No longer just for the kitchen, undermount basins are increasingly fashionable within the bathroom - providing a sleek, streamlined look which is easy to clean. Bauhaus' new Torino range allows you to have smooth, linear surface areas for accessories; while the deep bowls deliver on the practical front.

The new Maya tap from Carron Phoenix cuts an elegant dash with its art deco inspired styling. With a design undercurrent in the brassware market for glamorous and vintage looks emerging, the Maya tap fits the perfectly combining chic styling with everyday functionality.

Bristan is driving innovation through its range of bathroom heating products with the launch of a striking new collection of decorative radiators, Estratto.

Britain's premier supplier of bathroom products, HiB, have moved immediately to ensure their customer comply with new fire legislation in regard to shower lights, and at the same time, address the environmental issue of energy conservation.

Following many requests from customers to produce a ‘Shaker Style' door in High Gloss colours BA Components are pleased to announce the availability of their WARWICK style door in all High Gloss colours with the exception of High Gloss Ebony.

To complement their wide range of kitchen mouldings, John Boddy Timber have introduced a special range of quality solid hardwood worktops.

Perfect for a daily treat seven days a week, the sinful Sense Wi151 simply stores seven delicious wines at a time.

PWS have enhanced their granite collection with Verdi Marinace, combining a beautiful array of colours and rich veining to create a stunning and eye-catching finish. Uniting tones of green, grey, black and cream Verdi Marinace offers a surface with depth of colour and natural beauty.

Fashion trends come and go but black is always in when it comes to worksurfaces.

This beautiful ‘Colonial Dream' granite surface is just one of many beautiful granites available from Cerrig who offer arguably one of the widest selections of granite, marble and re-constituted stones available.

WaterShieldTM is the newest addition to the ever-expanding range of tile adhesives, grouts and sealants from Ultra Tile.

Altima have created the new Bathroom SELVA Switch Pack, introducing the ability to have a wall switch inside the bathroom.

Following recent major investment in new plant, machinery   and IT systems, manufacturer and components distributor East Coast Fittings (ECF) have launched a comprehensive contract  offer of kitchen cabinets complete with fascias & hardware.

As banks become more nervous about lending, HomePro Money - one of the UK's leading providers of financial and insurance products for business - is offering to arrange commercial finance from £1,500 upwards.

The spacious new Kubus KBX 120 34-34 double bowl sink from Franke marks the end of battling for space in the kitchen.

The new Burgundy Stone range from Craven Dunnill of ceramic floor and wall tiles has been selected for its sophisticated, silk finish and natural patina and hues. The total effect is an outstanding example of how stone-look ceramic tiles can capture the timeless appeal of natural stone. This range is enhanced with detailed touches of contemporary styling in the form of patterned mosaic tiles and the ultra smooth, rectified edges.

Ideal Bathrooms has taken delivery of £500,000 of stock from the new product range - Concept by Ideal Standard.

Affordable luxury sums up IDS's Tuscan Quartzstone range of engineered stone worksurfaces and the new Voodoo design is no exception. The subtle blend of black granite and quartz particles with a deeply lustrous surface finish is the epitome of style in both contemporary and traditional kitchens and the pre-fabricated work surfaces and breakfast bars give total design flexibility.

Franke has brought together the ergonomics of the kitchen environment, and the growing need to separate household waste into recyclable groups, with their range of Sorter systems. A convenient alternative to the conventional waste bin; Franke Sorters are available in a variety of capacities and configurations to fit neatly into 500 and 600mm kitchen base units.

The ‘wet room' look is becoming more and more popular as people opt for minimalist styling in the bathroom, but as many of us begin to feel the effects of the credit crunch, the cost of creating a true wet room might be just out of financial range. However, with Mira's new Flight Low tray you can create that dream ‘wet room' look more cheaply, and quickly.

TK Components are pleased to announce the arrival and launch of their new, Italian manufactured Corner Unit. Named "Dynamic", these ingenious pieces of equipment boast a new, patented soft close action, which features a unique arched rear fixing rail and gas piston. Easy installation too, due it only having three moving parts.

There are many reasons why people might wish to bring the contents of a wall cabinet within easier reach. And there is one solution, thanks to a new fitting from Hettich.

Offering a chic contemporary organic tone, Sterling Grey is the brand new colour available on Pronorm's popular Proline 128 kitchen furniture range. Previewed at MOV, Sterling Grey is now available in the UK.

Burbidge is extending the design possibilities of its award-winning Lansdowne shaker kitchen even further, with the introduction of an elegant, extra tall curved door option.

Manufacturer and components distributor East Coast Fittings (ECF) have launched a new updated brochure to showcase its in-house manufactured Superior Cabinets range of flat pack carcassing. The new brochure features a comprehensive range of 300 kitchen cabinet options, available in 20 stocked colours, and includes a range of curved carcasses to suit ECF's Fusion and Ancona curved doors and drawer fronts. Also featured in the brochure is the new range of bedroom carcassing, comprising of 130 cabinet options available in all 20 stocked colours.

There was a time when stainless steel was considered a little industrial for domestic kitchens, but now more and more people are waking up to its charms and using it for worksurfaces and appliances in their kitchens to obtain a professional but luxurious look. Stainless steel can be easily fabricated into all sorts of strong, but lightweight shapes and it is eco-friendly, too, because it can be recycled easily at the end of its life. Extremely hygienic and easy to maintain, it is also resilient to heat, fire and sustained heavy use.

Foster stainless steel worksurfaces, already a hit with top Italian and European kitchen manufacturers, are now available in the UK through Air Uno. Made in Italy, these   high-quality stainless steel countertops can be bespoked to suit any kitchen design whether sexily curved as right, a simple linear run along the wall, an island, cleaning or cook zone. It can be fabricated as a plain worktop or integrated with other Foster products such as their strikingly contemporary sinks and hobs.

Styled along cubic minimalist lines Vixo will complement any contemporary kitchen, offering original design with a stunning twist. This high specification mixer tap takes advantage of new progressive valve technology, allowing for one-handed control of water flow and temperature. The central control block turns to release cold, warm and then hot water in a 90 degree twist.

The Topaz sink from Astracast is a testament to designer styling at an affordable price. This practical and modern, mid price point sink offers both distinctive design and value for money.

The 163.4Tk built-in multifunction oven by Amica, the leading Polish appliances manufacturer, is the perfect choice for those looking for the latest design led, highly functional built-in option.

D.R. Cooker Hoods launch a truly stylish asset to the kitchen in the form of the Vogue extractor hood from the exclusive Elica collection.

Silverfrost from Bushboard's Omega laminate worktop range is a shining example of how technical innovation delivers top notch design. The design pays homage to stainless steel but offers a more affordable alternative.

Responding to customer feedback, Carron Phoenix has extended its popular Lavella undermount stainless steel sink range with a brand new single bowl model, the Lavella 105U.

KitchenAid® premium built-in appliances have a unique patented coating to keep them looking their absolute best in-store.

CDA appliances are finished in high-grade steel, which is easy to clean using the branded 2 step   e-cloth cleaning system available from the company. The sink range includes everything from entry point single and one and a half bowl models to top end geometric undermounts and Italian designer styles with a slim edge profile that suits the latest contemporary style kitchens.

Myson, renowned for heating through innovation, has added to its contemporary line of radiators and towel warmers, with the introduction of a range of stainless steel products.

Our industry has thrived in recent years, however the current economic climate will undoubtedly impact on that growth. We must therefore identify opportunities during these times and focus on what is important within the industry in order to minimise the downturn's effect on business performance and profits.

Planit Fusion - The leader in design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industries - has achieved significant success following the release of Version 15 of its Fusion software, which continues to be an unbeatable sales tool with unique and striking features.

Pro Studio is a software system unique to easyquote, designed to improve presentations and ensure the very best sales support for small businesses. Andy Peters, Sales and Marketing Director of easyquote explains "Everyone has to start somewhere when selecting a business management system, and easyquote takes pride in offering a software solution for all retailers and manufacturers in the KBB industry whatever the size of company. Our systems are designed to be built upon, so as a business grows, easyquote offers the potential to grow with it."

Vision House Software, the leading developer of 3D CAD planning software for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, is celebrating huge interest in VR NEXUS, which looks set to be the next generation in design-to-manufacture software.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are financial and non-financial data which allow you to easily understand whether your business objectives are on target.

20-20 Technologies, the world leader in 3D interior design and furniture manufacturing software has announced its next generation design software for the KBB market.

Many grey consumers (the 50 - 65 year old age group) have paid off their mortgage, waved goodbye to their children and are on good salaries or pensions. They're buying into inclusive design, an excellent investment because it provides both for their present and future requirements, with well thought-out function, good quality and attractive styling of products. While their financial status may not be attainable by all, their purchasing criteria can certainly be followed.

Following the success of its Studio M (Manufaktur) series, Hüppe has introduced three new Manufaktur collections - Duplo, Vista and Kalea.

If you're looking for a comprehensive range of Mini mixers that offer style, compact dimensions and great performance, then look no further that the Mini mixers range from Mira Showers. Launched at the end of 2007, the Mini range has been added to throughout 2008 with new models offering even more choice and benefits to complement Mira's already extensive range of standard-sized mixer showers.

The new Antro selection of brassware from Marflow offers striking shower combinations for the modern bathroom.

Purus, the leading Swedish manufacturer of drainage and plumbing products, has launched into the UK market meeting the expanding demand for wet rooms and walk in showers. The products is available nationwide through leading plumbing and heating suppliers.

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

Roper Rhodes unveiled the Aero shower this summer, to match the already established Aero tap range - and it's fast becoming a popular choice.

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

Leading bathroom and sanitary system fittings manufacturer, GROHE has done it again when it comes to quality and performance. Its range of Grohtherm thermostats has gained 12 accolades in a major independent test of European products.

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 avoiding the need for conventional ‘step-in' acrylic bases.

The Life Shower Bath has been added to the ‘Essentials from Ideal' brand which is available from Ideal Bathrooms.

The trend towards creating ‘wet rooms' in place of the conventional British bathroom provides a real opportunity to add value to a property and bring the benefits of ‘Wellness' into the home.

Forget the digital revolution; consumers need showers that combine gorgeous design with easy, hassle-free installation, says bathroom specialist Bristan.

Challis Water Controls the Maidenhead based manufacture of water saving controls has announced the launch of their new anti bacterial, water saving shower head. The Challis Ag+ (periodic table symbol for silver, the active ingredient) is the first shower to be manufactured from anti bacterial plastic.

The new Tilux Shower Tray Former from Wetdecs is an advanced level wet room shower tray former which is virtually complete out of the box. This level access walk in show base includes a tanking membrane pre-fixed to its upper surface and incorporates a factory fixed drain collar.

Most people like the idea of a wet room but worry about the cost, the time it takes to install and of course whether it will leak.

Wetrooms are the ultimate modern style statement. They are a sought after look which is increasing in popularity, with more and more consumers looking to install one in their own bathroom. David Osborne, Managing Director of market leading UK shower manufacturer Roman, takes a look at the process involved to install one...

The new Showerwall brand has undergone a major overhaul offering key benefits in design and installation making it one of the premier waterproof wallpanelling systems currently available on the market. Design-wise, there is a comprehensive choice 20 laminate finishes to satisfy discerning contemporary and traditional tastes. Retaining popular classics, the range also includes several of-the-moment designs that push the style boundaries like never before. Now customers can choose from exotic woodgrains, oxidised copper metal effects, travertine, ribbed textures and ultra chic black or white granite designs incorporating pearlescent flecks for high-octane luxury.

Deva's extensive range of stylish glass and aluminium shower panels make a bold design statement in any bathroom.

Bathroom enclosure and screen specialist Lakes Bathrooms has announced that its invisible protective coating AllClear® is now being added to bath screens in the Classic Collection. The stay-clean coating repels water, dirt, soap scum and limescale on bathroom surfaces and was introduced as standard on its shower products without any price increase.

Leading British shower enclosure and wet room manufacturer, Manhattan Showers, has expanded its range of designs to satisfy the diverse requirements of house builders, refurbishers and home improvers alike.

Drop is a new and exciting introduction to Crosswater's range of contemporary bathroom innovations.

It has been a best seller for the past three decades, and now the launch of the latest T80z electric shower from Triton takes ease of installation and retro-fitability to the next level.  

Leading wetroom manufacturer Impey provides a selection of glass screens to complement any wetroom. Impey's Cre-8 shower screens come with the Company's unique Aqua-Shield Stay Clean glass. The straight glass panels range in size from 750mm to 1650mm and are made from 8mm toughened glass. The Cre-8 range also features curved panels that are availiable in two sizes, 880mm and 1400mm. All panels are 2000mm tall and are accented with polished chrome details.

Galaxy Showers is not only a market leader in instantaneous electric showers but also offers a range of stylish and affordable power showers, including the G1000LX manual and G2000LX all-in-one thermostatic power shower.

The square design of the new Infiniti shower from Intatec, makes this unusual shower stand out from the crowd. From the stylish valve right up to the fixed riser and handset, the stunning square profiled Infiniti means that round is out!

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

Is it possible to have a luxurious and spacious shower in a tiny bathroom? Niko thinks so with the amazing Atlantis shower and basin combination

Midas, a new range of thermostatic showers from Aqualisa has the golden touch - but thankfully - only in the design and functionality sense.

Pegler Yorkshire's shower ranges offer a complete cross sectional approach in pricing, style and design - from new, low cost traditional and modern showers through to the exciting and new minimalist styling of Visio and Xia showering. The new product offering provides the opportunity for installers undertaking new installations, up-grades and refurbishment of existing bathrooms and en-suites to benefit from designer product ranges consisting of matching taps, showers and accessories, and all at affordable prices.

Showerlux UK has announced that the majority of enclosures and screens in its extensive range will now come with Glass Shield easy clean glass protection as standard.

In the current climate, consumers are looking to invest their money in quality products that will stand the test of time in both durability and style. As consumers are returning to simply styled sanitaryware, brassware is becoming increasingly popular way to inject elements of style and flair into an otherwise plain and minimalist décor.

Advanced technology, touch and drive engineering, streamlined design and ergonomics - these are words that could easily describe the development of a supercar, but they actually relate to the latest in creative kitchens. Current trends in contemporary design incorporate a minimalist aesthetic together with more unusual finishes using the highest quality wood veneers and gloss or Mat Lacquers.

Deconstructivism in art, architecture and design characterises the ideas of Wolf D. Prix and Helmut Swiczinsky who comprise Coop Himmelb(l)au, the renowned Austrian architects and creative team behind the EWEdtion collection of EWE Kitchens. It is their belief that by removing everything that is inessential, the beauty of the form is ever more appealing. This design ethos is apparent in every aspect of EWE kitchens.

Formica Limited has introduced Finewood, an exceptional texture, into its premium range of worktops; Axiom by Formica®. Finewood takes its inspiration from textures found in natural wood, presenting a realistic, grained finish which is pleasing to the touch.

With form and function being the cornerstone of contemporary design, Pronorm's new Proline 128 kitchen range in gloss white gives designers maximum potential for tailoring a kitchen to the precise needs of the customer.

Scottwood's craftsmen and designers are renowned for creating unique ergonomic pieces with a wide range and huge choice of design innovations to make each kitchen extra special.

Parapan, already a firm favourite with many of the UK's leading kitchen designers, is an extremely versatile material with unlimited potential for creative door applications.

New to the Kitchen Stori range from Irish kitchen manufacturer and distributor Uform is the Iona Painted collection.

The Wrighton International range is a collection of kitchens created to meet all design aspirations and everyday working needs. Whether your preference leans towards high gloss contemporary minimalism or the warmth of a natural beech finish in a modern shaker style kitchen, our range of style options gives the choice of value and quality of materials. To complete your own individual kitchen, there is also a varied selection of handles and accessory pieces to choose from.

A modern kitchen needs to look as stylish as it is practical and Keller Kitchens has created a must-have kitchen with Orleans.

Kitchens are, by their very nature, centres of creativity. So it's not surprising that creativity burns at their very heart in terms both of the tools to fulfil the creative potential of the space and also ways in which to enhance the creative ambience of kitchens and to inspire the user.

Despite all the bad news this year, there have been some positive trends when it comes to the bathrooms and kitchens marketplace. Elements such as the move towards apartments and smaller properties and the need to stamp our individual identity on our home all continue to help manufacturers, retailers and distributors.

Mereway Bathrooms have experienced phenomenal success with their fitted furniture ranges this year, proving they're a supplier to be trusted when it comes to providing the right door styles to the very competitive bathroom market. After their 6 monthly review of the ranges, sales showed the new doors introduced had fast become some of their best sellers.

Waterside, another ‘Best of British' fireclay sink from Shaws of Darwen, who only manufacture in England. Waterside is a large single bowl with a curved bow front which looks stunning in any style of kitchen and comes complete with central 31/2" waste outlet to accommodate basket strainer or waste disposer.

Outstanding modern design and a desire for safety are crucial requirements when developing new showers. The Ladoplan from Kaldewei successfully combines both these aspects to perfection.

Range cooker experts Falcon have produced the first ever, single cavity range cooker giving consumers the benefit of using a single or double oven depending on the amount of food they are cooking. The innovative, brand new Falcon 900S will appeal to keen cooks who want to become more energy and environmentally conscious.

Rangemaster has taken a pioneering approach to contemporary cooking by launching the new Professional+ with induction hob top (available in 110cm and 90cm). This is the first time a Rangemaster oven has featured a powerful induction hob allowing customers a greater choice when it comes to cooking.

Flair International, Ireland's leading producer of quality glass shower enclosures, introduces their stylish range of Wetroom Shower Screens for creating stunning contemporary shower spaces in every home. Simple design combined with minimal use of quality materials creates a feeling of freedom and space - ideal for people who love contemporary interiors and who love to shower.

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

The world's leader in toilet seats, Bemis, has unveiled a seat with a unique smart-lift easy-clean design.

Rieber's Waterstation® Cubic Sink System features a large bowl for big pots and pans (540 x 332 x 180mm), but still easily fits a 600mm base.

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

Forget the Flat Pack Nightmare with a new range of innovative and easy to install bathroom furniture.

The Zip HydroTap is unique in providing both filtered boiling water instantly for the perfect cup of tea or coffee or food preparation and filtered chilled drinking water - all from one single source.

MHS Radiators is helping homeowners to save money with the launch of its new Simplicity range.

Khroma sanitaryware and furniture embrace colour, texture and functionality, taking bathroom design to a brand new territory. Designed by Roca's in-house studio, Khroma combines vitreous china with innovative soft textured seat covers and back rests for the WC's as well as covers for the bidets in four distinctive hues. These include passion red, oxygen blue, street grey and silver grey.

New for 2008, Axor, the Hansgrohe designer brand, has launched a new collection from the grand master of design Philippe Starck. "The Axor Starck ShowerCollection," says Philippe Starck, "is a complete program, a genuine system consisting of a whole lot of small, square objects that can be combined to form an infinite range of totally flexible solutions. This is what we call Haute Couture for the shower."

Mereway Kitchens are celebrating the success of two of their popular ranges in 2008. Firstly their Futura handleless range continues to shine with sales doubling those from last year, and their other success story; Canterbury, the shaker style door introduced just this autumn and already proving a real winner.

Duravit's Happy D. bathroom range provides the perfect solution when it comes to furnishing and enhancing small bathrooms and cloakrooms. Products include space-saving handrinse basins, which measure 46 and 50 cm wide and feature a 25 or 34 cm projection and fit effortlessly into almost any cloakroom, a wall-mounted toilet and bidet, and a range of compact vanity units and furniture options in high gloss white and a wide range of wood finishes.

Aqata, Britain's leading family-owned manufacturer of shower enclosures, presents the Spectra 450 Double Entry Screen with return panels. This high quality, frameless screen fits perfectly with the trend for larger shower spaces, luxury finishes and minimal design.

One of nature's hardest workers are the inspiration for Aeon Collection's latest designer radiator. The hexagonal Honeycomb uses brushed stainless steel to evoke a modern yet organic feel and bring an outside influence indoors.

key trend for soft edged minimalism, ios from Victoria & Albert is a winning addition to the company's Premium bath collection. Perfect for city apartments, the rimless bath has a compact 1500 by 800 by 600mm footprint but its double ended design and deep interior mean there's ample space for two to bathe in comfort.

The BRITA Filter Taps from Francis Pegler is the only range of taps to give you BRITA filtered water whenever you want it.

Thanks to stringent drink driving laws and the high cost of pub booze, home drinking is on the up as consumers reap the benefit of low supermarket and off trade prices. It is a trend that makes CDA's integrated draught beer dispenser one of the brightest ideas of 2008.

Aqualux, the UK's leading manufacturer of shower enclosures and bath screens, is breaking into the Eastern European market, with the help of its new export sales coordinator Zhanna Bennett.

Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, has appointed Claire Sheldon as Sales Manager for the Central Regions.

BLP UK Limited is on track to represent the UK in the European Business Awards for the Environment.

Leading bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG has appointed Samantha Leech to the new position of Area Sales Manager (ASM) (North), for BCG's expanding Merchant Division.

The recent and dramatic cut in bank interest rates was well received. Any help towards improving trading conditions is always welcome. But the question remains whether the cut will be enough to kick start new house build and RMI, sectors which are so important to the bathroom industry.

In previous TTA articles on this subject we have referred to British Standard BS5385, the Code of Practice for fixing wall and floor tiles. Part 4 of the standard offers advice on fixing tiles in particular situations including wet areas such as in showers. BS5385 states "It is essential to tile onto an already water resistant background. Sand/cement render, dense concrete or water resistant tile backer board are ideal backgrounds. Plaster, plasterboard, timber and timber-based products such as MDF or plywood are absorbent and should be made waterproof by the use of a waterproofing or tanking system."

Strengthening its commitment to outstanding design, quality and innovation, bathroom specialist, Crosswater has continued its development with a WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval for its concealed shower valves. The rigorous independent testing and approval process gives retailers, specifiers, installers and end-users the reassurance that the fittings meet the highest standards and comply fully with UK water regulations and byelaws.

Inspiring, incredibly stylish and memorable for all the right reasons, best described the launch of PWS' new contemporary signature collection. The leading kitchen distributor played host to more than 600 customers, suppliers and press at its Newton Aycliffe HQ, showcasing its eagerly awaited range.

Roca has been awarded the second edition of the prestigious Design Management Europe Award that promotes excellence in a company in this field, so recognising Roca´s work in innovative, trend-setting design.

Leading bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG XL has upgraded and enhanced its customer website with the launch of the eServices portal, which can be found at http://www.bcgxl.co.uk/

John Shanahan was a popular and well-loved man throughout the KBB industry. Unfortunately after a long but brave battle against illness, John recently passed away.

One of Britain's leading distributors of quality kitchen products has launched a totally new division in the Group to offer a premier carcass service throughout the UK and Ireland.