Axiom by Formica®, the UK and Ireland’s leading kitchen worktop and accessories range, offers the ultimate choice of designs, textures and materials to create the dream kitchen. The Axiom® range has been developed in response to trends in kitchen and interior design and offers a wide variety of looks for the design-conscious consumer.

Bushboard reports that sales of its laminate splashbacks are up 10% for 2010 and growing - which the company attributes to the stylish good looks, cost effectiveness and practicality of a seamless surface on the areas between worktops and wall units.

Granite Transformations has introduced agglomerate worktops that are at least two-thirds lighter and thinner than other materials like granite, marble or engineered stone - yet sacrifice nothing in terms of strength and performance.

From the innovators who introduced Parapan® and Corian® to the UK comes yet another quality product, stainless steel worksurfaces by Foster. These high quality countertops can be bespoked to suit any kitchen design whether sexily curved as here, a simple linear run along the wall, an island, cleaning or cook zone.

High gloss, high tech solid acrylic Parapan® is available in a 4mm thickness that is ideal for splash backs and wall cladding.

The maia portfolio is set to expand and improve with changes to its popular sink module range. The addition of a brand new large bowl is part of an overall update of the range with changes being made to the bowls used in all maia sink modules.

James Latham, the UK’s leading timber and panel products distributor, is the exclusive UK distributor of Natural Acrylic Stone™, a versatile solid surface product that can be used with ease.

North East Sheets & Panels Ltd have been supplying worktops for over 5 years. Initially supplying laminate worktops, the range has recently been extended to include solid surface options.

Absolute Blanc from COMPAC is a vibrant white quartz worksurface allowing for the creation of stunning kitchens and bathrooms.

With superb consistency of colour, practically non-existent porosity, resistance to impact, heat and abrasion, and its natural antibacterial protection (due to the almost completely impermeable nature of quartz) Absolute Blanc is absolutely perfect for any contemporary or traditional kitchen or bathroom.

CD UK - the distributors of Corian® for over 30 years - are bringing all of their Trading divisions together in one exciting display that offers clients the ultimate in materials and appliances. On show are:- Italian-designed extractors with all the latest technology from Air Uno's portfolio; solid high gloss acrylic panels and doors from Parapan® in 21 sophisticated colours that can be cut to any size or shape and thermoformed to any radius of curve; the latest colours from Corian® and introducing brand new Alulux-framed doors – aluminium is used to frame Corian® into doors or drawers of any size.

Not surprisingly, the current AMA research report has confirmed that the percentage spend on worksurfaces against the total kitchen purchase has jumped by almost 50% in recent years. Given that the worksurface occupies quite a large proportion of the surface area in a kitchen, then the choice of worktop can have a huge bearing on the overall design look, something which the retailer and consumer have recognised and embraced with gusto.

Bushboard’s 2m x 650mm x 40mm Encore solid surface component enable retailers to create stylish slab ends on a run of kitchen furniture.

With all Encore products being totally fitter-friendly on site, the installer simply cuts the length in half and then forms an easy butt joint at each end of the furniture run. Alternatively, a mitre joint can be used to create a virtually seamless finish.

Wood designs enhance the look and feel of a kitchen worktop, adding an extra dimension and focal point to a room. The Axiom by Formica® range of exclusive wood designs and textures provide an inspired choice of worktop finishes for designers and homeowners across the UK and Ireland.

Granite Transformations has introduced two new green finishes to its range of Trend G Recycled worktop surfaces containing up to 72% post-consumer recycled glass. Aimed at the emerging ‘eco chic’ marketplace, Dream Green and Azzuro Prato feature glass fragments bonded together with a clear polymer resin to create worktops that are extremely tough, heat, stain and scratch resistant - and made from sustainable material.

Whilst marble and granite work surfaces have helped glamorise kitchens and bathrooms over recent years, the time has now arrived for a sumptuous and functional alternative to take over - British Lakeland natural stone by Burlington.

Blackheath Products boasts one of the UK’s most comprehensive collections of laminate, solid surfacing and solid wood worksurfaces from one central location. And not just any worktops, they pride themselves on offering distinctive and recognizable brands such as Axiom, Duropal, Egger, Earthstone, Encore, Heartwood solid wood, Nuance, Prima and Tradeline.

After a few years of tinkering around the edges of the market, composite worksurfaces have of late had a Eureka moment. It's been a while in coming but now it's here, composite sales are going to grow massively.

Cumbrian from the Tuscan Quartzstone engineered stone worksurface range is one of those design versatile colours that sits well in traditional or contemporary settings. The rich combination of dark grey and white stone particles with just a hint of black lends itself to combining with a range of door styles and colours, while ensuring luxurious stone-based looks every time.

Following the trend for organic, neutral interiors preferred by the design-conscious homeowner, the ‘Mocha' from Sylmar Technology boasts a rich and earthy dark brown tone which is lifted nicely by a hint of brighter fleck.

‘Naranja Cool- Silestone', from Cerrig, is a stunning, engineered stone work surface that isn't just great to look at but hygienic too thanks to its ‘microban' content.

The Rococo Noir from Bushboard features a new laminate surface with a subtle interplay between gloss and matt texture. The flower motif is embossed in gloss against a matt background, giving the splash-back a sophisticated visual and tactile aesthetic.

The market for natural stone worktops, in particular granite and engineered stone has developed rapidly over the last few years, and is still holding its own despite the current market conditions. stoneCIRCLE worktops are made to order in their own CNC equipped factory and can be teamed with a matching splash back and/or stone wall and floor tiles.

Giving its popular Encore solid surfacing range even more design flexibility, Bushboard has added more designs, more components and more sinks to its product offer.

With metallics one of the hottest design themes around, there are three new Sparkle finishes in Black, Chocolate and Caramel.

This handsome worktop and splashback creation made from the Cima design from the HI-MACS® Volcanics Collection aptly demonstrates why HI-MACS® from LG Hausys is the preferred modern solid surface material for both designers and fabricators.

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is proud to announce that Interfab has earned certification as an ISFA Certified Professional fabricator and installer of solid surfacing products.

Blackheath Products boasts one of the UK's most comprehensive collections of laminate, solid surfacing and solid wood worksurfaces from one central location. And not just any worktops, they pride themselves on offering distinctive and recognizable brands such as Axiom, Duropal, Egger, Encore, Heartwood solid wood (shown), Nuance, Prima and Tradeline.

As an innovator and leader in the manufacture and design of kitchen worktops Formica Limited is constantly working to provide exclusive on trend designs that inspire and excite kitchen designers and homeowners.

PWS' centenary coincides with the 1st anniversary of its state-of-the-art worksurfaces factory, signaling the next chapter in the growth of the company. The dedicated, custom-built factory extends to 92,000 sq ft, representing an investment of £10m in cutting-edge machinery capable of manufacturing product to the highest levels of accuracy and quality.

HPP have further extended their kitchen worktop range to include four new solid surface worktops from the earthstone range. These new solid surface worktops are designed to bridge the gap between laminate and granite and posses some very attractive qualities. Four decors: Black Star Melange, Coffee Melange, Nordic Melange and Pastel Melange co-ordinate with most kitchens and allow simple installation resulting in seamless joints without the need to template. Furthermore the finished solid surface is resistant to stains, easily cleaned and completely repairable.

New from Cerrig is their ‘Dream Granite'; a beautiful light cream granite with random, light tan veins that subtly add a pleasing contrast to draw your attention.

As Interfab Ltd moves into its 21st year David Cranke, Managing Director reports that despite an understandable quiet first quarter this year, "The second quarter quotation and order levels are right back to normal; colour is the driving force."

Inspirational designs and innovative textures are among the many treasures in Bushboard's exemplary portfolio of laminate and solid surfaced worktops. Bushboard is the UK's largest independent worktop manufacturer with a distinguished reputation for expertise in worktop manufacturing, surface material technology and design innovation. The company exclusively manufactures the Prima, Omega, Odyssey and Nuance laminate worktop brands with over 100 designs reflecting the very latest trends in colours, woodgrains and natural stones. Brand new to the Omega range are the luxurious Quartz designs with metallic particles that salute the look of polished stone, as well as stylish patterned and pearlescent splashbacks.

Mosaic glass tiles are becoming fashionable once again creating visually exciting kitchen splashbacks. But these small square tiles are difficult and expensive to install and require regular cleaning and sealing to keep the grouting hygienic and free from mould.

With a new Gloss Finish surface texture, EGGER can now offer the UK market, competitively priced, readily available Gloss MFC.

What do designers, manufacturers and, ultimately users, look for in a worktop? Well, initially the look and the feel but ultimately the ease of use, durability and ability to maintain it as "as new". HI-MACS® is the material that fulfils all these criteria and more - for all the customers involved.

Following extensive research, innovation and development, the worldwide leader of quartz surfaces and natural stone, Cosentino, is delighted to announce the arrival of Silestone Blanco Zeus Extreme. The whitest shade of quartz worksurface available, Silestone Blanco Zeus Extreme, with unique antibacterial protection is a great way to add glamour, lustre and brilliance to a kitchen design.

In this current economic climate homeowners will be looking to update rather than relocate. By simply replacing a worktop, a kitchen can be dramatically transformed with immediate effect.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009, IDS has earned its status as the UK's largest distributor of surface materials with an unrivalled portfolio that is the most dynamic and competitive in the industry. In flooring, worktops, laminates, panel products and solid surfacing, IDS offers access to all the finest brands and the wealth of choice and innovation they offer.