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.

In a market where we are all expecting to sell less, then selling smart is what we all need to focus on. Encouraging the consumer to part company with his cash is more of a challenge than ever but the right combination of good design, turn-key solutions and value for money is a very strong platform.

Bushboard's Encore range of ex-stock solid surfaced products offers retailers superb design and margin opportunities by bringing the aspirational look of solid surfacing within the reach of the discerning mid market consumer. A key benefit of Encore for the retailer is the ability to have complete control over the installation. Encore can be installed using the retailer's own installer, rather than sub contracting out, thereby improving margin, speeding completion and collecting payment more promptly.

Interfab Ltd DuPont Corian® fabricators since 1988 saw their turnover rise by 10% to15% over each of the last two years which is the consistent growth over the last few years infact:  A strong kitchen market, together with an increasing consumer demand fuelled the growth which is expected to be still strong in 2009, despite rumours of doom and gloom.

IDS's new Tuscan Quartzstone worksurfaces are a combination of natural stone particles and manufacturing innovation guaranteeing a product of exceptional quality and beauty. Utilising thin stone technology, the worksurface and breakfast bar products are manufactured using 5mm engineered stone panels that are joined and polished on the two short and one long edge. Made to a premium specification, they carry a 10 year guarantee and are available ex-stock nationwide from any of IDS's regional branches.

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.

Beautiful worksurfaces are high on the must-have list for consumers and increasingly the move is towards natural and solid materials.  Responding to this trend PWS has enhanced its worksurface collection with a palette of seven new granites including Angolan Black Leather.

Formica Limited has introduced Lustre, an exceptional new texture, into its premium range of worktops; Axiom by Formica®.  Unique to Axiom®, Lustre captures the translucent effect of natural quartz particles, emulating the look of softly polished luxury stone.   As an innovator and leader in the industry, Formica Limited are constantly working to provide exclusive on trend designs and textures that inspire and excite kitchen designers and homeowners across the UK and Ireland.

CaesarStone, synonymous with style and durability, has created a new unique selection of colours for its surfaces and  2009 sees the launch of ‘Raven', ‘Ginger' and ‘Oyster', three beautiful new colours introduced to compliment the existing range.

EGGER UK, Europe's leading manufacturer of wood-based panel products has fused its stylish new worktop range with its innovative Eurolight technology to create high-quality, fashionable work surfaces that are easy to handle and install.

Pfleiderer Industrie's new UK range of Duropal worktops includes high pressure laminate back panels and upstands.  Back panels are cut from HPL-Solid.  HPL solid comprises many high grade paper layers impregnated with melamine resins and laminated at high pressure to form an extremely durable and stable sheet.  It is impervious to moisture.  The top paper is decorative and comes in 18 decors to match selected Duropal worktops.  In addition there is a real brushed steel back panel bonded to particle board for a contemporary look. 

Specialist back painted glass manufacturers Adplan can provide a range of products suitable for both kitchen and bathroom work surfaces and splashbacks. 

GEC Anderson specialise in purpose-made worksurfaces made from only top quality, brushed satin stainless steel. Whatever size or shape is required, GEC Anderson will produce it accordingly, including L-shapes and oversize units. Sink bowls, in various sizes and combinations, can be added exactly where required, with no joins, lips or crevices, making them not only practical but also highly functional and totally hygienic. A choice of edge profiles is available including water-retaining lips and integral upstands that can be specified to match adjacent furniture and detailing.

Available in over 100 distinctive through-body colours and textures, with high scratch and stain resistance, Silestone is ideal for use in a wide variety of design applications, ranging from work surfaces to tiles, vanity units, bar/reception tops, splashbacks and wall cladding.