KBB retailers need to offer more than just excellent products if they are to take business from their rivals, and members of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association have a new weapon at their disposal in the battle for dominance in the sector.

Paula Dorrell ( pictured), National Sales Manager at Hansgrohe, will retire in April after almost 20 years with the company. Paula was part of the original small team that established the Hansgrohe UK subsidiary in 1991 and has played a vital role in the company’s growth and success right through to the present day – from £500,000 turnover in 1990 to over £27,000,000 in 2006.

In tribute to Lucy Romo – daughter of Bristan Group Sales Manager for Ireland Dennis Romo – who tragically lost her battle with leukaemia last year, the company has announced that Leukaemia Research will be its charity partner for 2007.

In a bid to raise standards across the Bathroom Industry and boost professionalism the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) created its Bathroom Academy, which is now preparing the next stage of development with the Virtual Academy.

Nicola Mateer ( pictured) has joined as the new Marketing Coordinator at Carron Phoenix, reporting to Neil Clark Sales & Marketing Manager.

She will assist in all aspects of the company’s marketing activities including sampling, promotions, POS display and marketing communications. Prior to Carron Phoenix, Nicola gained experience working for Gleneagles Crystal and Robert Wiseman Dairies.

A new online issues management system is being pioneered by Tab UK, supplier of quality shower enclosures, steam rooms, hydro-massage units and bathroom furniture, to enable distributors and retailers to have instant access to its stock levels and delivery times.

Fast growing sanitaryware and tile manufacturers RAK Ceramics UK have announced the appointment of Charles Down ( pictured) as Sales Director. The creation of this major role reinforces the RAK senior management team in advance of a host of entire product ranges being launched at EXPO along with a major recruitment drive.

Freestanding bath specialists Victoria & Albert have announced the appointment of Nick Portlock ( pictured) as Group Sales & Marketing Director. Based in the UK, this newly created senior position comes at a time of significant growth for Victoria & Albert, who now operate from hubs in the UK, USA, South Africa and Australia.

BLP constantly demonstrate their ability to show new and exciting door styles for their membrane pressed and five-piece door ranges at the ZOW exhibition in Bad Salzuflen every year.

Caple’s spring appliance sale is now on. The promotion will run until April 30th 2007 and offers fantastic savings on a selection of appliances from the company’s extensive portfolio including laundry, refrigeration, microwaves, hoods, wine cabinets, oven, hobs and range cooker.

The “Lightweight Network” information platform created by the Egger, Hettich and Rehau groups is to have its own logo in the near future. The aim is to create a uniform brand, which is more accessible for interested companies and prospective customers as well as manufacturers and institutions wishing to join the network.

Customers are no longer concerned about budget when it comes to bathroom furniture, according to astonishing new independent research from Shades.

Bathroom manufacturer Jacuzzi UK is launching a national consumer advertising campaign to promote its Jacuzzi brand. The campaign will commence with April issues of home interest press and will also be supported with national black and white daily press and colour supplements.

No need for scalpels and a surgeon’s hand for Simpsons’ makeover; merely a spot of technical wizardry and, ta-da, a new-look website to complete its rejuvenation under the Crosswater banner.

Luxurious hand crafted bathroom sanitaryware from leading British manufacturer Imperial Bathrooms features in the newly opened specialist bath shop – Ella Jade – located in Harrods, the most famous department store in the world.

PWS have appointed David Smillie (pictured) as Worksurfaces Technical Sales Manager, responsible for the sales development of the PWS worksurface portfolio. David joins PWS following a career exclusively in the kitchen industry, working for leading kitchen company CP Hart and more recently Sheridan Fabrications as Sales and Installations Manager.

Image Showers Managing Director John Kelly has expanded his shareholding in the company to become the majority shareholder.

Previously one of three equity partners in the business, John has invested in his belief in the growth plans he has been instrumental in developing and wishes to carry these forward personally.

On March 12th leading kitchen component distributor PWS acquired UK Marble, an independent stone fabricator and supplier, based in Hereford. PWS will utilise the acquisition to secure a stronger foothold in the granite market, allowing for greater sales penetration in the South of England and representing a significant step towards achieving their ideal business mix in the kitchen market.

In a recent independent Which? report that tested 19 conventional electric showers from across the market, Mira Showers’ Sport 9.8kW and Sprint 9.5kW models came out in first and second place while the recently launched Play electric shower (9.5kW) came sixth. In overall performance the Mira Sport (pictured) scored a massive 72 per cent, with the Sprint reaching 66 per cent and Play a healthy 59 per cent.

Premium domestic appliance manufacturer Miele will further seal the brand’s trusted long life expectancy with its newly launched Miele Service Certificate.

Servis is advising retailers to encourage consumers looking to cut costs when refurbishing their kitchens to buy dishwashers.

Washing dishes by hand uses 45 litres of water whilst an average dishwasher uses between 12 and 16 litres per wash – which goes a long way towards dispelling the long-held myth that dishwashers waste water.

Rehau as expanded its portfolio of Raukantex edgebands with a new range of embossed finishes.

The Impressions range shifts the emphasis towards textures rather than just colour and design and offers designers an innovative new edgeband option.

In May 2007 leading kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens will be introducing a pair of brand new fridge/freezers boasting advanced sensor technology for more accurate temperature control.

Carron Phoenix has extended its sink and tap portfolio to offer a new product line in eco-friendly waste disposers, offering customers a total solution for the kitchen sink space from a single supplier. Easy to fit, quiet to operate and efficient to use, waste disposers are an asset to any kitchen and can be easily sold in as part of the sink and tap combination.

Simple and understated, illuminated Cairo Cabinets from Gelson Home will bring elegance and modern styling to domestic or contract bathrooms.

Allied have just introduced three new and exciting bedroom additions to Kingswood Carrera, its own brand bedroom range. These new designs reflect today’s ever changing styles.

The Abode contemporary kitchen mixer tap range combines precision perfect engineering with stunning design, and one of the latest designerled products within this family of taps is Solera.

Franke, the world’s leading manufacturer in kitchen solutions, has produced a traditional tap with a modern twist in the form of the new Bridge Lever tap.

Moving higher on everyone’s agenda is a more responsible attitude to consumption, waste disposal and general preservation of the environment.

Keller, Dutch specialist in quality kitchens, is now offering worktops to complement the newest ranges. Answering the demand for streamlined, consistent contemporary styling in the kitchen, the HPL worktops are ideal for those looking for the very best in design.

As solid surfaces show the way into the future of worktop design, the natural acrylic stone collections from LG HI-MACS® are a step ahead with some outstanding performance and aesthetic attributes.

The Axiom by Formica® website (www.axiomworktops.com) has become an invaluable tool for seasoned tradespeople, kitchen retailers and homeowners looking to update their kitchen. The site, launched in 2006, has received over three million hits since going live. The site was designed by Formica Limited to showcase the stunning range of worktops and accessories in the Axiom® offering, and as a useful reference tool for all of its customers.

The addition of a 60mm laminate worksurface, in place of a traditional 40mm option, can greatly elevate the perceived value of the kitchen, making it especially good for the retail and contract market.

Teak from IDS’s Tuscan solid wood worksurface collection offers rich, exotic tones that design well with contemporary kitchens. Combined with high gloss doors in shades of white, beige or cappuccino, the contrast of tactile materials and colours brings luxe appeal and exclusivity to an interior scheme.

Innovation has been at the forefront of many recent product introductions from Wilsonart but none more striking than the latest development, Wilsonart HD High Definition Laminate.

The Italians are renowned for their design flair, and it has been impressive to see at both Cersaie 2006 and the recent ISH exhibition in Frankfurt, that Italian-designed bathroom furniture and sanitaryware still has the edge.

Contemporary handles under the name of Eureka first came from the Italian company of the same name 20 years ago when the factory was established in the town of Gorgo al Monticano, near Venice. Häfele is UK distributor for the aluminium processing plant that specialises in handles, knobs, shelf brackets and decorative extrusions for cabinet furniture and is currently experimenting with blends of complementary metals and finishes.

The trend in showers has, in recent years, shifted from being a fast way to wash in today’s busy world to a way of de-stressing after a hard day. This shift in emphasis has led to the wet room-style shower becoming an extremely popular choice for many homes.

As kitchen spaces evolve, the emphasis that was once placed mainly on functionality has now opened out to include the design of the room as an equally important element. The incredibly stylish and cutting edge kitchen range from Italian manufacturer, Aster, combines elegant design with the very latest in interiors systems to make the kitchen practical and easy to use. in-House is the sole supplier of this eclectic range.

CAD is now very much part of the modern design process. Clients looking for a replacement kitchen, bathroom or bedroom all but expect a computer drawing to be used in the design of their new project.

A simple, intuitive facility, Planit Design Online allows customers to create their own kitchen or bathroom designs in an instant, from the comfort of their own homes. All they have to do is click, select and view different styles, sizes, colours, appliances and room layouts.

Autokitchen (KBB) and AutoDecco are easy to use interior design programmes powered by the world’s leader in CAD technology, AutoCAD OEM.

Celebrating fifteen years working exclusively in the KBB industry, ArtiCAD is a leading provider of design software for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and home studies. ArtiCAD has more than 3,000 users in the UK who rely on the company's products and custom-developed solutions to optimise their efficiency, increase sales and boost profits.

RAK Ceramics, the UK’s fastest growing bathroom brand, have been enjoying success with “Kitchen Draw” CAD design software.

SuperView21 from M’n’G designs Ltd will let you look good whilst not costing the earth nor taking forever to learn or use. M’n’G designs have used their many years of experience producing CAD packages to produce systems that range from just £799 but still produce quality perspectives, plans, quotes, etc.

Logicom has just launched the latest update to Virtual Worlds. New features include easy creation of sloping walls and ceilings into which Velux-type windows can be “punched”; simple editing of door and window positions where the aperture moves with the object; a great “Groups and Packs” feature where units can be brought in ready-assembled in a design set and moved individually or “en bloc”; and a host of manufacturer catalogues using new “fast-search” features.

Since the formation of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) in 2001, membership continues to grow to represent more than 87 per cent of major bathroom manufacturers who employ in excess of 13,000 people at 71 sites across the UK.

Häfele have raised the profile of bathroom fittings and accessories with a stylish collection of free standing and fitted baths, including shower-baths, all with supporting sanitary ware. The bathroom section of the huge Häfele programme has trebled in size.

Myson, the first name in designer warmth, has launched an innovative new “tube on tube” towel warmer. “Tuba” is an exciting addition to the Myson multi-rail range.

Dimplex towel rails and radiators have curves in all the right places, ensuring there’s always a model for that “perfect fit” in all types of installations, from the budget conscious to the fashion style-statement rooms.

Illustrated is the striking new minimalist Credo Half Design from Kermi. Clever concealment of the wall fixings allows beautifully simplistic lines to this new design.

Incorporating ten striking and original designs “Vanilla” is one of the latest ranges from the country’s leaders in heated towel rail and radiator design.

With the continuing trend towards contemporary bathrooms, style conscious consumers are seeking to store their “clutter” to maintain the minimalist look.

In our homes, we never seem to have enough space. Either we’re looking to extend to create more room, or we’re looking at ways to utilise the space we have. However, you no longer have to compromise on style or practicality in your bathroom, even if space or budget is limited.

Ideal Bathrooms announced that they will be distributing the new VitrA Life range to selected retailers in the UK and are delighted to be the only national distributor chosen.

Mereway Bathrooms plan to further increase their share of the bathroom furniture market this spring with the introduction of a focused range of freestanding furniture, brassware and sanitaryware to complement their existing collection of fitted furniture.

Geberit, the leading supplier of sanitary, supply and drainage systems, has produced a new dual flush plate which will complement any modern bathroom.

The elegantly angular Vythos bath range from Roca is built for comfort and available in sizes 700 x 1700mm and 1800 x 900mm. Made from white acrylic, Vythos is the height of luxury, equipped with a spa/whirlpool feature from six jets and eight air nozzles, and the options of underwater lighting and Vythos headrest.

Europe is synonymous with style and sophistication and homeowners can now enjoy a European inspired bathroom – the Euro from Bathstore.

The Euro Mono provides a sleek, contemporary, Italian look. The seamless modern appearance and understated elegance capture the essence of continental style. The basins can sit on the countertop, be fitted, wall-hung, or used with a semi or full pedestal offering total flexibility of layout and style.

International bathroom brand VitrA has announced its continued association with leading names from the design world. This includes Ross Lovegrove’s second and much anticipated range, Vitra MOD, a total bathroom solution designed for a mass market audience and to tackle the environmental issue of water conservation.

The Venetian bathroom collection is designed to help make the most of any bathroom, large or small, with an extensive range of stylish storage solutions and new range of contemporary sanitaryware.

Duravit is already renowned as a prestigious bathroom brand with a well established reputation for design-led, innovative bathroom collections from international talents such as Philippe Starck and Lord Norman Foster. A lesser known fact is that Duravit also offers great value. Over the years the company has developed ranges with designer labels that also carry an affordable price tag – notably Starck 3 that was launched in 2003.

Kaldewei, Europe’s number one for baths, exhibited at ISH and unveiled some entirely new designs, as well as some exciting additions to their portfolio of over 220 models. Bathing together remained a hot topic for the company with two new bath designs from the studio of Phoenix Design.

Kohler has extended its cast iron collection with the new Cleo Stripe bath.

An innovative duet of authentic cast iron and minimalist glamour, the Cleo Stripe brings a modern twist to the traditional roll top. It has intricate decorative feet which are contrasted with a contemporary central stripe of 20 colours.

The dramatic contemporary design of this award winning suite is simply an “icon” amongst bathrooms. Stylish, contemporary and subtly detailed, Icon is a modern and timeless suite that lends an air of sophistication and opulence to any bathroom.

AB Express from Ambiance Bain is a new concept designed to enable retailers to offer their customers a high quality bathroom furniture solution with the added benefit of an extremely short lead-time, delivered within three to five days, thanks to all products kept in stock in the United Kingdom.

The Compact range from RAK Ceramics has proven an increasingly popular range of high value sanitaryware. Ideal for just about every super tight bathroom space, its options have progressively been extended over time so that it now provides one of the widest degrees of choice available in the selection of sanitaryware.

British specialist domestic pump manufacturer Techflow Products Ltd recently launched the new mark 2 version of its popular, well tried and tested QT centrifugal pump range.

A popular east coast US hotel is giving its customers the best of British bathroom elegance, refurbishing all of its suites with Marflow Engineering’s St James range of brassware.

Broughtons, the sanitaryware division of Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix, has strengthened its portfolio with the addition of the latest Mira showers, Coda, Element ( pictured) and Silver.

Set to revolutionise the shower market, Triton has unveiled its advanced T300si Remote Control electric shower, designed to make installation even easier and showering even more convenient for consumers.

Hudson Reed announces coordinating showers for the P-zazz brassware range.

For over a quarter of a century, Matki Showering has pioneered the ultimate showering experience, combining invigorating design and uncompromising construction. The full range includes shower doors, surrounds, trays, bath screens and Elixir thermostatic shower mixers, all of which combine leadingedge design with effortless style and unquestionable quality.

Hansgrohe, the world’s largest shower producer, exhibited once again at ISH and showcased launches from all three brands: Hansgrohe, Axor and Pharo, with the wellbeing brand, Pharo, this year playing a starring role.

At first it was the shower curtain that Aqualux banished from the bathroom, now it could be the actual bath as the company’s exclusive Walkthrough takes the luxury bathroom market by storm.

Leading independent UK brassware supplier and member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, the Deva Tap Company, has tapped into the trend for cubist products to offer two new additions to its already popular shower portfolio.

Metropolitan is a name synonymous with elegance and build quality. Shower enclosures where form is combined with pure functionality. Selecting a Metropolitan enclosure is a lifestyle choice, and 2007 will see an additional range of enclosures accompanying Metropolitan’s renowned eclectic portfolio.

Premium shower brand, Daryl Showering, has extended its popular range of Minima frameless shower enclosures, divider panels and walk-ins to include eight different styles, all with an ultra modern, minimal look.

Image Showers design and manufacture a wide range of shower enclosures and bath screens, giving customers a big selection to choose from for the middle to luxury top end market sectors.

Showerlux UK, the Coventry-based shower manufacturer, has announced the launch of a new bespoke shower range that provides retailers with a large and affordable collection of customised solutions for today’s demanding customer.

As house prices rise homeowners are increasingly likely to add further value to their existing property. Not only is this option less stressful it is a financially viable alternative, considering the cost involved to move.

With around 20 people killed annually by bathroom scalding accidents, maintaining a safe water temperature in the bath and shower is vital, especially for the elderly, disabled and small children.

In the wake of the recent commercial integration between Pegler and Yorkshire, a number of new products are already starting to become available, including the new Peglerfill combined bath filler and overflow system.

Ever the innovator of exciting brassware designs, Italian manufacturer Bonomi announces Tube, a dramatic brassware design, available in the UK from designer bathroom product distributor Aquaplus Solutions.

In today’s competitive brassware market, it can be hard for retailers, designers and installers to find a range that truly stands out from the crowd. Enter Egon, a sophisticated collection of achingly stylish brassware from designer bathroom fitting specialist Crosswater.

Jado, a leading provider of exclusive and luxurious designer bath and kitchen products, has unveiled its new range of bathroom fittings and accessories further reinforcing its position amongst retailers and consumers as the exclusive, top-end brassware brand.

Energy efficiency has become a key concern for consumers who are looking to implement small lifestyle changes in order to reduce energy consumption.

Cova Products manufacture Cova Press, a 3D forming veneer for membrane press technology.

Shades’ stunning new Senesi range boasts a sensual walnut finish for instant wow factor.

IDS has added to its extensive portfolio of decorative surfaces with the launch of the Alloc Wall & Water tile system that is ideal for bathrooms, wetrooms and even kitchen splashbacks. As waterproof wall cladding systems go, this is the top of the range specification, replicating an authentic 3D tile effect.

James Latham continues to have great success with its LG HI-MACS‚ Natural Acrylic Stone™ worktops, a versatile solid surface product that can be used with ease.

Bushboard’s expertise in laminate worksurfaces extends into the bathroom with a range of high specification products ideal for vanity unit tops and built-in furniture.

The current situation regarding both the kitchen and the sink and tap market is looking somewhat diverse. This makes for exciting and, at the same time, somewhat worrying times ahead for our sector of the KBB industry.

Galley Matrix has radically improved the packaging of Franke products to ensure they remain in peak condition throughout transit to the point of delivery.

The Pennine is the traditional Belfast sink. The original deep Victorian model has an integrated weir overflow, plus a unique patented overflow adaptor to accommodate a waste disposer or basket strainer.

Kitchen design is a constantly evolving trend, constantly bringing fresh new products into the market. The latest kitchen fashion news is that soft curves and gentle shapes are definitely out, making the way for clean lines, sharp edges and more definite shapes. Responding to this move in the market, Caple has introduced the new Cubit sink range to their sink and tap portfolio, complemented perfectly by the stylish Robo tap.

An ambitious line-up of new products from Rangemaster this spring includes revolutionary new product concepts alongside welcome facelifts to existing favourites.

The stylish range of undermount stainless steel sinks from Falcon has been designed to meet the demands of any chef. Undermounted to a solid worktop, they create smooth lines in both traditional and modern kitchens, whilst offering the practicality that a professional expects.

The Aqualine from Leisure is a single bowl sink, which is ideal for a kitchen with limited space. It is priced at £71.

The Aqualine AQ9853 ( pictured) is available in four shapes and is priced from £152.

Zeta and Isis are the new generation of sinks designed to bring streamlined style and premium quality to the mid market. Precision manufactured to offer an attractive low profile perimeter, both new sink ranges sit just 4mm off the worksurface giving an almost seamless look and feel.

Love to have a big sink? Then you’ll love the new Zeta 215 from Carron Phoenix. One of the four models in the brand new Zeta stainless steel range with the stylish low profile perimeter, it offers a very capacious double bowl option. The identical double bowls measure a roomy 360 x 420 x 180mm deep. They are large enough to accommodate bulky items like oven inserts, roasting tins and baking trays, thus marking an end to wrestling with the washing up.

The Ariadne Series of stainless steel sinks from Pyramis includes more innovative elements than any other inset sink series.

Maintaining its leading position in the kitchen sink and tap industry, Astracast has launched the Edinburgh bow fronted ceramic Belfast sink.

Smeg has added four contemporary single bowl sinks to its Exclusive Studio Line, a collection of appliances reserved exclusively for specialist kitchen studios owing to their high design and performance specification.

Following the popularity of the Kubus Stainless Steel undermount sinks, which offer consumers sleek, symmetrical sinks in a range of sizes, Franke has developed new Fragranite models.

Taylor Woodrow, one of the UK’s leading housing developers, is set to install more than 400 InSinkErator® food waste disposers in a new development at Diglis Basin in Worcester.

For those who love the clean, contemporary lines of the BLANCOZEROX undermount sinks, but don’t have a solid worksurface, BLANCO has an ingenious answer.