des Arts Culinaires – The Workshop of Culinary Arts in the popular Viaduct des Arts, traditionally a place where manufacturers of pewter and copper sell their wares.

InSinkErator has become the first company to run a UK-wide TV advertising campaign for food waste disposers.

The campaign was aired throughout April on More4 (which broadcasts programmes such as Grand Designs, Property Ladder and Location, Location, Location), providing InSinkErator exposure to more than 4.5 million viewers with a passion for home improvements.

The independent distributor Robert Lee has opened a new depot in Huddersfield, adding to the head office based in Waltham Abbey and its branches in Swindon and Tamworth.

The new depot will be operational from 1st May 2010, stocking a wide range of over 80 branded products and servicing the North East and West of England.

At this year’s The Tile Association (TTA) awards, Ultra Tile took home the Excellence in Distribution award, securing them recognition for a first rate delivery service.

As a manufacturer, Ultra Tile is fully aware that their products need to be delivered exactly when required. The company delivers five days a week with each driver making up to seven stops per day. Their delivery guarantee is within 48 hours to anywhere in England and Wales; 24 hour delivery is available on request.

AWA started 2010 with a splash, bringing a fresh look and feel to the company image and several new products to the market including a new web site - launching with some fantastic online offers for customers.

As the longstanding cabinet manufacturer for Matchmaker Kitchens, Tipton based Take Two Kitchens has taken over the brand, making the range available on a direct basis for its customers.

REHAU, Hettich and Egger are inviting designers and manufacturers interested in working with lightweight boards to attend a seminar with the Lightweight Network to be held at REHAU’s Ross on Wye HQ on 23 June.

At the event, representatives from the three companies will set out what can be achieved in both design and production terms using the environmentally friendly and cost effective board and will be aiming to provide both inspirational and practical advice.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association (KBSA) is continuing to promote the benefits of choosing a KBSA retailer to consumers through a variety of channels as part of its consumer awareness campaign.

One aspect of the current campaign is a video production service which offers members an extremely competitive opportunity to produce a professional promotional video.

Inevitable diesel and petrol price rises mean that it has never been more important for contractors to manage fuel costs effectively.

“The first step, if you spend £500 or more monthly on fuel, is to get the right fuel card and start enjoying a discount of 2p to 3p per litre,” says Steve Clarke, general manager of The Fuelcard People “Look for a supplier who will let you always speak to the same person, rather than an anonymous operator who knows nothing about you.”

To support its successful national template and fit service for granite, quartz and timber, PWS has opened a southern distribution hub in Harlow.

Work surfaces leave PWS on a Stiller’s nightly trunk, arriving in Harlow in the early hours of the morning ready for the fitting teams.

The BMA’s annual report on bathroom trends is about to be published on its website. It looks at both the state of the market and how it has been affected by the economy, and at design and style in the bathroom.

The bathroom has become our home’s focal point for really stylish and eco friendly design.

A successful debut showing at Ecobuild demonstrated VitrA’s holistic approach to product development, design, manufacturing and the future of bathroom usage.

Visitors viewed products designed to optimise water usage including WCs with 6 litre flush that can be set for 4 litre flushing.

It is time to think of our future, it is time to go “Back to Tap”.

Studies have shown that the environmental impact of bottled water is 90 to 1,000 times greater than tap water, its carbon footprint is 600 times higher and financially it is between 240 to 10,000 times more expensive.

Stuart Turner has extended the guarantee on its Monsoon pumps from three to five years, subject to simple online registration.

Designed to boost water pressure around the home, the latest generation of pumps offer even greater efficiency and performance backed by outstanding reliability.

Kaldewei, Europe’s leader for steel enamel baths, is investing in the total restructure of its Sales and Marketing operations to ensure improvements to customers at every single point of contact with the company.

Roca’s W+W has won the Environmental Innovation Product Award for Bathrooms at the Kbbreview Industry Awards 2010 – the seventh award for the product since its launch in 2009. This prestigious award which celebrates pioneering energy, water and waste efficient bathroom products in the current commerical market, pays tribute to W+W’s innovative design and ecological credentials.

Mark Richardson has been appointed Managing Director of Blum UK following the retirement of Michael Powell.

Mark has impeccable credential for the position having worked at Blum UK since the company was established in 1987 and for 3 years before that as sale office manager with Blum’s UK agent.

The Crosswater Holdings Group companies – Crosswater, Simpsons and Bauhaus – collectively offer creative bathroom solutions including brassware, bathroom furniture, sanitaryware, shower enclosures and the new Lux Elements® range of wetrooms. To make the whole process of choosing the perfect bathroom easier, Crosswater Holdings has revamped its company website and three individual brand websites.

Instarmac Group has been listed 86th in The Times 2010 top 100 small companies to work for. Based on research conducted by Best Companies, accreditation was established to acknowledge excellence in the workplace. The Michelin style system recognises organisations by assigning them Star Status: 1 star - First Class; 2 stars - Outstanding; and three Stars - Extraordinary.

Contractors have been warned to beware of false claims from fuel card companies trying to push their products. Steve Clarke, general manager of The Fuelcard People, said: “Our customers tell us that some suppliers make very odd claims when trying to push their products. It seems that the fewer fuel cards in a supplier’s range, the wilder their claims become. They can sound very plausible, so contractors should be aware of what to look for, and why the claims are false.”

As the longstanding cabinet manufacturer for Matchmaker Kitchens, Tipton based Take Two Kitchens has taken over the brand, making the range available on a direct basis for its customers.

Take Two is keen to ensure continuity of the brand for its valued customers, and will be working closely with the frontal manufacturers to seamlessly continue producing the high quality rigid cabinets and comprehensive selection of frontals that comprise the range and make it so popular.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) is offering four fantastic reasons for visiting its stand at the KBB exhibition this year.

Ideal Bathrooms is taking the initiative to encourage retailers to look at how they are selling wall hung products. Area Sales Managers at Ideal Bathrooms can help with training staff and also advise on exclusive display offers for wall hung products. Finding the right way to display, promote and sell wall hung products in a showroom is the key to higher and more profitable sales.

Following a year of strong growth and extensive product development for 20-20 Fusion Limited, the leading provider of design software solutions for the kitchen and bathroom industry has further bolstered its sales team with the promotion of Simon Purves to the role of Director – Independent Sales Division.

For years the WC has been regarded as the bathroom’s bad boy. Why? Because of its water guzzling characteristics.

But today the story is very different. The modern flush toilet is no longer regarded that way. In fact, bathroom products, in their entirety, have been developed beyond recognition with water saving features built in.

Grand Designs Live London takes place at Excel London from 1-9 May 2010 and is an invaluable event for people working in the building industry.

We have hand-picked exhibitors that represent the best in your field and aim to deliver an exhibition that is aimed not solely at consumers but also at members of the trade.

There’s nothing more comforting than a hot, scented bath when you’ve struggled home from work on a bitter winter day – and now Victoria & Albert has made the experience extra special with the introduction of a luxurious cushioned headrest for the ergonomically designed ios bath.

Brassware distributor EMBRASS successfully acquired the Peerless business as from 1st January 2010.

Bailey Peerless was formed in 2000 with both companies having a trading history of over 70 years. Cerro EMS then acquired it in 2001. Bailey Peerless supply OEM, distribution and the merchant trade with waste fittings for Kitchens and Bathrooms.

Yorkshire based Ellis Furniture have made a Scottish couple’s dream come true with them winning £2500 holiday vouchers.

To coincide with the launch of a new fascia, Ellis furniture decided to use a USA holiday prize competition to find a name for the new door.

Furniture door and components manufacturer BA Components announced some Senior Management moves following their recent acquisition of BLP in Doncaster.

Ian Cohen has joined the business in Doncaster as Operations Director and will head up the BLP Components business day to day. Ian, a well known and respected figure in the industry returns to BLP after a year away pursuing other business interests, and his appointment was an essential element in the decision by the McCracken brothers to complete the acquisition.

Your main business is supplying bathrooms and kitchens but, though tiles have a natural affinity to these areas of the home, there is no reason why you shouldn’t extend your sales into other areas. British homeowners are becoming more like their European neighbours and are using tiles throughout the home.

Franke products have recently been used to help furnish the Leekes Retail and Leisure Group’s development, Hensol Castle Park. The luxury apartment complex consists of 59 apartments with an average sale price of £350,000.

Following the introduction of 15 door ranges in seven months, PWS has updated its Design Centre to reflect the latest themes.

With a leaning towards modern and crisp styling the new ranges have brought a distinctly contemporary feel to a large area. The new displays have been carefully designed to create an open space that seamlessly links from one collection to another. Traditional styling has not been overlooked; the in-frame display area has been extended with the latest Cornell range in a prominent position.

Kitchen specialist, Franke, has recently appointed two new distributors – Leaker Direct and Cooper Callas. Both distributors offer Franke’s full range of sinks, taps, hoods and kitchen solutions, and Franke is confident that both companies will deliver high service to meet the exacting standards of Franke.

21st January 2010. Novellini, Europe’s largest producer of bathroom and showering products has announced the appointment of Ken Mercer, formerly regional contracts manager (SE) for Roman Ltd, as sales manager SE for Novellini UK Ltd. Ken brings 15 years experience of the industry and swells the national sales force at Novellini to twelve.

The KBSA has announced that Scotland’s leading independent kitchen retailer, Kitchens International, is the latest company to join the association.

Kitchens International is an award winning retailer with four showrooms in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Broxburn. They won a national KBB award for Master Kitchen Retailer in 2008 and designer Claire Lovell has recently been shortlisted for the Young Designer Award for Kitchens 2010.

“2010 will be the year when water efficiency in the bathroom really takes off,” says Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.

“Our members have been pushing hard over the last eighteen months to ensure that their portfolios are at the leading edge of water efficient bathroom design. They are now well placed for the expected rapid uptake of these eco friendly products. Now is the time for bathroom retailers to get involved and register with the scheme, for free, to show the public that they have the products and can offer advice and guidance on water efficiency in the bathroom.”

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

Zehnder Retail Division is strengthening its operation in the UK merchant and showroom market with the introduction of the Zehnder brand to the retail market. This will incorporate the current Acova product portfolio from 1st February 2010.

Zehnder will focus on distributing innovative, well designed, towel radiators and heating products through bathroom and kitchen showrooms and the merchant network. The exciting portfolio will incorporate products previously sold as Acova as well as new additions from the Zehnder range. Bisque, acquired by ZGUK in 2007, will continue to offer design-led products to premium showrooms under its own brand name.

Award-winning BSH Customer Service now offers dealers individually branded business cards for use by customers of its prestigious Bosch, Siemens and Neff appliance brands.

The cards provide brand-dedicated phone numbers and website addresses for several customer services, including arranging an engineer visit, ordering replacement spare parts and purchasing accessories.

20-20 Fusion, the UK market-leader in design and visualisation software has appointed Jade Allen as area sales manager for the North of England.

Jade comes from a sales background, having worked for a Manchester-based PR agency where she learned the value of nurturing strong business relationships with clients and customers.

Metris, PWS’ premium contemporary kitchen collection is now available in Northern Ireland from McAuley Kitchens who have selected Metris for their flagship premises in Belfast. With over 50 years experience, McAuleys have the largest dedicated, independent kitchen showroom in Northern Ireland and have chosen the ergnomically designed peninsular and fitted curve designs for their Metris display area.

Market leading software provider, EQ Software (formerly know as EasyQuote) has strengthened their sales team with the appointment of Justin Dubiel as Area Sales Manager for the South West. Dubiel will be responsible for developing relationships with existing customers and expanding the brand and client base within his region.

While you are selling the kitchen or the bathroom don’t forget to add value to the sale by selling the tiles. Don’t just limit this to the rooms you are dealing with. Why not get clients to extend the tiling throughout the ground floor of the house. This is the perfect time of the year to sell floor tiling.

Manufacturers such as Four Seasons which explored new avenues and continued to invest in new products and its brand despite the tough economic situation are looking forward to what is hoped will be a much healthier year ahead in 2010.

Metris, PWS’ luxury contemporary kitchen collection has been met with unqualified praise for its quality and innovation and 12 months on from the launch, the network of outlets has grown to 31. In recognition of PWS’ commitment to Metris, Richard Gates has been appointed to the new position of Metris Brand Manager.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has increased its selection of benefits for members through its LogBuy system.

LogBuy allows KBSA members to access a web portal from their dedicated area of the KBSA website, where they can then obtain discounts on many products and services. The additional new discounts include cheaper HP computers and Viking stationery, plus cuts on many more business costs.

At the forefront of water conservation initiatives, Impulse Bathrooms welcomed the Building Regulations Part G which were due to come into force in October. This would limit potable water usage on new build to 125 litres per person per day (compared with an average current consumption of 150 litres).

Adding to its strong health and safety record, in October IDS recorded one million working hours without a single lost time accident (LTA), representing 15 months or 320 working days.

When the Mayor of London speaks a lot of people listen and in his recent pronouncement Boris Johnson pleased members of the BMA with his unrestrained support for the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme.

A new training course in renewables for specifiers, housebuilders, teachers, architects and installers has been introduced at the AGA Training Centre at Telford. Delivering an overview of current renewable systems including solar, heat pumps, biomass and wind power, the course is aimed at those who want to increase their knowledge in this ever-expanding industry.

Specialist in decorative furniture hardware, SFA Marketing, has been appointed as the exclusive sales agency in UK and Ireland for Union Knopf.

Geman-based Union Knopf is one of Europe’s leading decorative hardware manufacturers for the furniture industry and boasts an exciting range of cabinet handles.

First class customer service and complete trust in the performance of the brand’s materials, is why Aquastone choose Ultra Tile time and time again.

Aquastone, specialists in tiling installations within both the commercial and domestic sectors, have recently completed a 2000m2 tiling project in Tunstall. The project, part of the prestigious Alexandra Park development, was a new DW Sports Fitness Club which is a two storey complex consisting of a fully equipped gym and a sports retail store.

Mirco Tschenett has tested two spiral saws from RotoZip, fighting off worldwide competition to become World Champion Wall and Floor Tiler at the 39th Worldskills International, held in Shizuoka, Japan. Established in 1950 as a platform for vocational skills across global industries and designed to encourage higher standards, the competition attracts skilled tradesmen from every industry.

Shower enclosure manufacturer, Simpsons, has increased its distribution power by adding three new 7.5 tonne trucks to its fleet.

The new trucks, which increase Simpsons’ fleet to a total of 21 vehicles, significantly improve our loading capacity and will operate nationwide.

The Tile Association Awards are the “Oscars” of the wall and floor tile industry. Each year the industry rewards the best people, the best companies, the best projects and the best products with a prestigious TTA award. They are, simply, the best!

Market leading furniture door and components manufacturer BA Components has announced the successful purchase of BLP from administration.

Established in 1990, BA Components has grown steadily to become a major industry player and this acquisition is a logical step in its progression.

In 2009 VOLA launched three new products. Two of these products, the new VOLA towel warmer, T39 and the new VOLA free-standing shower, FS3 won the 2009 GOOD DESIGN Award presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and

The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

Aqua4ma, a new product by Kudos Showers, has been launched to save up to 30% on the cost of creating a fully watertight wet room without compromising on style or functionality, whilst also being 75% less time consuming to install.

Typically innovative, VitrA’s Delphi shower/bath is an engaging design that fits a bathroom corner with angular edges while the external dimensions partially follow the “body” curves of the internal space. A chrome pillar hinges a glassed half shower door which is also curved to replicate the ceramic base and gives a sleek, elegant finish to the whole installation.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) held a number of regional meetings throughout the UK, which were run in conjunction with this year’s BCG xl Tour. KBSA members were invited to their nearest meeting, which took place throughout October 2009.

Metris by PWS has been awarded the Designer Magazine’s 2009 Gold Award for product innovation for its contemporary, ergonomic curved kitchen system. Barry Stubbs accepted the award from architect and TV presenter George Clarke, host of the awards ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 6th October. Over 350 invited guests were brought together to witness the event - a ‘who’s who’ of the kitchen industry and media.

Introducing the friendly face of Aaron Green, Planit Fusion’s talented new Support Officer.

With a wealth of IT and software experience at his fingertips and a helpful, friendly attitude, newly appointed Support Officer Aaron Green is already an essential member of the Planit Fusion support team.

MHS Radiators has supplied 5,219 sections of its classic cast-iron Ionic and Burlington radiators, as well as 120 Carat flat panel radiators, 114 towel rails and 340 sets of valves to one of the UK’s most luxurious spa hotels – Luton Hoo. In addition MHS also supplied Carat radiators and electric towel rails to The Warren, the stable block and the golf complex which form part of this beautiful and impressive hotel and golf complex on the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire border.

Jason Reed has been appointed as the new Regional Sales Manager for prestigious UK shower specialist Aqata.

James Hardy joined the Kaldewei UK team as Sales Representative on December 1st, responsible for the South West of England and Wales. This latest appointment is significant as all retail trade accounts up to now in the region have been managed by sales agents. From his base in Poole, Dorset, James’s role will be to provide a dedicated sales focus for Kaldewei across the entire trade customer base including independent bathroom retailers, merchants and key distributors.

Roca is delighted to announce that the ground-breaking W+W was a Gold Winner at this year’s Product Innovation Awards – the new product category for the Design Awards 2009.

The Design Awards is an ongoing scheme to promote excellence in design in the home, organised by the publishers of Designer magazine and supported by over 30 leading UK suppliers. The Product Innovation Awards, which are at the heart of the scheme, celebrate and reward products that demonstrate real innovation, and highlight the vital role of manufacturers in driving innovation in design in the home.

The recent upgrade to the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS) has received a warm welcome and rave reviews from all sectors of the bathroom industry. The relaunch, timed to coincide with the Annual Bathroom Conference, is set to be the catalyst to take the industry forward in its development of bathroom products which are both stylish and water efficient.

Colin Seaton is returning to Planit Fusion as its new Area Sales Manager (South).

Having first joined the kitchen and bathroom industry in 1976, and stuck with it ever since, Colin Seaton will be a familiar name to many. In fact, prior to a seven year foray running his own business as an import agent for kitchen and bathroom products, including a CAD system, Seaton spent four happy years working for Planit Fusion.

Following hard on the heels of the addition of two new sales team members, Impulse Bathrooms has now invested in larger premises in line with its ambitious growth plans for the next 5-years.

REHAU’s furniture products are the focus of the polymer group’s re-launched website occupying the home page at www.rehau.co.uk with a series of inspirational images. To celebrate this, the company is running a competition to win £50 in High Street vouchers.

Hüppe’s international sales management team, including UK General Manager Mike Kelly, joined their eastern European colleagues in Moscow recently to celebrate the opening of Hüppe’s new Russian showroom at which the company’s plans for 2010 were also revealed.

Aqualisa has won the coveted ‘Best Packaging of a New Product’ award for its Midas 100 shower and its accompanying fixing bracket at this year’s UK Packaging Awards. The prestigious awards were held last month at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, with Aqualisa proudly triumphing over a shortlist of contenders that included household names.

Actress Tina O’Brien has teamed up with Indesit to celebrate the launch of its new Prime range of appliances. New research from Indesit shows that the average Brit wishes they had an extra 107 minutes of fun in their day and Tina is on a mission to show you how you can ‘Make the Most of Your Prime’.

The Tile Association are so confident of their members’ workmanship that they have introduced an insurance backed warranty scheme especially for TTA fixers working in the consumer sector. Because the scheme is insurance backed, if the TTA Fixer were to go out of business and The Tile Association Warranty has been provided, the consumer will have an insurance policy to rely on.

Power tool specialist RotoZip has supplied precision cutting solutions to a firm of professional Tilers working on a 5-Star Luxury Cruise Liner.

German-based company Fleisen Verlege Union, provide specialist tiling services on cruise liners worldwide and have used a range of RotoZip power tools and accessories for their latest project involving repairs to a swimming pool and honeymoon suite.

Two CDA dishwashers and one integrated washing machine have been chosen as Recommended Appliances by the Energy Saving Trust.

The CI394 integrated washing machine, VW80 integrated intelligent dishwasher and integrated slimline dishwasher CW448 from CDA now display the Energy Saving Recommended logo, a clear sign to consumers that these appliances are the most efficient in their category and offer valuable savings on the use of energy, detergent and water.

As the managing director of one of the UK’s leading kitchen manufacturers, Ben Burbidge is used to going the extra mile in order to stay off competitors and remain at the forefront of the industry. Next March, however, he will face a challenge of a different kind as he prepares to take part in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam.

Crosswater took part in the recent "Wear it Pink" day, part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raised £350!

The team, based at Crosswater's headquarters in Dartford, Kent, wore pink to support the charity; some members of the team really got into the spirit of the day by dressing up in pink cowboy hats and Fame-inspired leg warmers!  

Coventry based bathroom manufacturer Showerlux UK has pledged its support to Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) by sponsoring a charity clay pigeon shoot and black tie fundraising dinner.

The charity event, held recently in Northamptonshire, had an ambitious target of raising £10,000, however, due to generous support from local companies such as Showerlux UK the event raised a staggering £11,250 for the WNNA.

Fired Earth, one of the UK's leading premier kitchens, bathrooms and interior design brands, has launched a new and exclusive website for trade customers. Giving access to exclusive trade-only deals, as well as technical help guides and newsletters and a prestige project section, the website can be reached at http://trade.firedearth.com.

System Six Kitchens based in Exeter jumped at the chance to join a Devon charity fund-raising campaign spearheaded by Deborah Meadon of the Dragon's Den TV programme, called The Dragon's Challenge.  

Malcolm Scott has been announced as the new corporate vice chair of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA).

KBSA CEO Graham Ball welcomed him on behalf of the board and said that he would make a positive contribution towards moving the Association forward.

Planit Fusion has welcomed high-end appliance brand Gaggenau to the Fusion software, with the inclusion of its 2009 appliance catalogue.

Recognised dealers using the Fusion application can now enhance their customers' kitchen designs by selecting from Gaggenau's exclusive range of built-in ovens, microwaves, hobs, extractors, dishwashers and cooling appliances at just the click of a button.

When Barratt Homes was looking for a shower enclosure suitable for the bathrooms of two luxury £1.5m penthouses on the Capital East development, Simpsons was able to provide the perfect solution.

In a drive to increase the specification of its natural stone products and roofing slate, Cumbria-based Burlington has unveiled a dramatic redesign of its popular web site.

Leading kitchen designers love Parapan® and no-one more so than award-winning kitchen company Mowlem and Co. who recently used Parapan® in their re-designed London showroom.

With an increase in VAT just around the corner the last couple of months of 2009 are destined to be the best time ever to buy a new bathroom suite and the BMA is urging its members to make the most of it with one last push, selling their bathrooms at bargain- basement prices.

Seven colleagues from Carron Phoenix recently ventured forth on a memorial walk for Nicola Mateer, marketing co-ordinator at the company who died from cervical cancer at the untimely age of 32 in May this year. They raised £8,050 from friends, family, customers and suppliers which will be split between Cancer Research and Diabetes UK at her family's request.

Kermi were delighted to receive the Gold Award for their inspirational new Diga Shower Enclosure range presented by Architect and TV Presenter George Clarke.

Diga is designed to fold away against the wall when not in use providing total freedom in the showering area with the added benefit of it being really easy to clean.

Michael Powell, Managing Director of Blum UK, won the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the tenth annual Designer Awards ceremony held at the famous Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

Hansgrohe has re-launched its Aquademie showroom and launched a newly built Aquatech training facility at its head office in Esher, Surrey.

A highlight of the newly-styled Aquademie is the first UK display of the Hansgrohe Axor Urquiola complete collection including bath, basin and heated room divider.

Domestic & General has announced the winners of its renowned Total Excellence & Quality (TEQ) Awards. Five white goods repairers from across the UK have been recognised at the 2009 events held in Scotland, Reading and Leeds, for outstanding commitment to customers. The Award is based on the responses to over 420,000 questionnaires distributed to consumers after a repair was carried out.

The Tile Association has published an advisory note on travertine in response to the high volume of the product currently available on the UK market.

Travertine, although often sold as a marble, is technically a limestone and is characterised by the presence of voids within the matrix which can vary hugely, both in the quantity in which they occur and in the form that they take. Traditionally travertine has been used to clad walls and within the marble trade has been considered a difficult material for flooring as the weakness that results from the voids can cause problems.

Triflow Concepts has been awarded Gold in the Product Innovation category at the Design Awards 2009 for its revolutionary new kitchen and bathroom taps designed by Zaha Hadid.

Mike Kelly has been appointed General Manager of Hüppe UK Limited to succeed Rod Goodier, who is retiring as Managing Director at the end of the year after more than 20 years with the company.

Hundreds of children enjoyed decorating tiles donated by Tile Depot, the UK's largest independent tile and stone retailer, at three Playdays held over the school holidays in the London borough of Hillingdon, Middlesex.

With 14 stores across London and the South East, Tile Depot was ideally located to supply the tiles to Hillingdon Play Association as just one of the activities on offer at the free Playdays, which proved extremely popular with over 2,500 people attending and children of all ages from across the borough and beyond taking part.

GROHE is delighted to announce that its Partner Club initiative has been a huge success with showrooms, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. The GROHE Partner Club (GPC) was launched in early 2009 and continues to gain momentum.  It is a cash incentive scheme designed to support and reward GROHE'S most dedicated and knowledgeable showrooms. 

The KBSA has confirmed that they will be joining corporate member BCG XL on their Big Tour 3 exhibition in October.

Redesigned to reflect the major business PJH Group is today, its new corporate web site has been developed to cater for all its customer groups offering more information and a greater understanding of the scale of all PJH's services.

The team at Kent-based Umbermaster is celebrating after scooping PWS' national award for Second Nature dealer of the year. Facing stiff competition from over 200 PWS Second Nature dealers across the country, Umbermaster rose to the challenge taking top honours as the overall national winner.

Roca has announced the name of the winning project of the 3rd edition of the International Contest Jump the Gap, chosen from 382 project presentations and coinciding with the opening of the 100% Design Exhibition in London. The chosen project was Breathing Bathtub by the young Chinese designer Xi Li.

Martin Russell has been appointed as Managing Director for Kaldewei UK, based at its head office facility in Surbiton, Surrey. With a wealth of skills and a proven commercial track record, Martin also brings a fresh perspective to the business coming from outside of the bathroom sector.

BA Components has announced a complete upgrade of its On-Line BA Live service. With improved access and the facility to see the comprehensive BA product range in full colour, it is even more user friendly than before.

Leading bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert will be showing at KBB2010 at the NEC Birmingham in March next year - and promises some exciting new products and additions to the range.

Scalding, through the use of uncontrolled hot water, is an accident which can ruin lives.

Its devastating effect on the skin can be irreversible and lifelong scarring and disfiguration can result. In fact, almost 600 accidents and an alarming 30 deaths a year result from scalding accidents. You don't normally expect such terrible results from using a bathroom. Fortunately, scalding has come under the scrutiny of our legislators and from this month new laws will help prevent it.

Surface materials distributor IDS has just chalked up another impressive achievement in its Health and Safety record, for an entire 12 month period without a single Lost Time Accident.

Momentum for BCG's Big Tour 3 has stepped up a gear this year with a whopping 1600 retailers & merchants having already registered for the event, looking likely to make this year's tour the biggest and most successful yet.

Contractors have been shown how to find the best way to cut fuel costs, with ‘Six Golden Rules' produced by The Fuelcard People.

Prestigious UK shower specialist, Aqata, has appointed Nick Barton to the newly created position of Technical Manager. With a professional engineering background and over 30 years experience in a similar role for a leading bathroom manufacturer, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the position.

Impulse Bathrooms General Manager, Gary Hawkins, together with Logistics Manager John Green has recently completed 1,000 miles in 24 hours motorbike endurance challenge ride for charity.

Mira Showers has carried out a major overhaul of its Web site - www.mirashowers.co.uk - to provide retailers with not only more useful content but also quicker and simpler access to it. The upgrades include a dedicated area for the trade and new installation videos.

A consumer, let's call her Mrs Smith, plans to spend £25,000 refurbishing three bathrooms in her home. She chooses large format ceramic tiles and buys them from a TTA retailer but decides not to use their fixing services. She obtains a quotation from a contractor who can undertake both the sanitary ware installation and the tiling. The quotation is high, so Mrs Smith thinks that this means they are a good quality contractor and agrees to the quote.

Crosswater Holdings, which encompasses brands Crosswater, Simpsons and Bauhaus, has created a stunning new showroom in Dartford, Kent so that retailers, as well as architects and specifiers, can see and feel the exciting, innovative portfolios in comfort. Its easy location, just off the M25, means that it is accessible to all.

Specialist in kitchen technology, SFA Marketing, has been appointed as the exclusive sales agency in UK and Ireland for Gera Lighting.

German-based GERA is one of Europe's leading lighting system designers for the kitchen furniture industry, with customers including Bulthaup, Miele, Poggenpohl and EWE.

James Theobald's, the Maidstone based Kitchen and Bathroom Distributor has had one of its Kitchens chosen for the hugely popular UKTV makeover series ‘Love The Place Your In'.

The programme, hosted by top interior designer Gordon Whistance, shows homeowners how to get creative in their own homes by turning their existing home into the havens and sanctuaries they had always dreamed of.

As part of its drive to bring professional tradespeople the best range of business products in the market, FairTrades has teamed up with Simply Business, an online provider of professional business insurance, to offer great value Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI).

Prestigious UK shower specialist, Aqata, has appointed Steve Gent to the newly created position of National Sales Manager. This significant step provides a dedicated sales focus at senior level within Aqata with a key responsibility for management of the existing team of 8 nationwide sales agents.

BA Components, bespoke frontal supplier and manufacturer of the Bella Kitchen & Bedroom Collections, has announced a complete upgrade of its On-Line BA Live service.

With a new showroom and a host of new products, Profile Showers certainly have something to shout about.

September sees Carron Phoenix reach a momentous milestone in the company's history, celebrating 250 years of Carron heritage at its Falkirk site in Scotland.

Omega Tiles & Bathrooms is one of Ultra Tile's official stockists, regularly purchasing a selection of paste, powder and grout products. Following the supply of a sales lead generated by Ultra Tile's marketing activities; Omega Tiles & Bathrooms was able to secure a substantial sale of Ultra Tile adhesives to J & A Tiling Services.

easyquote the KBB industry's leading supplier of business management software has appointed Alastair McPheat onto its board as a Non Executive Director.

Planit Fusion, the leading supplier of CAD software to the kitchen and bathroom sector, is hitting the road this autumn as it takes part in BCGXL's The Big Tour 2009, with regular demonstrations taking place throughout the roadshow enabling visitors to see the software in action.

Robert Lee Distribution Ltd, one of the UK's largest independent distributors of bathrooms, have appointed David Ground to the position of Sales & Marketing Director.

Refrigeration brand, Lec, is set to see one of its fridges light up the big screen after landing a starring role in the film version of best-selling book, Round Ireland with a Fridge.

The KBSA has launched a new insurance policy that will allow members to continue to provide 100% cover for all contracts signed since the cover was reduced on 20th May, when the original providers of the ConsumerCare Plus insurance HCCI withdrew from the scheme.

Water efficiency is in the spotlight nowadays and the use of water in our bathrooms has come under increasing scrutiny by our legislators. And rightly so. The Code for Sustainable Homes and Building Regulations Part G were recently revised and the decade-old Water Regulations are now under review.

Planit Fusion, the leading provider of design software for the kbb industry, is further bolstering its commitment to delivering a quality CAD product with the appointment of James Wilson to the position of Product Director.

Famed for its quality, craftsmanship and inspiring designs, leading manufacturer of kitchen frontals and accessories, Burbidge, is celebrating a quarter of a century in the British kitchen industry this month.

Putting the needs of its customers at the heart of its business, the latest Fusion Care seminars held by leading CAD software specialist Planit Fusion were incredibly well received by all who attended. As well as providing customers with the perfect platform to get to grips with the latest version of the market-leading software for the kbb industry, the seminars also gave Planit Fusion customers the opportunity to learn more about the fantastic new training programmes now available to them.

The Mereway Group of Companies are delighted to announce the release of their new fleet of greener trucks for their distribution network. Proud to operate their own fleet, Mereway have 11 vehicles across the Group, servicing all of the UK and Ireland.

To further strengthen its team, Ideal Bathrooms has recently recruited two new people who will bring experience coupled with fresh ideas to the company's sales support activities.

The Tile Association are so confident of their members' workmanship that they have introduced the TTA Warranty Scheme especially for TTA Registered Fixers working in the consumer sector. The Tile Association has used its power as the lead body for the industry to team up with a national insurance company who will back their fixer members' work.

All 150 bathrooms in the re-launched boutique Kensington Hotel in London, part of the prestigious Doyle Collection, have been fitted with demista^TM heated mirror pads. The additional luxury of having steam free mirrors in the stylish new bathrooms, allows guests to shave, do hair and makeup, with an unspoilt view at all times. The pads are very low energy consuming around 1p per day.

The latest brochure from Ceramic Tile Distributors (CTD) is now available as part of Planit Fusion's flagship software. The new Gemini brochure from CTD is the latest catalogue to be integrated into the software, enabling designers in kitchen, bathroom and tile showrooms to offer visual representations of tile applications to their customers. The style-driven catalogue imagery offered by Gemini combined with the powerful visualisation, design and layout tools associated with Fusion allows designers to create genuinely photorealistic visuals for their customers and to clinch that all-important sale.

BA Components, the leading bespoke frontal supplier and manufacturer of the Bella Kitchen & Bedroom Collections, have announced a complete upgrade of their On-Line BA Live service.

Always committed to supporting its dealer network and promoting their brands, BA Components have improved, updated and streamlined the very successful and popular BA Live interactive on-line facility. Now with improved access and the facility to see the comprehensive BA product range in full colour, BA Live is even more user friendly than before.

Euroline Sales & Marketing, the sole UK specialist importer for the premium Italian kitchen brands Barazza, Bertazzoni, La Germania by Bertazzoni and Falmec, is pleased to announce the appointment of Holly Smart as Communications and PR Manager. This newly created position forms part of Euroline's growth strategy and will allow the company to further enhance its brand positioning and support already rising sales.

This month Leaker Direct are about to launch their New Product Guide August 2009 and are pleased to announce that Franke sinks and taps will be added to their portfolio. Franke have secured their position as market leaders in their industry by providing kitchen specialists with a world-class range of sinks, taps and accessories. Leaker Direct are concentrating on giving kitchen specialists a high quality service and will stock the complete Franke range to give customers swift lead times.

The KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) has announced a new initiative that will help members appeal against their current business rating assessment, with average savings of 15% if the appeals are successful.

Bauhaus is taking to the road with its exquisite range of bathroom furniture. A new bespoke show van has been developed so that a selection of Bauhaus's products can be transported throughout the whole of the UK so customers can touch and feel the products.

Premier tile and sanitaryware manufacturer RAK Ceramics is delighted to be expanding its workforce by appointing a new Area Sales Manager.

A clutch of outstanding speakers have been lined up for this year's Bathroom Conference. More details have been announced by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, who organise this increasingly important occasion.

Kohler Mira and Kitchen & Bath UK has appointed leading industrial designer Simon Browning to the position of Studio Director.

Trevor Herbert, Technical Sales Manager for LDL (South) Ltd, is to retire on 28 July 2009 after 46 years in the furniture fittings industry.

A Technical Working Group of The Tile Association in co-operation with Ceram has prepared a technical document, "Large Format Tiles in Internal Tiling". Every TTA member will receive one free copy. Members and non members can order additional copies by downloading the order form from TTA website at www.tiles.org.uk.

A pair of three-oven, custom-made, AGA range cookers are at the heart of BMI's newly opened International Lounge, BMI Number One Heathrow within Heathrow's Terminal 1.

A specially selected collection of 37 new tile designs, featuring technically innovative and stunning surface effects, has been brought together in the latest Craven Dunnill Renaissance brochure, just published. This latest collection reveals an emerging trend towards bolder and more dramatic style statements for mainstream tiles.

Despite the current economic climate Moores is forging ahead with the appointment of two new Area Sales Managers who will join Moores' newly-formed, fast-growing and dynamic Retail division. The appointment of Sarah Grew and Julia Chisholm will make the team even stronger and represents just one aspect of how Moores is shaking things up in these new and exciting times for the company.

At Robert Lee they obviously like to play as hard as they work. This May, they decided to join the fantastic "Race For Life" cancer research campaign. With crazy socks and ridiculous gloves the girls proudly strolled the 5 km course raising money for cancer research. Joining in with over 2,500 others participants.

Hobsons Choice, Swindon's premier retailer of contemporary interiors, played host to a customer open evening revealing a re-designed, innovative showroom featuring bulthaup's state-of-the-art kitchen systems and inspiring bathroom displays featuring products from suppliers such as Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, Dornbracht and Hansgrohe

For the second time in less than a year, Andy Sutton Business Development Director at IDS, has donned his running shoes for the British Heart Foundation.

Tony Wakefield and Gary Leigh have been appointed as new sales agents for the South West of England for Aqata, Britain's leading independent producer of shower enclosures. With over 25 years experience in the industry between them, Tony and Gary work together for the same agency where they have developed a well-established reputation across the South West region. Their role will be to increase Aqata's brand awareness with existing customers and develop new business opportunities by promoting the company's innovative range of quality shower enclosures, trays, showers and bathroom accessories.

Bristan has teamed up with the National Schools Partnership to launch an innovative new classroom pack aimed at educating primary school children about the importance of saving water.

According to a recent survey by leading kitchen manufacturer, Burbidge, the current recession has sparked a fast-growing trend for patriotism in consumption. While more than half (56%) of Brits questioned said they have always preferred to buy British, over two thirds (68%) are now even more inclined to do so as a result of the current economy.

The value of editorial press coverage for the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has risen by 24% in comparison to the same period last year, according to recent figures released by the Association.

The country was swamped with political news in June so the publication of the Revised Part G of the Building Regulations was knocked from the headlines. But the new regulations are great news since they will help prevent almost 30 scalding deaths a year.

Kronospan has further strengthened its environmental credentials by achieving the CARB accreditation. The certification, awarded by the California Air Resources Board, demonstrates low levels of formaldehyde within products and has been awarded to the company's MDF range.

Last year Ideal Bathrooms acquired the Glasgow based bathroom products distributor Inline Distribution. The acquisition provided Ideal Bathrooms with the opportunity to envelop some new brands and to strengthen key markets and product sectors. Roca and Shades were two important brands that formed part of the Inline stockholding. Now, in keeping with their key brands philosophy, Ideal Bathrooms is delighted to confirm that these brands have been incorporated into its stock portfolio and are now available throughout the UK for all Ideal Bathrooms customers.

The Tile Association has organized a series of technical seminars to be given on two dates in July. For those in the South the seminars will be held at the offices of N&C Nicobond, Chadwell Heath on Thursday 16th July and for those in the North at the offices of Ceram, Stoke on Trent on Thursday 23rd July.

Hydropanel, Marley Eternit's dry construction building board, has been used to carry out remedial work on Matter nightclub in the O2 Dome.

Leading providers of showering and kitchens to the elderly and disabled AKW MediCare are pleased to announce that they now offer a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects on all non electrical catalogued items.

In response to increasing consumer concern about hygiene in the home, Evo-Stik has launched anti-germ, a unique range of tiling solutions and sealants that kills bacteria and stops mould and fungi growth.

Hobsons Choice, Swindon's premier retailer of contemporary interiors, played host to a customer open evening to reveal a re-designed, innovative showroom featuring bulthaup's state-of-the-art kitchen systems. Also on show are inspiring bathroom displays featuring products from suppliers such as Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, Dornbracht and Hansgrohe.

Staff at shower designer and manufacturer Aqualisa dusted themselves down and rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday, May 26th when they welcomed HRH the Duke of Kent. The Duke's visit followed Aqualisa receiving a coveted Queen's Award for Enterprise last Summer.

George Letman has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Aqualisa Group.

Bathroom and kitchen retailers nationwide are welcoming the growing success of www.tilerworld.com The new free service bringing consumers and tilers together. By entering their location, consumers can call up a list of up to 20 trusted tilers in their area. They can then pick up to five and request quotes for tiling.

2009 is a very special year for PWS as it celebrates 100 years in business. This landmark in PWS' history celebrates its legacy of innovation and achievement, and offers the opportunity to define the company's development in the decades to come. The centenary coincides with the first anniversary of the new granite factory and the company's most dynamic and comprehensive product launch.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has continued its investment in promoting the benefits of choosing a KBSA retailer by attending two national consumer exhibitions this spring.

We are delighted to announce that the GROHE Ondus Digital Bathroom Collection won Best Bathroom Product in the Grand Designs Awards 2009.

Dansani, the market leading brand in contemporary bathroom furniture design, is currently enjoying European sales success as well as UK growth, despite the economy, with some of the biggest orders they have seen for the last 15 years.

The award recognises the importance of the environment and sustainability within the tile industry. Sarah Rose, Instarmac's Marketing Manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the award win. The optimum use of materials and consumables is not a new concept but it is one that Instarmac has implemented and maintained successfully. To win the award for the second year running is an amazing achievement and one that we all feel very proud of."

The SMART System is the market-leading business and operational management software for the KBB sector. Endorsed by leading players in the industry, SMART is the system of choice for the professional business.

Last year Ideal Bathrooms acquired the Glasgow based bathroom products distributor Inline Distribution. This was an important strategic acquisition which gave Ideal Bathrooms an established distribution centre in Scotland, the chance to gain new customers, the opportunity to take some of the Inline brands to a national level and incorporated the valued and experienced staff at Inline, into the Ideal Bathrooms family.

Whitwell Hall Country Centre is an independent charity set up to educate less fortunate youngsters about the countryside and the environment and to help their development into socially responsible people

The bathroom has seen some remarkable changes in recent years. Shapes, styles and technology have all received attention from the designer's critical eye. Showering, in particular, has come in for radical treatment and shower enclosures are now more advanced than ever before.

Introduced into the UK in 1999 Parapan® enjoys an enviable reputation as the number one choice for high gloss acrylic. Always a firm favourite with leading kitchen companies, Parapan® is now specified by innovative designers in a wide variety of unusual and imaginative applications both domestically and commercially.

It's great news all round as PWS' new granite factory exceeds targets in all areas, with an exceptionally strong performance from the template and fit teams

The news that the Communities and Local Government department announced last month, changes to building regulations that will enhance hot water safety and efficiency measures for all new homes has delighted bosses at Staffordshire based Intatec, the anti-scald bath tap, shower and valve manufacturer who have campaigned for the introduction of anti-scald legislation for more than five years.

David Hill has been named Managing Director, Kohler Mira and Kitchen & Bath UK, with effect May 2009. He reports to Jeff Mueller, President, Global Faucets; with a ‘dotted line' to Giorgio Pitzurra, President, Kohler Europe.

Victoria & Albert's completely refitted display vehicle is off on a tour of Europe and the UK. The van will be visiting southern England in June, then on to France and Switzerland in July and finishing in Northern England and Ireland in August and September.

When you sell a bathroom or kitchen you haven't completed the job until you have sold the tiles. Tiles can add significantly to the overall value of the sale and if you include all possible ancillary items, which the customer will have to buy from somewhere, you could increase the tile element of the sale by as much as 50%.

Number 1 cooking brand Belling has gained a place in Guiness World Record History alongside 100 UK school children, and celebrity, Liz McClarnon, after setting a new world record for most people cooking simultaneously.

Recognised cooling specialist Lec, is officially the fastest growing refrigeration brand in the UK combined cooling and freezing sector.