There is no doubt that challenging times lie ahead for all retailers as the full impact of the cost cutting measures put in place by the new government filter through the economy. From January next year VAT will rise to 20% and whilst this may create a mini-boom as customers bring forward their home improvement plans to save the extra VAT it may mean a dip in orders after the January sales.

Bespoke Kitchen manufactures Edwin Loxley have experienced record sales for their Luxurious bespoke manufactured kitchens despite what continues to be for many, turbulent trading times.

Mereway Kitchens; one of the UK’s most prestigious furniture manufacturers, has recently relaunched its English Revival in-frame range which offers beautifully crafted feature units enhanced by an array of robust, practical and quality storage solutions.

Inhouse represents quality UK Independent kitchen showrooms that provide stunning concepts from Italian Aster Cucine and top quality but affordable priced Schüller kitchens.

Leading sink manufacturer, Franke, continually strives to be at the forefront of design and innovation and push the boundaries of technology! The company’s new products have been designed to build on the success of previous portfolios and are user-focused, encompass better hygiene, have updated aesthetics and streamlined profiles.

Schüller will show the C collection, a top quality range at a mid-market price. Schüller’s kitchens are designed around a grid system that provides a continuous architectural line to kitchen designs.

These Alulux framed doors are an elegant and flexible concept set to create new design opportunities for those in the furniture and kitchen industries.

Stylish finished aluminium is used to frame DuPont™ Corian® into doors or drawers of any size, creating a smart silver lining visible around each edge.

The clean lines of a top-end European kitchen are now within reach of a wider audience thanks to Bellissimo’s genuinely handle-free Treviso range in 50 solid colour and woodgrain foils.

It is now possible to achieve a solid wall of units, uncluttered by handles – a style associated with more expensive painted options. What’s more, the handle-free style is offered in bespoke sizes and a choice of gloss and matt finishes. Bellissimo can also supply matching corner posts to complete the look.

The Vetreo Acrylic range, exclusively manufactured by NESP ltd, is quickly becoming a shining star. The range, only launched just over 12 months ago, has grown strongly through some of the toughest economic times.

A more savvy consumer is demanding not only cutting edge designs but also the quality, usually only found in more expensive kitchens. Vetreo continues to thrive within these conditions.

Cool, crisp Aspen is the latest kitchen furniture range from Four Seasons, answering the current hot trend for high gloss finishes which perfectly blends style with functionality.

The clean, crisp whiteness of Aspen, reminiscent of the ski slopes of its namesake, makes a striking statement when teamed with the anthracite black of Bravia to add a splash of interest.

Alno has added an innovative and stylish ‘floating’ kitchen system to all its ranges, reflecting the growing trend for a combined cooking, dining and living area.

Offering wide ranging creative opportunities, Edition Fly’s wall hung base units create a spacious, minimalist aesthetic that can extend easily into adjoining rooms. This look can be further enhanced using under unit lighting to create added drama and definition.

Mereway Kitchens are delighted with the uptake of their new Lincoln shaker style collection, which has proved hugely popular due to the scope and diversity that the range offers.

New Lincoln is a top quality solid timber shaker style door in a warm Oak finish that features a veneered centre panel with a distinctive lively grain, available in a selection of finishes. Lincoln Ready to Paint (RTP) doors open up endless colour possibilities for showroom displays.

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.

Now Parapan® is available in a Shaker style door offering a classic design with all the qualities of a high gloss acrylic that will be at home in more traditional settings. Because Parapan® is cut from solid sheets it can be fashioned into Shaker doors of any size and proportion and fitted with almost any style of handle.

As curves continue to dominate modern kitchen design, Burbidge has proven bang on trend yet again with the introduction of a beautiful, new concave curved feature door to its award winning Lansdowne kitchen.

Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) has extended their already comprehensive range of sheet material by becoming an official partner of Decorative Panels. The new partnership will see HPP introduce several of the Yorkshire based companies gloss lines, including Ultragloss and Senoplast, into stock.

Despite the current popularity of contemporary kitchen furniture, such as the slab door, the timeless Shaker design continues to enjoy steady sales, attracting a wide audience. With origins based around simple, unornamented and functional living, the Shaker door continues to evolve, embracing the latest technology and the changing demands of modern living. With such a huge range of styles, colours and finishes to now choose from, the modern Shaker kitchen sits as comfortably in city centre living as it does in the country cottage interior.

The kitchengroup is a specialist kitchen company that designs and manufactures kitchen furniture under the Prima and K Kitchen brands – Prima representing entry-level and K, a mid-market brand. Both offering a comprehensive range of contemporary, modern and classic kitchen furniture styles, the Shaker is one of a number of popular door choices.

The Franke Neptune Soft extractor in crisp stainless steel uses highly efficient extraction technology, powerful enough to keep an open plan kitchen clear of steam, smoke and odours. This precision extraction is all thanks to an innovative Air Curtain function – which creates a curtain of air in front of the hob, confining and channelling cooking vapours into the extraction area. The amazing Air Curtain encloses smoke and cooking vapours in the hob area and increases extraction efficiency, allowing the hood to be operated on a lower setting, which in turn saves energy and reduces noise.

Rieber’s Waterstation® Cubic Sink System features a highly organised preparation and cooking area which works on 3 levels.

Using professional Gastronorm containers and chopping boards, the sink system offers numerous ways of washing, chopping and preparing all types of food.

Gloss doors keep going from strength to strength, and even with a huge array of colours to choose from the neutral tones of white and ivory remain the popular choice. But with a simple colour pallet how do you create a design that is both interesting and innovative? By introducing new elements which can create a fresh style and look to the design.

Glass is one of the most innovative materials to hit kitchens and is now widely used on worktops, splashbacks and sinks.

An example of pioneering design, Franke’s Kubus KBV 611 and KBV 651 fashionable glass sinks, with durable stainless steel bowls, now feature a clever groove around the drainer to help contain spillages and make for easy cleaning. Adding extra design appeal, the drainer boasts an etched matt surface, which is slip-resistant, while the perimeter surface has a reflective shiny finish.

The trend for high gloss in today’s kitchens has been given a boost with the introduction of NESP’s Vetreo Acrylic range. The acrylic face on an mdf core means the final product is lighter and can easily be drilled for handles or hinges unlike some alternative high gloss doors. Combined with the matching two tone acrylic edging tape, the impressive finish gives the illusion of glass.

British manufacturer Mereway Kitchens has introduced two new curved products into its offering. This expansion sees the introduction of brand new curved cornice blocks and pilasters for base and wall units to complement the popular Lincoln, Virginia and Bromley ranges.

Uform’s brand new Madison Ivory kitchen is a classic kitchen design aimed at customers who want their kitchen to exude an elite bespoke feel without breaking the bank. With a wide range of accessories available, the range opens up vast design possibilities not normally available at such a competitive price point.

Häfele have just released their new Kitchen Solutions catalogue packed with over 300 new products to provide the very latest innovative ideas for any kitchen project.

Browse through the extended range of storage options including the new universal corner pull out for 800mm and 900mm cabinets, or the Eclipse corner carousel unit with LED lighting included. Alternatively opt for a Tambour unit now offering a selection of coloured glass finishes helping compliment a variety of design themes.

Zip Heaters (UK) Ltd is launching a totally new line up of domestic HydroTap products to cater for an even wider variety of user needs and installations. All models in the domestic HydroTap range feature the iconic Zip tap head with integral safety interlock, system function indicators and provision for font mounting.

Esse, the 155 year old masters of the cast iron range cooker have developed a 35,000 Btu version of their best selling, class leading, ultra efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to oil and gas, the ‘Woodfired’ cooker.

The Rolux Pull-Out Spray tap from Franke exudes contemporary style, emitting bright LED light, adding atmosphere and a dramatic air to any kitchen.

This white light illuminates the water delivery creating a stunning visual effect. Even when the tap is turned off the appearance is equally striking as the LED acts as ambient lighting in the kitchen.

Pronorm’s integrated rail system is a clever feature that will enhance any kitchen with user-friendly ergonomics and a very nice contemporary style detail.

Britain’s leading kitchen products distributor, DK Distribution continues to enjoy success with an elegant vinyl oyster door with sculptured centre panel and subtle finish. A typically inspired design in the genre of strong French influence.

With well over 100 years uninterrupted manufacture of rigid furniture, the Ellis philosophy of exceptional build quality, innovative design and meticulous attention to detail is as relevant today as it was in the early 1900’s.

Burbidge’s new shaker style range of kitchen frontals and accessories is designed for those who appreciate the real quality and individuality of wood.

Erin exudes effortless and understated charm. Combining a chunky frame with natural character oak, this kitchen cleverly maximises the beauty of unaltered wood, accentuating the unmistakable variations in colour, grain and texture and inherent knots. The result is not just an intrinsically earthy look but a guarantee that no two pieces are the same, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a truly one-off kitchen.

Herbert Direct have recently launched their new Inter-Bin. This large capacity waste bin combines a sturdy carriage system with 40kg soft-close runners and a large front fixing bracket. The bracket is fully adjustable in all directions for easy installation. The NEW Inter-Bin is available in 400, 450, 500 & 600mm widths with bin capacity from 42 litres up to 85 litres. High-line and drawer-line versions available.

Bringing a hint of traditional values to the modern day kitchen PWS has launched the Seton door collection - an irresistible mix of Shaker design and classic tones.

Seton is available in 3 finishes, alabaster, oak and walnut. The options in a timber finish have an authentic look and feel, the walnut is especially warm and realistic whereas the oak is mellow and light; Seton proves that looking good doesn’t always have to be expensive.

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.

Because it is cut from solid sheets cupboard doors can be to any size and thermoformed into curves which can be outward, inward and even s-shape in varying radii to create interesting shapes and fit unusual spaces. In keeping with the sleek, look Parapan® can be fitted with a variety of invisible finger pulls or almost any style of handle.

Burbidge is adding a new Ebony effect gloss statement door to its Opus kitchen range. The stunning frontal has been inspired by the sumptuous blends of black, brown and cream in exotic Ebony; pairing the rich tones and patterning of the hard wood with the ultra reflective gloss finish of Opus.

Leading fittings manufacturer Blum are seeing extremely positive results following a long running strategy of marketing the advantages of Blum products and systems directly to end users despite the fact that they do not sell directly to them.

How many times do you fit a great kitchen only to struggle with the final touches of getting the plinths straight and tight into the corners?

Plinth Lock is a revolutionary, patented and concealed locking system for kitchen plinths, corner posts, filler panels and many more.

The advanced solid surface HI-MACS® by LG has proved fundamental to the creation of a stunning contemporary kitchen and bathroom environment in a home in Hampshire.

HI-MACS was chosen for its superb properties both in terms of fabrication (no restriction placed on the designer) and its performance and durability in use.

Memories of hearth and home, apron strings and childhood happiness. Remembering familiar smells – the welcoming aroma of baked bread, the plump and plop of potatoes and pasta in a pot. Fresh coffee. The hiss and spit of a sizzling hot pan. A kitchen for cooking, entertaining friends, solving the problems of the day over a relaxed breakfast or a chat over a cup of tea. Sometimes just to sit and enjoy it. It’s where you are comfortable – in the heart of your home. A Bella kitchen – an opportunity to make memories unforgettable.

Launched as a premium addition to Sylmar’s popular maia collection, the ‘Galaxy’ worktop is now available. Giving the look of a moonlit sky, this new addition uses subtle metallic flecks that reflect light in order to add a touch of contemporary glamour to the kitchen environment.

Axiom by Formica®, the UK and Ireland’s leading range of kitchen worktops, provides a comprehensive range of designs that cover all major kitchen trends. Axiom® Honed and Riverwash offers customers laminate worktops that take inspiration from natural surfaces such as concrete, granite and stone.

Worktops cover the largest area in a kitchen so it is paramount that quality, design and aesthetics are taken into consideration when planning this space. Affordability is also a key factor for many clients.

Bushboard’s undermount sink solution has proved such a resounding hit with retailers that the company has expanded its offering to give a wider choice of styles and materials, with 15 choices now available.

The Elen tap from Carron Phoenix features a slim profile tap spout in a gently squared-off arc shape which accentuates the gracefulness of the design. The spout swivels 180º and its easy operation is further complemented by the simple detailing of the quarter-turn handle that dispenses hot and cold water with a single twist. The slim styling of the Elen tap allows it to sit discreetly behind the sink, giving a very streamlined aesthetic while earning top marks for functionality. The Elen design works especially well with Carron’s stainless steel undermounts in the Deca and Tetra ranges.

Traditionally only associated with high-end bespoke kitchens, in-frame doors are now available off-the-peg thanks to über furniture’s cleverly constructed Harvard range.

Huddersfield based Westin are the only UK Company to manufacture and supply custom-built domestic kitchen extractors, providing a bespoke service without the designer price tag.

Recently, Westin produced an entirely mirrored hood, for customers of kitchen design specialists, Mowlem and Co.

As the UK’s leading distributor of Blum products Hills Panel Products (HPP) is able to offer the entire range of Blum products, most of which is available off the shelf for next day delivery across the whole of the UK.

This beautifully engineered in-frame larder, from Edwin Loxley, is available to order as a free standing piece of furniture or as part of one of their stunning commissions in a matching natural wood or painted (or combination of both) finish.

The lateral Larder can be made to any size. The clever, lateral cupboard doors open and extend outwards to give you un-impeded access to what must surely be one the most ingeniously designed and wonderfully detailed internals of any pantry cupboard you are ever likely to see!

Decorum is a stunning kitchen design from European leaders Schmidt. Using strong geometric and cubist designs, the units are given a recessed feel and the impression of a cantilevered suspension with clear space under the units that give a strong visual effect and offer the practicality of easy cleaning right up to the wall.

Parapan®, a firm favourite with the UK's leading kitchen designers, is a versatile high gloss acrylic with unlimited potential. Because it is cut from solid sheets, Parapan® can be cut to any size and thermoformed to form any radius of curve whether for a small circular island or a sweeping breakfast bar. This makes it perfect for bespoke and unusually shaped kitchens. It can even be formed into an ‘S' shape for waves of cupboard doors and the smallest of space can be utilised by specifying curved doors.

Marpatt has added the following new products to its newly introduced Mowbray range, a highly competitive contract door. The new 'economy' Mowbray Oak veneered 19mm Oak Panels will be in stock at the end of June. They are available in the new size of 2440 x 650mm and 965 x 650mm. They are also available sanded and will therefore also be available in all Marpatt Oak colours and painted finishes.

After years of adding new models and myriad options in kitchen doors, carcasses, side panels, plinths, light panels and colours, Keller has reorganised its collections. This resulted in the new Keller Colour System which contains four colour/material collections for the Red Label and Black Label. The Master Collection, the Comfort Collection, the Combi and the Starwood..

Offering the ultimate in elegant, contemporary sophistication is the latest addition to Uform's Kitchen Stori range of doors, available for the first time in a stunning black gloss finish.

The coming together of high gloss and woodgrain is the latest concept designed and manufactured by Mereway Kitchens for their Italian inspired Cucina Colore Collection. Designed to wow kitchen retailers for spring 2009, these stunning new high gloss polished finishes, available in Sanded Oak, Natural Urbano, Grey/Brown Urbano, Olivewood, Tobacco Walnut and Applewood, look fabulous and are all currently en vogue.

The new Metris® brand from PWS features a 1200mm contoured unit that creates the ingenious fitted curve, one of the six distinctive looks in the collection.

Apex, bespoke manufacturer of made-to-measure vinyl wrapped kitchen and bedroom doors and related accessories introduce their range of ultra contemporary Designer Doors. There is a wide choice of finishes and colours in various designs available to give a modern feel to new build or refurbishment projects.

Hill's Panel Products (HPP) have further expanded their vinyl wrapped furniture door range to include a further six decors, taking the collection to over thirty colours and twenty five styles. All manufactured on site to bespoke or standard sizes in a quick seven day turnaround.

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.  

Westin's wholly bespoke service gives designers the flexibility to create functional yet beautiful living spaces.