With the government keen to emphasise that we are moving out of recession, although weakly, it chimes well for those for those of us in the kitchen and bathroom industry who are looking positively ahead to KBB2010.

Clearly, the exhibition is missing some notable names who have been historically stalwart exhibitors, a decision perhaps taken that it will not deliver the return on their marketing investment and that the money can be saved, or maybe spent, elsewhere. Whilst its always important to manage the budgets, it’s also vitally important to keep investing in brand awareness and new product development so that as we emerge out of recession we have new things to offer retailers and consumers alike.

The choice in sinks has never been greater and PWS has enhanced its collection with a range of new shapes, sizes and materials. Taking centre stage is the Ribchester double bowl ceramic sink, which reflects the ongoing consumer desire for modern-rustic styling.

Those with an appreciation of architectural form will love Caple’s new Emerton inset sink.

Available in either a single bowl (920 mm wide) or bowl and a half (1060 mm wide), Emerton is manufactured from a robust material called GeoTech. It is hardy, colour-fast, warp and cut proof and is available in three striking finishes; Metallic Titanium and Granite or Soapstone which has a sophisticated matt finish.

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

A second level in the main bowl enables the user to work with several GASTRONORM trays at once. A two-thirds size GASTRONORM tray fits on the top level and the same tray, by turning 90 degrees, can also be used on the lower level. The user can also utilise the small colander from the half bowl for waste materials like vegetable peelings.

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

Hygienic and easy to clean, Corian® has long been a favourite of kitchen designers for worktops. Now these sinks, which are available in more than 70 colours from the extensive Corian® kitchen colour palette, can be seamlessly integrated into a matching worktop for the ultimate in contemporary kitchen style.

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. Available in white or pergamon (biscuit) finish the Waterside co-ordinates perfectly with the Shaws collection of traditional and contemporary style taps. Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to view our range of sinks, taps and accessories.

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.

Carron Phoenix has partnered Bushboard to offer a range of undermount sinks as part of the Encore brand which has rapidly established itself as a retailer’s favourite for affordable, easy installation solid surfacing. The choice available includes the contemporary styled Tetra model shown, as well as Deca and Lavella in stainless steel and the Fiji granite range.

The trend for seamless and flowing lines from the work surface into the kitchen sink grows ever more popular. As the solid surface of the future, HI-MACS®’s unique properties make it the ideal product for designers to create free-flowing sink features.

HI-MACS® is easy to machine and thermoform to any 3D shape meaning that even special features like integral draining board grooves can be included.

Solid and assuring in both size and construction, Brass & Traditional Sink’s new granite double Belfast is the ideal choice for those seeking a hardworking sink.

Renowned for its sleek lines and low maintenance, granite has long-lasting appeal and an almost bomb-proof construction! Stain, scratch and burn-resistant, granite sinks are exceptionally easy to keep clean.

Reginox’s RLE 217S and RLE 220S are proving particularly popular in the current economic climate.

The sinks are the result of new manufacturing techniques that are enabling Reginox to produce these two sinks at an extremely competitive price, whilst still retaining all the features associated with higher-end products. Both sinks have a polished finish, designer-profile drainer and basket strainer waste, with retail prices starting from just £115.00.

As consumer belts tighten, there is a clear emphasis being placed on getting value for money, whether the purchase is the weekly grocery shop or a new kitchen. Value for money is of course a relative term to each consumer based say on the variables of design, price, quality and functionality and what pushes their particular buttons.

Carron Phoenix has launched the Isis 155 sink model which offers a visually interesting, and arguably more ergonomic, design take on the popular 1.5 bowl style in its premium Isis inset range.

The Profile Sink and Planar Tap from Astracast boasts a sleek, low profile design with a distinctive, modern appearance. Chamfered edges keep the product looking clean and minimalistic while a deep dual recessed drainer increases functionality and allows for the addition of bespoke accessories.

The choice in sinks has never been greater and PWS has recently enhanced its collection with a range of new shapes, sizes and materials. Taking centre stage is the Ribchester double bowl ceramic sink, which reflects the ongoing consumer desire for modern-rustic styling.

CUBIC offers the best of German design, featuring two working levels in the main basin, saving space and providing great flexibility. Cubic fits a 600mm base (540 x 332 x 180mm) and is beautifully manufactured featuring small radii corners for easy cleaning.

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

SILGRANIT® PuraDur® II is a new coloured sink material developed and patented by BLANCO Germany. A dramatic evolution from our popular coloured composite sink material, Silgranit®, there is nothing identical on the market and its qualities are unsurpassed.

CDA offers one of the largest selections of kitchen sinks on the market. Designs range from capacious double and one and a half bowl models to elegant designer undermounts and come in materials including stainless steel, composite and ceramic.

Franke is the world's leading sink manufacturer and renowned for a commitment to quality and an unmistakable flair for design, using the finest materials and state-of-the-art production technology. The company offers a range of robust sinks including Stainless Steel, Fragranite and Ceramic models.

Inspired design and superb British craftsmanship are combined to manufacture the Shaws Original Collection of fireclay kitchen sinks. The traditionally styled Bowland sink is available in 600 and 800mm with a distinctive fluted front in white and biscuit finishes. The Bowland has a central 31/2" waste outlet suitable for basket strainer or waste disposer.

Reginox UK's contemporary RF 29 tap features a blend of visually stunning curves and straight lines that perfectly complement Reginox's highly successful RF 600 sink collection. The tap has a slimline angular yet curving spout, whilst temperature and flow are controlled by use of an adjoining single lever

Rolux Pull-out Spray Tap

The new Rolux Pull-Out Spray tap (Pictured left) 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 your kitchen.

In September 2009 Carron Phoenix marks 250 years of Carron heritage, celebrating an illustrious history in steel-based products from the cannons at Edinburgh castle to the iconic red telephone boxes that are rooted in the nation's nostalgia. Over the past 40 years, Carron Phoenix has concentrated on sinks at its Falkirk headquarters and is the UK's leading sink producer of precision manufactured products of the finest quality in granite and stainless steel.