In these difficult times retailers are assessing their businesses and in many instances deciding that it's time to try something new.

Meridian-N is Roca's latest bathroom suite, offering universal solutions for all contemporary lifestyles. Designed by the Roca Innovation Lab, Meridian-N is a simple classic white suite made from vitreous china, with minimal details and straight clean lines.

Fontana® sinks, now available in the UK, combine two top quality materials - Corian® and the highest quality stainless steel.

Keller kitchen's designs not only work well individually but can be combined to create a bespoke personalised kitchen space - the combined Elba and Marino Kitchens, offsetting the wood and gloss perfectly.

Everybody deserves good design; that's the proposition from Bristan as it launches its most comprehensive portfolio of easy-to-use products to date.

With the style conscious consumer in mind, DR Cooker Hoods has launched Black Stream, a sultry, sculptural design from the ‘Elica' collection.

2009 sees GROHE unleash its contemporary beauty - the ergonimically shaped Euphoria range of handshowers are ideal for price conscious consumers in search of high end design and enduring value.

Fresh from Roper Rhodes this spring is the newly launched Sector furniture range.

Forever at the forefront of design and innovation, leading Swiss manufacturer, Schneider, announces the arrival of SLIDELINE; a contemporary sliding mirror cabinet for the UK bathroom.

Mira Showers - the UK's leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories - has introduced chrome variants of its best-selling Mira Sport 9.0kW and 9.8kW electric showers to meet consumer demand. Chrome is now the second most sought-after finish option for electric showers; and provides an attractive alternative to the traditional ‘white box' design.

SMART is the market leading IT solution without any strings attached! In this current climate investing in IT for your business to make it more efficient can only be seen as a positive step in helping you survive the economic downturn. However, investment in software solutions notoriously has hidden baggage!

Leading Polish brand, Amica has extended its versatile portfolio of products in the UK with a new range of dishwashers.

Exeter based manufacturer, System Six Kitchens has developed a pioneering on-line quoting and ordering system.

Strengthening its position in the showers market, Ideal Bathrooms has taken on two leading showers brands to add to its already impressive list of top branded products.

Axiom by Formica® has some exciting options for cost effective refurbishments to dramatically change the look of a kitchen quickly and without too much disruption.

Adding to its' range of plinth lights, Sycamore Lighting has just launched a new Round 15mm IP67 Rated LED Plinth Light. The Plinth light comes in a four light kit, including driver which can run up to a maximum of 10 lights. The ‘daisy chain' male/female plug in leads allows the fittings to be situated up to 1.4m apart and each cool white high output LED fitting utilises only 0.2w of power.

Three new LED mirror designs from HiB - Aztec, Celeste and Rain - have been designed to be packed with features, but with fantastic styling. All three have heated mirror pads behind the surface, and discreet shaver sockets that will also power a toothbrush. The addition of an elegant glass shelf to rest the toothbrush, toothpaste etc on, and LED lighting which is activated by an unobtrusive on-off sensor makes for a feature packed mirror.

tc bathrooms are leading the way in innovation and design with the launch of their new range of products which includes sanitaryware and bathroom furniture.

Famous for its cookers, Britannia is enhancing its stylish product portfolio with the introduction of its first ever fridge-freezer range - the Nebraska collection. Mirroring the renowned craftsmanship of its range cookers, with an added twist of American grandeur, Britannia's new collection is set to meet the modern needs of any kitchen.

After kick-starting 2009 with the introduction of the Artweger shower ranges to the UK, Eurocare Showers is please to welcome a bold new edition to its collection.

Award-winning manufacturer KWC FAUCETS is offering an unusual sweetener to showroom sales staff in the UK between June 1st to August 30th. Encouraging people to "Gain Fifty Pounds" may not, at first, seem like such a healthy idea, but as the number in question refers to quid rather than weight - and that it's wallets rather than waistlines that are set to expand - the incentive becomes very appetizing.

New for Spring 2009, dealers who display Duravit's PuraVida console top with the cabinet or the vanity unit, with mirror or mirror cabinet, plus any toilet with a seat, will receive an additional 15% from standard terms on all further orders placed by 30th November and delivered by 31st December 2009. *Additional terms start once the items are on display

In arguably the biggest bathroom promotion for some time, Shades is offering a fantastic opportunity to its retailers in the shape of a massive incentive programme with some truly show-stopping rewards including brand new cars and vouchers for exotic holidays. The programme - aptly called Star Rewards - is unprecedented on such a large scale within the furniture industry, and Shades is very excited about sharing so many fantastic rewards with its successful retailers.

Croydex has just launched its new 172-page brochure in a move that reveals a vibrant new identity for the company. In celebration of the company's 90th anniversary this year the brochure is serving as a launch pad for a brand new logo and tagline, "Think Bathrooms".

A new product brochure is now available from Deva, the UK's leading manufacturer of taps, showers and accessories. Published to coincide with the launch of 100 new products, the 266-page glossy brochure is easy to use and is available in full size A4 and a convenient to carry miniature A6 version, ensuring plumbers on the go have everything they need without carrying large, heavy catalogues.

Bristan continues to invest in consumer marketing with the launch of Be Inspired, a dedicated consumer magazine aimed at creating stand out, boosting brand awareness and providing the trade with a valuable selling tool.

Contemporary, sleek, sensuous and elegant are some of the words used to describe the latest additions to the range of freestanding baths featured in the Clearwater Revival (Worldwide) Ltd 209 catalogue which includes six new designs.

No matter what industry you are in, today image is everything.

Vinyl KBB Door and Components Manufacturers BA Components have a truly cutting edge product offering in their Bella Range with a stunning choice of over 700 colour and design combinations from traditional and contemporary through to Avant Garde.

New from Granite Transformations, a global market leader in high performance worktops, is the unique Trend G Recycled range, manufactured with high percentages of post-consumer recycled content. Offered in a choice of ten colours to suit different applications, from a bright, flaming Cristallino Orange to the darker tones and golden flecks of Cosmic Brown, the new range brings style, durability and sustainability to the kitchen or bathroom.

Bellissimo has added 11 new matt colours to its range of doors for kitchens and bedrooms, in response to a move in the market towards matt finishes.

Bauformat is renowned for manufacturing German kitchens of distinction without the accompanying price tag. One such kitchen is the San Marino, where the high gloss lacquered doors have been styled with a new and innovative feature designed to emulate the trend of glass door finishes.

Mereway Kitchens have introduced a palette of 5 fresh pastel colours to accompany their new Lincoln Oak door. All designed to inject charming colour into the popular shaker style kitchen, Lincoln presents tonal shades that complement each other beautifully.

Apex Interior Systems manufacture a wide spectrum of bespoke, made-to-measure vinyl wrapped kitchen and bedroom doors and have recently introduced a range of seven new gloss finishes. The up-to-date palette of colours, White, Black, Cream, Red, Cappucino, Maple and Plum Prunus will fit into any contemporary style of home, whether new build or a refurbishment project. The new gloss finish can be applied to most door styles within the Apex range, including glazed doors, if required. No order is too small or too large for Apex.

Established refrigeration specialist, Lec, has consolidated its strength in the 50cm market with the launch of a 50cm wide T5038 Combi in a chic matt black finish.

Since the KBB2008 show Crystal Doors has offered a 24hr service for bespoke made to measure vinyl wrapped doors and accessories. Order today 0161 6540341 and our team will manufacture the items to be ready tomorrow for collection or carrier. The unique service is exceptional for urgent items or fitting last minute full rooms with 100% guarantee.

Demonstrating that heating your home is anything but boring; Aestus introduces its popular ‘Reflex' towel rail in ‘Fun Green'.

Bushboard has launched a new 2m length worktop as part of its best selling Encore solid surface range. The new 2m x 650mm option further enhances the design flexibility of the Encore range which now boasts the industry's most comprehensive choice of sizes in worktops, breakfast bars, splashbacks, hob panels and upstands in pre-fabricated solid surfacing.

Through constant research and a desire to meet the increasing demands of professionals and consumers, HI-MACS® has created a new range of lucent colours! This soft and fresh palette comes in the following four shades: Opal, available in 12mm and 6mm and Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald, available in 12mm.

The Lansdowne Painted Oak collection from Burbidge cleverly combines the beauty of wood with vibrant contemporary colour.

African Dust from the premium Tuscan Solid Surface worktop range meets the trend for contemporary neutrals in the kitchen.

Make a design feature out of your fridge freezer with the new cooling range from Baumatic's new Dance Partners Collection

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. The colours were chosen by Vincent Grégoire from Nelly Rodi, a renowned trend agency which specialises in forecasting colour trends for the industries of design, fashion and beauty.

Mereway Bathrooms' product launch this Spring sees the addition of many new door styles to their ranges. The next product for release is new Strada, one of the newest additions to their newly branded Infinity fitted furniture collection.

It's estimated that the average consumer expects a ten year lifespan out of his kitchen, so the choice of colour is very central to the whole decision-making process. Undoubtedly the most popular kitchen furniture colour is white. It's the colour that never goes out of fashion because we furniture manufacturers simply don't let it. It has tireless and timeless appeal with the consumer and so we breathe new life into it every year with a slightly different tonal shade, a new surface texture (this year its soft matt like baby's skin) and new door styles. It reigns as the colour of choice for the designer, contemporary look.

Normally noted for its overtly contemporary kitchen styles, Pronorm has rightly read the trend towards more dramatic and glamorous looks in the home with the launch of its new Dark Oak kitchen.

Launched at the recent ISH exhibition DIGA is an exciting new approach to shower enclosure design. The product features 2 foldaway panels which hinge through 180 degrees from the wall enabling them to fold away either internally or externally. When in use the panels close together with a full height magnetic seal ensuring watertight showering.

Valve distributor CQI offer the Original Traditional valve.

The arrival of spring sees Pegler Yorkshire going Loko for it's latest selection of designer brassware. Several new ranges will be joining the luxury Francis Pegler portfolio in 2009, including the new Loko collection.

Axor Urquiola is the latest collection from Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe, created by celebrated Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. As one of the few female designers in the sanitary sector and the first female designer in Hansgrohe's history, the company realises a very emotional approach with this collection; it brings a new sensuality to the bathroom as living space. This is because Axor Urquiola does not merely focus on innovative products; it also explores the interplay between intimacy and encounter, and a sense of security and warmth.

In a market where veneer, hot foils or MDF masquerade as wood, Oakland by Miller from Sweden is the real thing. This bathroom furniture is made in seasoned oak from ecologically managed, sustainable plantations and like most genuine materials, wears in, instead of wearing out, giving life long service and pleasure to the user. 

Myson has listened to its customers and reviewed market needs as part of a review of its towel warmer and designer heating products.

Faster and more energy-efficient than traditional hobs, induction cooker hobs are ideal in an eco-conscious world. Air Uno offers to the UK market a variety of sizes from the Italian maker Foster. The main benefit is that in induction cooking the energy is transferred to the pot and the food within whilst on a normal ceramic glass hob some of the energy is wasted heating the cooktop and the air around it. The other advantage is safety. The cooking surface has no open flames and is a great thermal insulator, so that it stays cool enough to touch without injury.

I-FLOW - SHOWERING AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

I-Flow from Hudson Reed provides remote control shower operation from up to 10 metres away. Bathers warm up the shower to the right temperature, beforehand with no more wet arms or freezing cold water. The remote control has a large read out screen and can start and stop the shower; raise or lower the water temperature and also alter the flow. In addition, three pre-sets allow different users to save their perfect shower setting and select it again at the touch of a button

The Waterside is a stylish, British made, contemporary fireclay kitchen sink manufactured by Shaws of Darwen. A large single bowl with classic curved bow front complete with central 3?" waste outlet to accommodate basket strainer or waste disposer and round overflow at the back of the sink.

Cucina Colore offers a stunning collection of Italian inspired, British manufactured kitchen furniture embracing the finest in contemporary designer kitchens, at an affordable price.

Coram Showers has expanded its collection of high performance bathscreens, with the launch of the Designer Hinged Bathscreen range. Combining the ultimate in minimalist styling with everyday practicality, the new range features four frameless styles, each developed to deliver exceptional durability and functionality for the modern bathroom.

Brand new from Roca is Nexo - a design led range of competitively priced sanitaryware offering contemporary styling at an affordable price point.

Novellini UK Limited, until recently relatively quiet in the UK market despite being Europe's leading manufacturer of washrooms, shower enclosures and wet rooms is launching a compelling new range of grand luxury bathing products.

Quinn Radiators offer an extensive Towel Radiator range. The Crystal and Diamond include both Straight or Curved options and are available in a range of sizes and a white or chrome finish to complement modern and traditional room designs. The Pearl and Topaz are designed for ultimate heat output and come in three heights - 800mm, 1200mm and 1800mm to suit both bathrooms and kitchens.

Following the successful launch of the Celsius product range at ISH in Frankfurt earlier in the year, Carron Bathrooms are pleased to announce that the range is now in full production at their site in Falkirk, Scotland. "The initial reaction we have received from the market for Celsius has been extremely positive and provides encouraging signs during this difficult period for the bathroom industry."

Combining imaginative design with materials expertise, VitrA Bathtubs continues to take the lead in trendsetting products for ultimate bathing comfort and wellbeing. A brand new bathtub series as well as several innovative shower systems are launched at the ISH 2009.

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.

The bathroom, the one room in the house that needs to offer the practicalities to suit today's busy lifestyle whilst doubling up as a private sanctuary to unwind in.

Robert Lee introduce the latest in uncompromising design from Steinberg...... The new Series 161 Black.

The Mini Hot Spring is a compact version of the award-winning Hot Spring radiator, designed by Paul Priestman for Bisque.

Westin are the only UK Company manufacturing and supplying custom-built domestic kitchen extractors. Westin has become synonymous with all that‘s best in Britain; outstanding craftsmanship, superb reliability, excellent performance and caring service.

Stainless steel shows no sign of losing its appeal as the premier finish for appliances and for sinks" says Ian Kershaw, MD at CDA, who specialise in stainless steel and offer built in and freestanding appliances, sinks and taps. " The finish has been a success story for many years now and it is obvious to see why.

Gently curved drawers fully clad in stainless steel make CDA's double DD260 a focal point in the kitchen. The dishwasher is triple A rated and will take six place settings in each drawer, Drawers can be operated independently or together and there is a choice of nine programmes including four Eco options. Special features include a programme memory that operates in the event of power failure, child lock and a key lock.

An unusual corner configuration makes CDA's 4X9 six burner gas hob ideal where the customer wants a lot of cooking facilities but worktop space is short. Ethnic cooks who prefer hob cooking to using the oven find this sort of hob particularly useful. Burner ratings run from auxiliary to semi rapid and accessories include a wok cradle.

Already renowned globally as a premium supplier of high-quality fixtures and accessories for the bathroom and kitchen, leading manufacturer Dornbracht recently launched a stunning new range of stainless steel kitchen sinks at ISH Frankfurt to complement their existing range of kitchen taps. The sinks comprise various single and double units and have been developed in close co-operation with a Canadian premium manufacturer.

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.

Rieber's Waterstation® Round Sink System creates a central focus for the kitchen and the option of a more ‘shared' cooking experience.

Reginox has launched Alaska, a kidney-shaped sink designed specifically to look good in the small to medium sized kitchen.

Aria is a brand new addition to Carron Phoenix's sink repertoire. This new inset sink model combines simple elegance with thoughtful design features making for a very stylish and versatile sink model.

Franke offers a range of sleek, quality stainless steel sinks and taps; the perfect choice for ensuring cleanliness and hygiene.

The new LAVIDA Walk-Through and Shower Panel which was on show at ISH earlier this year is the latest offering From HSK.

The Cassiopea is one of many models from Air Uno's range by Faber.

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

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.

We are all aware that the current trading conditions look set to continue, at least for the foreseeable future. New building work has been hit particularly hard by the current economic climate. The housing market is slowing with people deciding to renovate and refurbish their current homes rather than move. However, manufacturers of bathrooms that focus on inclusive design are currently weathering the financial storm. The UK's rapidly ageing population means that the need for a bathroom which brings together the functionality of healthcare bathing aids and the visual appeal of a luxury wetroom environment in one outstanding package will only increase.

Creating a haven in the home, showering specialist, Aqualux, introduces the Crysta Square Steam Cabin.

There is no reason why a small bathroom has to compromise on style and showering space. It can be transformed into a spa-like sanctuary - a place to escape to and unwind from daily stresses. Roman's new Trapezium Shower Enclosure creates a relaxing retreat and is an ideal showering solution for small bathrooms restricted by a window frame, door or other bathroom furniture. Extremely flexible, it can be easily installed to a number of configurations depending on the bathroom layout. To complement this ultra modern minimalist look the enclosure fits to a product specific Trapezium Low Level tray manufactured from Roman Stone- a solid surface technology.

Kaldewei, the European market leader for steel enamel baths and shower trays, emphasises its whirlpool competence by introducing a new, exclusive lighting concept for the Vivo Turbo whirl system. Vivo Turbo is the only system in the world with individually powered jets meaning there is no requirement for a pump and no pipe work for water to hide.

Neos IV a new free-standing addition to the Neos series of hydromassage columns, embraces both practicality and the benefits of personal wellness. It is equipped with four hydro-massage jets, a thermostatic or single lever (manual) mixer, and an overhead shower with rain spray to offer a revitalizing and therapeutic shower experience. It is easy to care for being freestanding and of a brushed stainless steel finish while the directional hydromassage jets allow you to enjoy the height of well-being.

For those looking to add a contemporary heart to their bathroom, the new Leona Shower Pole from Triton boasts a minimal tubular design that will make a real style statement.

Investing in ‘wellbeing' to make a bathroom a ‘sanctuary of relaxation' has become easier with Tylö's ‘Impression', combined sauna-shower and steam-shower units.

Airbath is one of the best-known brands in the industry and offers a wide selection of features in its range to provide users with the ultimate, luxury bathing experience. The high quality hydrotherapy range comprises 18 different models, including rectangular, double, bow-fronted, oval, shower, corner and free standing baths.

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.