The Classic Mode Walk-in shower enclosure from Simpsons is ideal for minimalist, open-plan bathrooms. It consists of just two panels to form the enclosure. With wall-to-glass framework and no door, this simple, stunning enclosure offers space-saving properties and a spa look.

Pushing the design boundaries without blowing the budget, Franke has replaced its Vita VIX range of sinks with the new Ascona. The Ascona has also been treated to a contemporary Satin Silk finish, which has a stylish muted lustre that's fingerprint friendly and incredibly tactile.

Purus, the leading Swedish manufacturer of drainage and plumbing products for wetrooms, has launched the Purusline Mini Gully shallow drain. The drain is an innovative solution for wetroom installation where space for drainage below the floor is at a premium.

Baumatic's new 60cm oven (the POM9651SS) is a joy to cook with and a joy to behold. Its unique rotating ‘joystick' operation makes it incredibly easy to use, giving the chef complete control. But there's more to the Joystick oven than just intelligently designed controls. The oven has built-in ‘intelligent' fuzzy logic technology, which takes all the hard work out of cooking. This ‘fuzzy logic' technology means the oven can recommend the cooking function, the cooking temperature and the duration to cook a dish to perfection, meaning nothing is left to chance. Baumatic has included 20 of the most popular European dishes in this model's saved recipes, leaving capacity to save 16 of your own favourites in the memory.

Leading cooking appliance brand, Stoves, has announced a super sized new addition to its popular Richmond collection of range cookers.

Over the past twenty years, the granite sinks developed and patented by Schock have achieved a highly acclaimed reputation as premium products. More than one million of these sinks are sold each year throughout the world. Around 80% of the material used in Schock sinks is quartz, the hardest constituent of granite. Thus, they are also well known as ‘granite sinks'.

Following positive trade reaction to the innovative prototype combined sauna-shower and steam-shower units, Tylö has moved into full production.

Keller's GL 7400, from the Black Label Collection, combined with the Elba, from the Red Label Collection, is the epitome of clean and fresh kitchen design.

A superb new range of curved doors and matching curved accessories from industry experts Trade Mouldings includes 18 different stock doors with curved door options and accessories. Some of the curved door designs are unique and are not currently available from any other manufacturer or distributor in the UK and Ireland.

Axiom by Formica®, the UK and Ireland's leading range of kitchen worktops, offers an off-the-shelf range of modular worktop components, Axiom® Shapes, taking kitchen design to another level.

New to the UK, a range of ultra-stylish extractors, is now available from Faber - the original inventor of the kitchen cooker hood - and it comes direct from Air Uno. Since 1955 Faber has dominated the market in Italy with designs that live up to that country's reputation for creating well-made products.

Two unique designs laser etched within the chrome finish to give an individual feel to any bathroom

Foster's wide range of bespoke worktops are now available in the UK through their UK distributor Air Uno. The stylish, high-quality countertops, created in Italy, are already a hit with the top Italian and European kitchen studios and can be integrated seamlessly with Foster sinks, taps and hobs. All Foster products use a superior-quality AISI 304 steel that has an impressive depth of shine and a finish with extra-fine glazing, obtained through a special polishing process that uses natural fibres.

IDS has added yet more sumptuous styling to its Tuscan Solid Wood flooring range with the introduction of a new Chocolate Stained Oak. It comes in a 180mm wide plank in random lengths and has a brushed & UV oiled finish, combining a lovely tactile appeal with high performance.

Modernising the home has become widely popular as moving house becomes increasingly difficult and design savvy consumers are taking this opportunity to update their bathroom to reflect the revolution in the showering market.

Two smart towel radiators are the latest additions to the Bisque collection. With sleek, mimimal styling, the Olga and Gio reflect Bisque's commitment to design and exceptional quality.

Formerly Balena 8000 Care, the AquaClean 8000plus Care, the "WC that cleans you with water", combines all the functions of a conventional WC and bidet, with the added comfort of warm-air drying and odour extraction. Elegantly designed, it has been specially developed for those with limited mobility. With installation at a preferential height to ease side transfer from wheelchairs and a host of convenient features including adjustable settings for each individual user, AquaClean also has an optional soft seat for maximum comfort.

Edgeband manufacturer REHAU is doing all it can to help furniture manufacturers to identify and exploit new sales opportunities.

Avant Terra is PWS' new gloss option and marks the 7th finish to be launched to satisfy the growing appeal of this popular range. It seems the market just can't get enough of the simple, pared-down style of the Avant collection.

Developed using Triton's advanced Safeguard Care technology, the launch of Triton's unique-to-market Safeguard Care Pumped thermostatic electric shower is the first - and only - pumped shower currently available able to provide customers with sought after BEAB Care and RNIB endorsed safety.

Bauformat and sister company Burger, two of Germany's leading kitchen manufacturers; have launched Product Brochures for 2009 with a raft of new imagery including the latest product offerings, featuring brand new ranges, finishes, worktops, technical refinements and innovative design solutions, guiding consumers toward creating their dream kitchen.

Getting Spring off to a fine start, Carron Phoenix has introduced a brand new retail brochure available to the trade with new design look and nine new sink models and ten new taps.

LDL, the new nationwide distributor of quality fittings for the UK fitted furniture industry, has launched a new brochure.

Specialist supplier to PJH, the Kitchen Group, has released a new kitchen furniture brochure for its leading brand, K. Featuring its largest collection to date as well as a comprehensive choice of kitchen accessories within a new ‘Build Your Kitchen' section, the eye-catching new brochure is the perfect sales tool for K Kitchen stockists.

April 2009 marked the launch of a fantastic new Bathrooms Brochure from Roper Rhodes. ‘2009 sees Roper Rhodes celebrate its 30th year in the bathroom industry with the launch of our first all-in-one bathroom brochure' comments Marketing Communications Manager Natalie York. It's proof on paper - if it were needed - of how far the company has come. From humble beginnings back in 1979 Roper Rhodes has grown into one of the leading players in the UK bathroom market - with an annual turnover in excess of £37 million.

tc bathrooms are leading the way in innovation and design with the launch of their new range of furniture which includes wall hung vanity units and cabinets along with integrated floor standing en-suite and cloakroom wc/basin sets.

PWS has introduced a new suite of literature to showcase the launch of its 2009 collection. Encompassing the directory (PWS' definitive guide to kitchen design), the Second Nature door brochure and mini-door brochure, the literature collection presents over 8,000 ex-stock products.

The brand new Product Literature and Design Guide from stainless steel specialists GEC Anderson is now available. It contains full details of the company's innovative range of Standard, Made-to-Measure and Modular stainless steel products: sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving, panels and sanitaryware.

Design led tap manufacturer Abode, has launched a family of eleven new point-of-sale stands, to support resellers. The distinctive, creatively designed display units are made of premium grade materials in the brand's signature black colour, distinctively driving the portfolio of retailer support forward.

EnviroProducts, the manufacturers of eco-friendly E-cloth, have launched two on-pack spring cleaning promotional activities, which will run for the season, helping to strengthen its position as the number one brand within the chemical free cleaning cloth category to maximise sales, during the key cleaning season.

AGA Refrigeration is giving customers a discount of up to £1,000 on its elite range of fridges and wine cellars throughout April, May and June 2009.

Leading kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge has launched a fantastic seasonal promotion designed to help retailers increase sales amid tough trading conditions.

Richard Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director, JJO, reflects on the role of furniture in the bathroom...

British manufacturer of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture, JJO, has extended its product offering with the addition of Sentia to the ‘Eco bathroom' collection.

Square design has become increasingly popular as consumers continue to look for more minimal style for the bathroom. Following the success of the recently introduced Senso Square basins to complement the existing Senso suite, Roca has introduced an exciting new line of coordinating SENSO SQUARE furniture.

The VitrA Shift range combines the practicality of excellent storage with elegance and style. Units can be used as combinations or individually to create inventive and attractive bathroom interiors.

New from Roper Rhodes this spring is Contact, a stunning collection of contemporary wallmounted and floorstanding bathroom furniture featuring push-to-open technology. The luxurious storage offered by Contact is a must for lovers of no-nonsense minimalism who are looking for the very best in bathroom design.

An exceptional new range of designer cabinets for small bathrooms has been launched by HiB.

Launched at ISH four new designs from Duravit's 2nd Floor range create new possibilities in the bathroom. Now, the washing area does not have to be fitted against a wall. Positioned at 90° to the wall, the vanity unit console measures 158 cm, has four drawers and can be combined with one or two consoles or built-in washbasins with an illuminated shelf at the back. The water and power outlets cannot be seen and the inlets and outlets can be fitted in the furniture at the factory if required.

Always offering the very best in bathroom furniture, Mereway Bathrooms continue to live up to their reputation by investing in the launch of new doors styles, worktops, ceramic and brassware, all available from 1st June 2009.

Leading this year's trend for the bathroom, the new Sphere vanity unit from Hudson Reed offers a high fashion colour combination of black and white. The white circular ceramic wash basin contrasts perfectly with the rounded black marble counter top which follows the lines of the curved white gloss door of the vanity unit. Ample storage, chrome adjustable feet and curved chrome towels rails on the door and on both sides of the black vanity unit are practical touches to the aesthetically pleasing design. The overall width of the unit, including the granite top, is a space saving 660mm, ideal for bathroom or bedroom.

Always offering the very best in bathroom furniture and sanitaryware, Bauhaus has introduced the new Elite bathroom furniture range which is both on-trend and space-maximising.

Living the clutter free lifestyle is made possible even in the bathroom with the tall cupboard from Alape.

Vogue Bathrooms latest addition to its furniture range, Arc, truly caters for a modern lifestyle.

Tackling storage solutions in unique and refined designs, Goodwood Bathrooms latest Metro range will keep any bathroom in order.

Blum UK MD, Michael Powell says that proper storage and carefully engineered motion is the key to a successful modern kitchen.

Providing optimum storage solutions for kitchen is central to Blum's program of products and fittings.

The demand for flexible storage in drawer units has increased dramatically in recent years. Schüller C2 range offers a myriad of options for storage. The Large Capacity Plinth Pull-Out system (1) is an ideal solution for tall, bulky storage such as bottle racks, kitchen appliances and spaghetti containers and is available in base units widths of 600mm and 900mm.

In line with the ongoing trend for open plan living, Pronorm has added a versatile new height base unit of 384mm high to its ergonomically centred Proline kitchen range. The new unit comes in widths of 300, 400, 450, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000 and 1200mm with new doors and drawer sizes to suit.

The new Pull-out Carousel from East Coast takes the standard blind corner carousel to the next level. Mounted on a central pole, both shelves independently swing through 90° and can then be pulled out to give increased access to the items stored towards the rear of the shelf. The unit also benefits from assisted opening and closing by way of the pre-mounted gas pistons.

The new Soft Close Larder from East Coast has a smooth opening and soft closing action to rival that of any on the market. The European developed and manufactured full extension runner system offers effortless opening and closing even when fully loaded to its 100Kg capacity. The soft close mechanism has been designed to gently ‘brake' the larder at a point before the fully closed position, with the soft close mechanism then providing a slow smooth closing action for the remaining distance. With fine-tuning of the door position via the adjustable door fixing brackets, a no-noise close is achieved.

In today's design driven world making the most of every storage opportunity is key. Hills Panel Product's (HPP's) ever expanding innovative furniture fittings range makes this easy to achieve without compromise.

AFG Kitchens' Miele die Küche brand has been awarded an international design patent by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office in recognition of its innovative new integrated coffee bar unit.

With an increasing focus on the environment and waste disposal Häfele have the ideal choice of built in recycling systems for waste segregation.

LDL, the nationwide distributor of quality fittings for the UK fitted furniture industry and sole UK agent for PEKA, is delighted to introduce the new, easier to assemble PEKA Magic Corner Swing, the latest version of this world-famous corner unit.

It's an interesting fact that exports from China in February saw their biggest drop in a decade and trade between China and the EU, the country's largest partner, was 19.3% down in the same month compared to the previous year. Included in this are products such as sanitaryware, taps, lighting and kitchen components bringing some crumbs of comfort to beleagured British companies who strive to produce high quality products and are committed to their workforce.

With the economy seeing off many a mid market furniture brand over the last 6 months, it would now seem that its impacting on what has always been seen as the relatively secure, high end, bespoke, in-frame kitchen market. Some quite revered in-frame brands have disappeared from our radar and others are going into receivership and being re-launched. Given this scenario is it possible for any bespoke manufacturer to survive the current downturn? Well actually...... yes it is!

Despite the economic climate, Mereway Kitchens are continuing their investment into new products and are delighted to announce the launch of 22 brand new door styles this spring; their greatest release of doors to date.

Simon Wild, Marketing Manager UK & Ireland, Formica Limited comments: "As an innovator and leader in the manufacture and design of kitchen worktops, Axiom by Formica® is constantly working to provide exclusive on trend designs that inspire and excite kitchen designers and homeowners.

Planit Fusion, leaders in innovative design software for the KBB industry is a UK company that employs many local staff and responds to the needs of the British market. Supplying more software seats in the industry than any other and with a turnover of 6.5 million, it is no surprise that Fusion is the leading system and explains why over 1200 independent retail customers choose them each year.

PROFILE Showers, part of Ellbee Ltd. has built a reputation on producing high quality products manufactured in the UK. With all production based at their purpose built facility in Leeds, West Yorkshire, they pride themselves on being able to provide a product to suit all sectors of the market. With 60 years of manufacturing expertise in the UK they are proud to be a truly British manufacturer.

Established in 1999, Parapan® has developed an impressive reputation and is now recognised as the market leader in high-tech, high-gloss acrylic for vertical surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.

Outasight® the unique Patented over bath shower screen developed by Calmtouch Managing Director Lee Brown is making a big splash with retailers by offering an innovative bespoke service. The Outasight® can be tailor-made to suit individual requirements from a simple drawing solving the problem of awkward spaces including sloping ceilings.

The idea of simple luxury in the bathroom is becoming increasingly attractive to consumers who now seek refuge from the fast pace of life and day to day worries.

British Ceramic Tile is a UK manufacturing success story that is leading change in the marketplace. The Devon-based tile manufacturer has recently completed its multi-million pound factory expansion, making it one of the largest ceramic tile manufacturers in Europe with state of the art facilities that offer the very best of British design, produced here in the UK.

Pegler Yorkshire is proud to announce the launch of several new tap ranges for 2009. As part of the development of the Francis Pegler portfolio, four new ranges of long awaited taps and mixers for the bathroom and kitchen have now joined Maverick and Storm.

Astro Lighting Ltd., the UK's premier designer and producer of lighting, has a long-established specialism in bathrooms and offers what is currently the largest range of IP44 approved lighting available in Europe. The British design team at Astro takes a classic, architectural approach to product design, with pared-down lines and an avoidance of unnecessary embellishment producing a wide range of architecturally styled wall lights, ceiling lights, spotlights, downlighters, plus integrated lighting in vanity mirrors, mirror cabinets and mirrors - including models with integrated shaver sockets, and low energy options to suit any wet area scheme. A great example of Astro's design expertise for bathrooms is the Lens light.

Esse are the oldest and most innovative British, cast iron range cooker manufacturer, with a history now spanning 154 years. They are easy to install; efficient and flexible; cost effective to buy and a pleasure to live with.

Imperial Bathrooms is an established, family-run British manufacturer of high quality, handmade ceramic ware. The workshop in the West Midlands produces original designs to the highest standards, with products undergoing rigorous testing to ensure complete perfection.

Boasting a 28% share of the UK shower tray market, JT® is leading the way in manufacturing excellence in the UK, with the Leeds-based supplier fast becoming a true British success story.

It might be nearly a decade since the British shower manufacturer Aqualisa launched Quartz Digital, but the award-winning shower that inspired a new generation of digital bathroom designs is just as popular as ever. Compact, user-friendly and super-easy to install, Quartz Digital was expressly designed with the intention of giving everyone - from the retailer to the customer - a showering product that ticked every possible box. And, almost 10 years on, Quartz Digital continues to deliver.

Apex are manufacturers of bespoke, made-to-measure vinyl wrapped kitchen and bedroom doors. There is a wide choice of styles and designs in a combination of finishes and colours. Glazed doors can be manufactured if required, plus a range of accessories to complete the ‘individual look'.

Designed to maintain Manhattan's position as a competitively priced and contemporary designer of shower enclosures, Manhattan have introduced a range of new products to their existing range of shower enclosures. The new introductions include Flow integrated water delivery and an innovative Duralite tray platform. Also new to Manhattan's impressive product portfolio of wetroom and shower solutions is 'Minimal'; a modern and elegant shower enclosure.

The new Alto range from Burbidge marries a luxuriously smooth, painted cream finish with an inspired collection of contemporary matt textured shades. A beautifully simple door style is used to showcase the finishes, with the range offering consumers complete imaginative flexibility to create the kitchen of their dreams.

Black is in vogue at the moment, because this neutral, timeless colour perfectly fits the trend for glamour and appeals to both sexes. It can be combined with white to achieve a classic monochrome look or rich tones like red or gold to create an adult and luxurious ambiance.

Hudson Reed announces the Orb bathroom furniture pack in an up to the minute black and white colour scheme.

Highly fashionable and exclusive, many of us are going for black as the design colour of our bathrooms. Regardless of whether the design contours are more classic, purist, ornate or extravagant: black combines perfectly with every individual style. Depending on the colour combination, black can be used to restrain or to place visual highlights and can thus reduce certain elements or accentuate them by use of stunning contrasts.

ASTRACAST, market leader in the manufacture of kitchens, sinks, taps and accessories continues to create innovative, stunningly visual yet practical solutions for today's homes and the Vortex sink is no exception. Leading in style and innovation, the Vortex round bowl and drainer in black composite, fits perfectly with the latest black kitchen designs.

If you're looking for a truly sleek and sexy designer radiator, the Volt from MHS Radiators will fit the bill. Volt radiators are a beautiful contemporary take on electric heating - and can be wirelessly linked throughout the home using a separate wireless temperature/time controller. They can even be zoned - so your settings can be different for bedrooms, bathrooms or living rooms.

Black as a bathroom colour is back in fashion says leading Bathroom Specialists HiB who have once again introduced a range of new and innovative products, particulary suited for the cloakroom or en-suite Cassino wall unit with Ripple basin and optional shelf

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

New from Roca is Cala, the company's latest basin and furniture series. Launched at KBB 2008, Cala is designed by Roca's in-house team and takes inspiration from geometric shapes and curves

It's this year's hottest interior trend and now Bristan is bringing black and white into the bathroom with the launch of a new high-fashion version of its Prism brassware.

Now stocked in the UK the Eden Black 1700x750 bath tub is the latest addition to the New Black range of Healey & Lord's extensive black sanitary ware collection.

Sleek, shiny black appliances are the perfect partner for contemporary high gloss kitchens and work especially well with the latest on trend exotic wood effects such as zebrano and macassar.

No paint, no varnish. Pure and natural stainless steel, dramatically black.

Beko, a leading UK appliance manufacturer, is to launch a range of Built-in ovens and hobs with the same high quality approach to products that has seen them enjoy rapid growth in the freestanding sectors.

Work a little magic and add some drama to the bathroom with the trend for all things black.

Today all major home improvement companies realise the numerous benefits of offering a point of sale finance facility to their customer base. By making it easy for potential customers to finance their home improvements, company turnover and profit can be substantially increased.

Domestic & General, the UK's leading breakdown protection provider, has been selected by Bristan to supply and administer its new range of extended warranty products. Marketed under the BristanCare banner, the company will offer 2-year and 5-year extended warranties on its class leading range of power, mixer and electric showers.

Leading home improvement finance specialists Consumer Credit Solutions (CCS) are bucking the national trend with sales up 25% on the previous financial year's figures resulting in two new appointments.

Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance has 27 years' experience and is the chosen finance partner for many of the UK's most respected high street names, including leading home improvement retailers.

Recent events in the US have made UK banks nervous about giving loans and extending credit to business but HomePro Money, a leading providers of financial and insurance products to businesses, can provide an alternative. HomePro, which has more than 20 years of experience in dealing with the financial needs of businesses, can arrange commercial loans that are competitive, flexible and discreet.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association (KBSA) has welcomed a number of new members over recent months, who are reaping the benefits of association membership.

Knauf Aquapanel is the latest in a long line of top performers to pass through the doors of one of London's most famous hotels, the Savoy. The iconic hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary this year at the end of a massive 18 month restoration that includes installation of Knauf Aquapanel in the new bathrooms of its 268 luxury rooms and suites.

Leading international fittings manufacturer Blum will use the occasion of Interzum 2009 to unveil an exciting and long awaited new innovation in hinge technology. In line with the exhibition slogan of "Perfecting Motion", the new product will accompany important other new developments including the introduction of the automatic opening system SERVO-DRIVE coupled with their superlative AVENTOS lift systems for overhead cabinets. The Blum stand at Interzum is now a "must visit" for any manufacturers wishing to distinguish their products with the most advanced new furniture technologies.

Gary Longstaff has been promoted to the newly created position of Manager of UK Distribution & Merchant Sales for Carron Phoenix. Gary is a familiar face in the industry with more than ten years service with Carron Phoenix as an area sales manager and has extensive experience of both the retail and contract sink / tap markets.

In such times of financial turmoil it's always reassuring to hear about home grown business success stories like British bathroom fittings and accessories manufacturer Croydex, which celebrates its 90th birthday this year. Ninety years of profitable business means the company has weathered economic storms, recessions and even two world wars! Such an illustrious history provides solid foundations for pushing towards even greater heights of success in the future.

The design of bathroom furniture has come a long way in recent years and staff at the BMA are always delighted to see the latest trends when one of the BMA members launches a new range.

Despite all the prophesies of doom and gloom which abound, there are those who do not let such negatives get in the way of progress.

Ideal Bathrooms has begun an investment programme updating its delivery fleet to enable them to further improve their customer delivery service for their retailers around the UK. Fifteen new vehicles have just been delivered - 9 new 31/2 tonne Sprinter vehicles and 6 new 71/2 tonne lorries.

Hometyre, the mobile tyre fitting service, has selected The Fuelcard People as its new fuel cards partner to help franchisees reduce and control vehicle running costs.

In this world of built-in obsolescence, Franke is nevertheless endorsing its high quality craftsmanship, innovation and design by extending the guarantee against manufacturing on all sinks to a remarkable 50 years.

Caesarstone Quartz Surfaces has launched a brand new website www.caesarstone.uk.com designed specifically for the UK and Ireland featuring a wealth of information, including new colours and a comprehensive product gallery with a ‘view similar products' function. www.caesarstone.uk.com offers clear and easy to find information and includes ‘success stories', an extensive colour collection section and technical product information making the process of choosing CaesarStone simple.

Building on the growing success of its granite template and fit expertise PWS has extended the service to timber worksurfaces.

The Tile Association Awards are the Oscars of the wall and floor tile industry.

Best Use of Tile in a Domestic Environment recognises the impact that a well designed project can have in an individual home. This award was sponsored by Bathroom & Kitchen Update Magazine

The Four Seasons brand looks set to go from strength to strength following its acquisition by Moores Furniture Group in February of this year. As part of the company's ambitious plans for the brand, Moores is delighted to report that production of Four Seasons kitchens has moved from the old BGH premises in Bolton to Moores' state-of-the-art factory in Wetherby, where the first Four Seasons products have just rolled off the production line.

Tile Shapes, one of the UK's leading ceramic tile stockists and installers, has changed all its tile backing boards to Hydropanel - Marley Eternit's new multi-purpose fibre cement board.

Leading bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG has announced the dates for its 2009 Big Tour and aims to build on the success of previous Big Tours which in 2008 visited venues across the UK.