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

It's an interesting fact that exports from China in February saw their biggest drop in a decade and trade between China and the EU, the country's largest partner, was 19.3% down in the same month compared to the previous year. Included in this are products such as sanitaryware, taps, lighting and kitchen components bringing some crumbs of comfort to beleagured British companies who strive to produce high quality products and are committed to their workforce.

With the economy seeing off many a mid market furniture brand over the last 6 months, it would now seem that its impacting on what has always been seen as the relatively secure, high end, bespoke, in-frame kitchen market. Some quite revered in-frame brands have disappeared from our radar and others are going into receivership and being re-launched. Given this scenario is it possible for any bespoke manufacturer to survive the current downturn? Well actually...... yes it is!

Despite the economic climate, Mereway Kitchens are continuing their investment into new products and are delighted to announce the launch of 22 brand new door styles this spring; their greatest release of doors to date.

Simon Wild, Marketing Manager UK & Ireland, Formica Limited comments: "As an innovator and leader in the manufacture and design of kitchen worktops, Axiom by Formica® is constantly working to provide exclusive on trend designs that inspire and excite kitchen designers and homeowners.

Planit Fusion, leaders in innovative design software for the KBB industry is a UK company that employs many local staff and responds to the needs of the British market. Supplying more software seats in the industry than any other and with a turnover of 6.5 million, it is no surprise that Fusion is the leading system and explains why over 1200 independent retail customers choose them each year.

PROFILE Showers, part of Ellbee Ltd. has built a reputation on producing high quality products manufactured in the UK. With all production based at their purpose built facility in Leeds, West Yorkshire, they pride themselves on being able to provide a product to suit all sectors of the market. With 60 years of manufacturing expertise in the UK they are proud to be a truly British manufacturer.

Established in 1999, Parapan® has developed an impressive reputation and is now recognised as the market leader in high-tech, high-gloss acrylic for vertical surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.

Outasight® the unique Patented over bath shower screen developed by Calmtouch Managing Director Lee Brown is making a big splash with retailers by offering an innovative bespoke service. The Outasight® can be tailor-made to suit individual requirements from a simple drawing solving the problem of awkward spaces including sloping ceilings.

The idea of simple luxury in the bathroom is becoming increasingly attractive to consumers who now seek refuge from the fast pace of life and day to day worries.

British Ceramic Tile is a UK manufacturing success story that is leading change in the marketplace. The Devon-based tile manufacturer has recently completed its multi-million pound factory expansion, making it one of the largest ceramic tile manufacturers in Europe with state of the art facilities that offer the very best of British design, produced here in the UK.

Pegler Yorkshire is proud to announce the launch of several new tap ranges for 2009. As part of the development of the Francis Pegler portfolio, four new ranges of long awaited taps and mixers for the bathroom and kitchen have now joined Maverick and Storm.

Astro Lighting Ltd., the UK's premier designer and producer of lighting, has a long-established specialism in bathrooms and offers what is currently the largest range of IP44 approved lighting available in Europe. The British design team at Astro takes a classic, architectural approach to product design, with pared-down lines and an avoidance of unnecessary embellishment producing a wide range of architecturally styled wall lights, ceiling lights, spotlights, downlighters, plus integrated lighting in vanity mirrors, mirror cabinets and mirrors - including models with integrated shaver sockets, and low energy options to suit any wet area scheme. A great example of Astro's design expertise for bathrooms is the Lens light.

Esse are the oldest and most innovative British, cast iron range cooker manufacturer, with a history now spanning 154 years. They are easy to install; efficient and flexible; cost effective to buy and a pleasure to live with.

Imperial Bathrooms is an established, family-run British manufacturer of high quality, handmade ceramic ware. The workshop in the West Midlands produces original designs to the highest standards, with products undergoing rigorous testing to ensure complete perfection.

Boasting a 28% share of the UK shower tray market, JT® is leading the way in manufacturing excellence in the UK, with the Leeds-based supplier fast becoming a true British success story.

It might be nearly a decade since the British shower manufacturer Aqualisa launched Quartz Digital, but the award-winning shower that inspired a new generation of digital bathroom designs is just as popular as ever. Compact, user-friendly and super-easy to install, Quartz Digital was expressly designed with the intention of giving everyone - from the retailer to the customer - a showering product that ticked every possible box. And, almost 10 years on, Quartz Digital continues to deliver.

Apex are manufacturers of bespoke, made-to-measure vinyl wrapped kitchen and bedroom doors. There is a wide choice of styles and designs in a combination of finishes and colours. Glazed doors can be manufactured if required, plus a range of accessories to complete the ‘individual look'.

Designed to maintain Manhattan's position as a competitively priced and contemporary designer of shower enclosures, Manhattan have introduced a range of new products to their existing range of shower enclosures. The new introductions include Flow integrated water delivery and an innovative Duralite tray platform. Also new to Manhattan's impressive product portfolio of wetroom and shower solutions is 'Minimal'; a modern and elegant shower enclosure.

The new Alto range from Burbidge marries a luxuriously smooth, painted cream finish with an inspired collection of contemporary matt textured shades. A beautifully simple door style is used to showcase the finishes, with the range offering consumers complete imaginative flexibility to create the kitchen of their dreams.