Get Connected Magazine - August 2017

AUGUST 2017

The Magazine of The Electrical Goods Industry www.gcmagazine.co.uk

INSIDE:

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING Open plan living is a 21st. century aspiration, and the trend for smaller homes is putting a premium on space. GC looks at the products designed to deliver stylish and functional solutions for homemakers

THE GET CONNECTED PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS 2017 – THE WINNERS GC’s readers have cast their votes, and the great electrical products that have earned the “Product of the Year” accolade are all listed inside

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTED Could wireless charging technology, currently used for electric toothbrushes and some mobile phones, eventually be developed to power electric cars, TVs and other domestic appliances?

George Cole investigates

FROM THE BENCH As higher and higher quality TV pictures are developed, Alan Bennett explains the importance of High Frame Rate (HFR) technology in delivering smooth, judder-free viewing

PRODUCT GALLERY What’s new, what’s fresh and what’s out there in electrical and electronic appliances

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

04

Editorial Comment

06 The Word

In and around the industry

13 18

AEG ComboHob: induction hob with integrated extractor

Editor in Chief: Marlinda Conway Telephone: 01420 886 33 marlinda@gcmagazine.co.uk

Subscriptions & Circulation: (GCCD) Telephone: 01420 886 33 circulation@gcmagazine.co.uk

Magazine Advertising Sales: Brian Shilling Telephone: 01892 677 741 brian@gcmagazine.co.uk

Creative Director: Will Dobson will@gcmagazine.co.uk

Sharon Maslen Telephone: 01892 677 742 sharon@gcmagazine.co.uk Editorial & Publishing Director: Terry Heath Telephone: 01420 886 33 terry@gcmagazine.co.uk

Advertisement Production Administration: Will Dobson Telephone: 01342 850 456 artwork@gcmagazine.co.uk

Annual subscription rate (inc. postage): UK £88; Overseas £108.

© Copyright 2017 Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Could wireless charging technology one day replace the ubiquitous household power point? And how the companies that predicted the death of the LP in the early 80s are now embracing vinyl again

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Product Gallery

16

Town and Apartment Living

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Production and Print: Blackmore Press, Shaftesbury, Dorset www.blackmore.co.uk

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Get Connected is published by Mud Hut Publishing Ltd, Greyfriar Cottage, Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SB.

George Cole Gets Connected

24

The trend in the UK is towards building smaller homes, but householders still aspire to style, high functionality and the 21st century taste for open plan living.

GC looks at the appliances designed to achieve the vision

From the Bench Alan Bennett explains the importance of High Frame Rate (HFR) in the pursuit of an ideal TV picture, and why retailers need to understand and communicate it to their customers

The Get Connected Product Design Awards 2017 THE WINNERS The products that won the votes of professionals and earned the right to the title “Product of the Year 2017”

Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. Greyfriar Cottage, Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1SB

www.gcmagazine.co.uk

AUGUST 2017

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3

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Is it just us, or are the world and this country falling apart? It may just seem like another grumpy old man question that every generation asks as part of the “what is the world coming to?” phase of the aging process.

But, on a connected planet, no business is an island, and no business is immune to the changes in the wider world.

REGISTER ONLINE for your FREE COPY of Get Connected Magazine www.gcmagazine.co.uk

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he point is that general unease not “leaders” by when there are no emergencies only has a direct financial impact to cope with: we know what we’re doing on businesses, but also a broader and we get on with it even if they don’t. But effect on social attitudes and standards of as soon as anything difficult happens, we’re behaviour. reminded that they’re really not any good at World “politics” is currently about two obese, looking after the people who vote for them. narcissistic lunatics with unforgivable hairstyles We’re also seeing that shop vacancy rates squaring up like a couple of Saturday night are rising again on the high street, while the drunks in the pub with broken beer bottles. business rates debacle seems no nearer to a Except that these macho hooligans have a solution. Why is it a budget duty rise can come nuclear capability, and we can’t avoid the into force the next day, while relief for the consequences of their actions just by finishing clearly suffering retailer takes years – if it ever our pint and leaving before it all kicks off. happens at all?

Brexit is not helping with the anxiety, If the place we live looks like nobody cares especially since the Government hasn’t got its about it, everybody stops caring about it. If it act together – or apparently even seems nobody cares about us, we decided who’s in the band. The stop caring about anybody else. economic effects are already So why is this relevant being felt. Nobody knows to independent electrical “If the place retailers – and by what will happen, but, we live looks like realistically, it doesn’t implication manufacturers nobody cares about it, look good.

– in the UK? Because everybody stops caring At home, there have the high street is a very about it. If it seems been rotting rubbish sensitive economic and nobody cares about us, and rats building social barometer, and we stop caring about when there is unease, it up in the streets of anybody else.” affects trade.

Birmingham, and the And if this all seems authorities don’t seem like Armageddon gloom, to be interested in their constituents’ distress. Stench and the final, important point is that vermin in public places in a “developed independents are where service, country” is not good for morale, and certainly understanding, empathy, genuine expertise not good for that sense of trust, cohesion and and caring for people can still be found. It’s civic pride that keeps communities operating difficult, but as one of the bastions of social in a more or less lawful and efficient way. cohesion, the retail trade does need to keep on Indifference and incompetence were also patiently offering the welcome a feature of the authorities’ response to the qualities that are more and more difficult to find. It does, Grenfell Tower disaster and the knock-on and will, pay off in a country with very deep roots in effects on homes kindness and mutual all over the country. support under pressure.

The most powerful It’s all about cycles, impression was that the authorities didn’t know, and when things do or care about, the get better, as they very different lives will, we have to try of the “other sort” of to make sure the people who live in their qualities that make bricks-and-mortar rich and tidy borough.

Incompetence and lack of retailing special are empathy just about gets still there.

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AUGUST 2017

Marlinda Conway Editor in Chief

Terry Heath Editorial & Publishing Director

Will Dobson Creative Director

James McIntosh Consumer Consultant

George Cole Consumer Electronics Consultant

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TOWN CENTRE SHOP VACANCIES RISE AS RETAIL FOOTFALL SLOWS THE LATEST ELECTRICAL GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

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etail footfall in July fell 1.1% against the previous year, while the national town centre vacancy rate increased to 9.6% from the 9.3% recorded in April this year.

According to figures released by the BRC and Springboard, high street footfall fell 2.1% while shopping centres recorded a 1.3% decline. Retail Parks saw growth of 1.7%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief-Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said the overall onsumer confidence across the UK has returned to the level last decline in footfall translated into a weak seen in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote. sales performance for non-food stores in GfK’s Confidence Index for July decreased two points to -12 in July particular.

“Most shopping “Most shopping destinations saw a with the biggest drop arising from the general economic situation, destinations saw a decline in footfall in July compared with which fell six points to -31. the previous year. Even high streets, Joe Staton, Head of Market Dynamics at GfK, said the economic decline in footfall in which have seen fairly stable growth picture across the UK remains confusing and this mood is reflected July compared with over recent months, reported a decline,” in the overall Index Score. the previous year. ” “All bets must now be on a further drift downwards in confidence,” Dickinson commented.

“Retail parks were the exception and Staton added. “If Brexit negotiations continue to deliver more questions than answers, it’s unlikely the overall Index Score will find any have fared relatively well since March tailwinds for some time.” this year, reflecting in part lower rental costs compared to prime and town centre locations, as well as convenience for shoppers.”

Diane Wehrle, Springboard Marketing and Insights Director, said July’s results might well mark a sea change in consumers’ willingness to spend, as it was the first time since January that footfall dropped during both retail trading hours and into the evening. retail sales rose 0.9% on a like-for-like basis in July, but growth was underpinned “These results together with the high level of consumer by food sales alone while non-food sales fell into negative territory. borrowing and an increase in the vacancy rate to 9.6% from 9.3% Growth in sales of non-food products online also slowed in July, up 8.3% compared to 11.2% a in April – the highest it’s been since July last year – suggest that year earlier, with the three-month average, at 7.8%, falling below the 12-month average of 8.4%. trading conditions could be reaching a tipping point into a period In-store non-food sales declined 3.0% on a like-for-like basis during the three-month period. of restraint.”

BRC’s Dickinson added: “The vacancy rate, now at its highest for a year, fails to brighten the picture for what was evidently a challenging month for retailers. Nearly one in ten retail shops currently lie vacant and those in some vulnerable communities remain persistently empty, limiting the chances of these places to thrive. What’s more, September’s RPI, which is expected to be difficult market environment and policies he equivalent number of full time jobs in the region of 4%, represents a substantial increase in business that have increased the cost of employing in retail fell by 3.3% in the second rates for retailers in April 2018.” people – such as the National Living Wage quarter of 2017 compared with the same quarter a year ago, and more retailers than and the Apprenticeship Levy – are driving at the same point last year intend to reduce the industry towards fewer but more productive jobs,” she commented. their workforce in the coming months.

And there are further reductions to According to the latest BRC Retail come, according to Dickinson, as the Employment Monitor, the sector also transformation of the industry is still in reported a reduction in the number of progress. hours worked both on full-time and part“As ever, there are some retailers who time contracts, contributing to the fall. are thriving and growing their workforce, 69% of respondents to the survey although they are in the minority. 69% of reported a reduction in hours compared roducers and retailers of electrical equipment have respondents to our survey saw employees to last year, and 15% intend to decrease launched a £665,000 fund aimed at supporting projects work fewer hours in Q2 this year, compared employment levels in the coming quarter, led by local authorities to deliver increased levels of re-use to last, with reductions particularly acute compared to 0% in Q2 2016. and recycling of waste electrical equipment. amongst non-food retailers.”

BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson The funds come from the Distributor Takeback Scheme With inflation squeezing consumers' said the fall comes as “the tide of change (DTS) and the Compliance Fee mechanism, both established spending power, the challenges facing continues to sweep through the industry”. under the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment retailers will increase in the coming “Technology, which is both (WEEE) Regulations. months. Dickinson said this will reinforce transforming the way we shop and The WEEE Regulations ensure that producers and the pressure on retailers to rethink and providing increasing opportunities for distributors of electrical equipment finance the cost of its restructure their workforce. automation in retail, combined with a collection and proper treatment when it becomes waste.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE FALLS BACK TO POST-BREXIT LOW

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NON-FOOD SECTOR UNDERGOES SALES SLOWDOWN

UK

RETAIL EMPLOYMENT FALLS AS INDUSTRY UNDERGOES TRANSFORMATION

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NEW FUNDS SUPPORT INCREASED RE-USE AND RECYCLING OF WEEE

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THE LATEST ELECTRICAL GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

EXERTIS ACQUIRES MTR GROUP D

istributor of technology products Exertis has announced the acquisition of MTR Group Limited, a service and solutions provider specialising in 2nd generation lifecycle extension of mobile, wearable and tablet devices.

MTR employs 60 staff at its bespoke high-tech refurbishment facility in Harlow, Essex. It generated sales of £10.8 million for the twelve months ended 30 November 2016 and has seen significant and sustained year-on-year growth since its incorporation in 2011.

Exertis said that the strong relationship MTR has with Samsung will enable it to deepen its business association with this “key strategic brand” as well as providing the opportunity to leverage MTR’s refurbishment and reverse logistics capabilities and jointly expand these services to a wider range of potential partners.

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EXTRACTION SPECIALIST NOVY ESTABLISHES UK OPERATION B

elgian appliance brand Novy has launched its first sales and marketing operation in the UK as part of a global expansion plan.

Novy Ltd., incorporated July 2017, will be headed by Owain Harrison in the role of country manager. Harrison previously held the position of head of sales and marketing at Hoover Candy Baumatic.

Novy has developed technologies in the field of premium extraction for more than 50 years and was the innovator of perimeter extraction, a technology it patented.

The brand was also responsible for the first noise-reduction systems for cooker hoods, and has a collection of advanced induction hobs including models that automatically adjust the airflow of the hood installed above.

In Europe, the company is a leading player in the combination hob and extraction marketplace and its recently launched Novy ONE 78cm combination induction hob and downdraft extractor was a 2016 Red Dot Awardwinner for product design.

Owain Harrison commented: “There is such a huge opportunity for premium designers and retailers to specify Novy, as they can be assured of a truly top-quality product that is both designed and made to last. I am greatly

Gloucestershire-based Montpellier Domestic Appliances has appointed Jean Levens to the role of National Account Manager. Levens has broad experience in the MDA industry, having worked for Miele, BSH, Beko and most recently GDHA.

Rob Dixon

looking forward to building the Novy brand in the UK.” Novy commercial director Francis Gistelinck said the company regards the UK as a key market for Novy.

Hughes Trade has engaged Rob Dixon as a business development consultant to assist its commercial arm in achieving its plans for growth. Dixon has a breadth of experience in the industry, including 17 years at Miele Professional where he held a number of senior positions.

Roberts Radio has announced the appointment of James Cokell as Brand Marketing Manager, reporting to Head of PR & Marketing Rachel Cowle.

Jean Levens

The Hoover Candy Group has appointed Juan Pillay to the position of marketing director, built-in appliances. Pillay has 15 years’ industry experience in the freestanding and built-in appliance categories, having formerly worked for businesses such as Whirlpool, BSH and Samsung.

Mike Harris has been promoted to retail sales director, IT and mobile, at technology distributor Exertis. He will report to consumer sales director Mike Buley.

Juan Pillay

Health and safety campaigner Lawrence Waterman has been announced as the new Chairman of the British Safety Council.

He succeeds Lynda Armstrong OBE, who retires 24th November 2017 after seven years in the post.

Steve Hunter

Lawrence Waterman

REPIC Retail Drop Off Centres offer a convenient compliant solution for your collected WEEE, giving you the option to drop off locally with minimum hassle. Request more info from info@repic.co.uk

Hughes Trade Mike Harris has appointed Steve Hunter, a former senior engineer with the company, to the new position of Commercial Services Manager. He will be responsible for training, method development and compliance for service matters at Hughes’ commercial branches in Leicester, Norwich and Rochester.

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SONY QUARTERLY PROFITS OUTSTRIP ANALYSTS’ ESTIMATES S

ony Corp. has reported a quarterly operating profit of 157.6 billion yen (£1.1 billion) for the quarter ended June 2017, beating analysts’ average projection of 133.3 billion yen. Sales for the period also beat predictions, rising 15% to 1.86 trillion yen.

Demand for the company’s camera sensors for smartphones, plus a strong music business and continuing sales of PlayStation 4 consoles and games, have helped Sony emerge from a very challenging year, in which camerachip production was hit by earthquake damage and the film division took a £760 million write-down, into a quarter that appears to confirm the company’s turnaround is on track.

Sony Corp. CEO Kazuo Hirai, whose experience and background is in the company’s entertainment

“In music, operating profit grew to 25 billion yen, benefiting from Sony’s partnership with Spotify Ltd., which has tripled paying subscribers to 60 million in the past two years. ”

divisions, appears to be steadying the business, managing the music and films divisions into a longer-term future as Sony continues to vacate some of its more traditional consumer electronics positions.

Sony controls about half the market for image sensors – the chips that are at the heart of digital photography – and chip division revenue rose 41% to 204.3 billion yen. Demand for image sensors in the smartphone market remains high and is predicted to rise further.

In music, operating profit grew to 25 billion yen, benefiting from Sony’s partnership with Spotify Ltd., which has tripled paying subscribers to 60 million in the past two years. It has been reported that Sony and Spotify have struck a new licensing deal in which more of Sony’s music will be available only to paying Spotify users.

However, Sony remains cautious about the immediate future, maintaining its previous full-year profit guidance at 500 billion yen, in spite of a 3.8% elevation in the annual sales forecast. Chief financial officer Kenichiro Yoshida explained the company’s conservative outlook, stating “for one thing, we only had three months in this fiscal year”, and pointing out that “variations of the macro-economic environment, and also cost and demand factors”, had to be considered.

Sony’s shares fell by 1.8% prior to the results, but are up 36% this year.

WHIRLPOOL REPORTS EARNINGS FALL AND LOWERS FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE

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hirlpool Corporation has reported GAAP net earnings of $189 million for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $320 million for the same prior-year period.

Net sales rose to $5.3 billion ($5.2 billion).

GAAP operating profit for the quarter totalled $274 million, against $368 million in Q2 2016.

The company revised its full-year earnings per diluted share guidance to a range of $12.40 to $12.90 on a GAAP basis and $14.50 to $15.00 on an ongoing basis, below its previous guidance of $14.75 to $15.50. It stated that the move was driven by increased raw material inflation and lower product price/mix in China and Europe.

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Jonas Samuelson

ELECTROLUX POSTS RISE IN Q2 PROFIT

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lectrolux reported net sales up by 5.1% to SEK 31,502m (£2,917m) for the second quarter of 2017.

The company said that organic sales remained unchanged.

The contribution from acquisitions and divestments was 1.2% while currency translation had a positive impact of 3.9% on net sales.

Operating income increased from SEK 1,564m to SEK 1,942m. Four of six business areas achieved an operating margin above 6%.

President and CEO Jonas Samuelson said the European appliance market remains solid, with demand growth in several markets in Western and Eastern Europe, while the UK and the Middle East and Africa continue to be weak.

“We expect the total European market to be positive, and confirm our outlook of around 1% growth in 2017,” he added.

Income for the quarter increased from SEK 1,079m to SEK 1,308m. Earnings per share rose from SEK 3.75 to SEK 4.55.

AO DEFIES MDA MARKET SLOWDOWN AO

World has reported that its core AO website sales in the UK rose 6.2% year on year for the quarter ended 30th June 2017, despite the challenges of a Brexit-induced slowdown and a robust performance in the comparable period last year, which was driven in part by changes to stamp duty on housing transactions at the end of March 2016.

Overall UK revenue growth in the quarter was 2.5%. The company said this reflected the expected reduction in third-party website and logistics sales year on year as it focuses on the AO brand.

Chairman Geoff Cooper commented that the UK trading environment remains “challenging” with the MDA market overall seeing lower volumes year on year in Q1.

The business, however, remains on track with its long-term strategic plan and the board expects results for the full year to fall within the range of market expectations.

“Customer satisfaction continues to be exceptional in all of our territories and the rollout of further categories across the UK and Europe continues,” said Cooper.

“Our Europe segment has performed in line with our plan during the first quarter of the new financial year, with strong year-on-year revenue growth of 57.6% in local currency (up 73.1% on a sterling basis), with limited above-the-line marketing as planned.

“Our momentum is encouraging and we remain confident in the delivery of the plan we set out at our capital markets day in February.”

The company’s half year results for the six months ending 30 September will be announced on 21 November 2017.

THE LATEST ELECTRICAL GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

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NO PROGRESS MADE IN ADDRESSING FAILURE OF PRODUCT SAFETY SYSTEM, SAYS WHICH? C

onsumer organisation Which? has published a report calling for a review of the product safety system following recent incidents involving unsafe appliances that have been linked to fires and deaths in the UK, which have brought into question the adequacy of the current regulatory and enforcement system, and the need for it to be strengthened.

While Which? acknowledges that the Government has initiated a series of reviews as a reaction to fires caused by white goods, starting with the Lynn Faulds Wood review in 2016 which made a series of recommendations for a reformed and centralised approach; the establishment of a Working Group

on Product Recall and Safety, and an investigation into the fridge freezer suspected to have caused the fire in Grenfell Tower, the consumer watchdog says no progress has been made on addressing the failure in the product safety regime, and it has seen little willingness from the Government to act to adequately address the failings identified in the report.

In July, the Working Group on Product Recall and Safety released a report providing a number of recommendations including full consideration being given to establishing a hub to co-ordinate product safety corrective actions at central level, similar to that operated by the Food Standards Agency.

Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, said the ESF was pleased to see the Working Group’s report “finally published”. “…it incorporates a number of recommendations which the ESF consider essential to improve recall rates, enhance consumer safety and ensure sustainable business,” he commented. “With the limited success of recalls and the fact that domestic electrical fires are increasing – most notably illustrated by the Grenfell Tower tragedy – it is essential that the product safety system be developed and improved.

“But it will need political will to ensure that the report’s recommendations are put into practice and to provide the support required for the effective enforcement of product safety. Given the fact that there have been 109 recalls of electrical products since July 2015, it is clear that product safety is an issue that can no longer be ignored. Whilst

this is a great start, we now want to see Government drive this forward quickly, with consumer safety at the forefront of their minds.”

Beyond the existing issues with the product safety regime, Which? says in its report that the situation could become much more complex and, potentially, resource-intensive as the UK leaves the EU. But it adds that the nation could have greater flexibility over how it regulates product safety and Brexit could be an opportunity to improve the current system so that it can ensure consumer confidence.

“Brexit makes a review of both the legislative and enforcement frameworks for consumer product safety even more of a necessity to ensure an effective regime is in place for March 2019.”

Earlier in July, the ESF reported that 1,873 fires were caused by domestic electrical white goods in England last year, the equivalent of more than five fires per day.

WHIRLPOOL EXPANDS HOME DELIVERY SERVICE Yusen’s Nick Rees (left) and Hoover’s John Pugh (right)

HOOVER CANDY UK APPOINTS SPECIALIST LOGISTICS PARTNER TO SUPPORT INDIES

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oover Candy UK has announced it will work with Yusen Logistics to provide the best possible service to independent electrical retailers.

The move is in line with the business’s ambition to become the ‘supplier of choice’ for appliance retailers.

Deliveries from Hoover freestanding, built-in and SDA divisions will be made during the hours of 9am to 5pm, and the company said Yusen will offer “full hands-on support at each outlet, ensuring Hoover’s independent retailers get an outstanding and specialist service.”

The service incorporates the haulage of mixed loads, handling laundry, cooking, cooling and floorcare appliances from the firm’s warehouse in Merthyr Tydfil. Hoover said this would streamline its workload and optimise flow. It will also offer the flexibility and scalability to allow for future growth in volumes.

John Pugh, operations director, Hoover Candy, commented: “This new operation forms a key part of our drive to be the supplier of choice to our retail customers. Based on their feedback, we’ve worked with Yusen to create a new and improved supply chain solution.

“We hope that this, coupled with the quality of our award-winning innovative products, will provide a strong platform for further growth in the independent sector.”

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hirlpool UK has announced a “significant” investment in the expansion of its appliance home-delivery service to consumers.

The company now offers seven-day delivery of Hotpoint, Indesit and Whirlpool-branded products, with next-day delivery available on orders placed before 6pm.

Installation of the brands’ built-in appliances, with the exception of cooker hoods, is also being offered.

Karen Slack, Senior Project Manager, Supply Chain, Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, said expansion of the logistics service further enhances the customer journey and offers a complete solution and service from point of purchase through to final installation.

“For retailers,” she said, “this offers a considerable advantage, raising their game in the delivery and installation services available, while being able to compete in the ever-challenging white goods environment today.”

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Wahl

is to launch a national TV advertising campaign for its ‘James Martin by Wahl’ small kitchen appliance range. It will air during September to coincide with the return of chef James Martin to Saturday morning TV with a new show on ITV, following his departure from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen last year. The ad slots are scheduled to run throughout ‘Saturday Morning with James Martin’, along with other key placements on ITV1.

Falmec

Italian extractor hood brand has renewed its partnership with GT driver Andrea Fontana for the 2017 season of the International GT Open – a tourerstyle sports car racing series in multiple countries.

Falmec’s partnership with the GT driver dates back to the World Final race of the Lamborghini Super Trophy Championship in 2016.

Hisense has announced a deal with Aston Villa to become the Official Technology Partner of the club. The move will see Hisense support the Villans ahead of their 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign. The club will be working alongside Hisense UK, which will spearhead activity including fan engagement, sponsorship maximisation and brand presence at Villa home games throughout the season.

DIXONS TRAVEL OPENS DIGITAL CONCEPT STORE AT HEATHROW’S T3

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ixons Travel has opened a digital concept store within the departure lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal three.

The 2,196 sq ft outlet is located in the newly expanded section of the lounge and introduces a number of new concepts and digital features including dedicated areas demonstrating the latest in home, health and sports smart technology.

More than 50 metres of digital signage line the internal walls, highlighting tailored offers and explaining the benefits of technologies.

Customers can sit in a welcoming area and charge their mobile phones, and Dixon’s recently-launched Team Knowhow experts are on hand to offer advice and fix devices.

Dixons Travel is also offering passengers the option of picking and reserving products online before arriving at LHR to ensure they are in stock for swift collection and payment as they travel through the airport. Purchases can also be delivered straight to customers’ homes after their trip, with or without installation.

SHORTCUTS AWE has secured the exclusive UK distribution of Definitive Technology’s Mythos and Custom Installation collections of loudspeakers.

Owners of LG Electronics Smart TVs will be able to benefit from the integration of the Sky Store TV app in the LG webOS platform, giving them exclusive access to blockbuster movies. Sky Store will be available across the UK and Ireland on all models with webOS 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 including the brand’s 2017 line-up of OLED TVs.

Loewe creative director Bodo Sperlein has been named the winner of the ‘Home Design’ category in Land Rover’s BORN Awards for the design of the German CE brand’s bild 9 television and klang 9 speakers.

45 Gorenje appliances used at Woodspeen Cookery School in Newbury, Berkshire for the last two years are to be donated to three charities chosen by John Campbell, chef and founder of the cookery school. The ovens, hobs and hoods donated are part of the Gorenje+ collection.

KitchenEX, the exclusive supplier of Italian appliances ILVE and Faber, has relaunched its website to support the expansion of its business. Updates to the site include a revamped brochure download area, detailed contact information, a ‘meet the team’ area, news, charity support and events. KitchenEX is due to complete its first trade showroom for ILVE appliances and Faber cooker hoods this autumn, at

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which time a virtual tour of the space will be made available on the site.

THE LATEST ELECTRICAL GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

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KBBG BRINGS USED KITCHEN EXCHANGE SERVICE TO MEMBERS The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) has partnered with Used Kitchen Exchange Ltd, an award-winning business which specialises in the re-sale of second hand and ex-display kitchens on behalf of kitchen retailers.

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BBG Managing Director Bill Miller said the move offers an “exciting financial opportunity” for buying group members.

“We all know that ex-display kitchens are notoriously difficult to sell, and often take so much longer than expected. If they are not sold, they take up precious showroom floor space. Plus, by utilising the service offered by the Used Kitchen Exchange, by selling their customers’ old kitchens as a form of trade-in, retailers can empower the client to upgrade their new kitchen purchase and give the retailer an edge over other retailers who do not offer this excellent service.”

“We understand the challenges showrooms face when selling display kitchens and our aim is to help make the process for retailers as pain-free “Selling display kitchens is, however, just the as possible,” commented Helen Lord, founder of icing on the cake. As most kitchens can easily be Used Kitchen Exchange. With over 60,000 buyers reconfigured into a new layout, offering the re-sale visiting our website every month, we are able to IHAad_IntlGetConnected_186X132.qxp_Layout 1 of7/18/17 3:42 PM Page 1is an obvious choice a customer’s old kitchens sell them quickly, and for the best prices.

2018 10 – 13 March Chicago, USA

and an environmental tick in the box too. Our average customer gains around £3,500 towards their new kitchen, making it a great business enabler for kitchen retailers.”

The Chicago Show is the key show in my calendar. It has a combination of amazing innovation and quality suppliers. We always find new and differentiated product and innovative ways to display and showcase it.

The organisation is excellent, and the ability to visit quality retailers in Chicago is an added benefit. We are selective on the number of shows we go to - but this is a must!

Anna Berry Head of Buying – Cooking & Dining John Lewis Plc

Show information and free online pre-registration: www.housewares.org For more information, contact IHA UK Office, Marcus Findlay, Tel: +44 121 580 8398, Email: ihauk@plimco.co.uk

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THE WORD

GCMAGAZINE.CO.UK

DIGITAL LISTENING PUSHES TOWARDS 50%

D

@GC_Team

ONE WAY FOR MANUFACTURERS AND INDEPENDENTS TO GO

igital listening reached a record share of 48.7% in the second quarter of 2017, up from the share of 45.3% recorded a year ago.

According to RAJAR Q2 2017 data, 1.5m additional adults now Earlier this year we were invited to address a meeting of listen via a digital platform, compared to Q2 2016, taking digital the sales force of Big Red Sales. The idea was to explain reach to 33 million people and representing 61.2% of the UK population. our approach to producing a trade journal, and to get some Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said: “The feedback from those who have regular face-to-face new RAJAR data confirms that digital radio’s contact with the readership. As it turned out, it was an momentum is unstoppable, with close to enlightening experience.

50% of all listening now being on a digital “Digital platform. radio is truly the for the independent: Select a strong “We see this digital growth right or those who don’t engine for growth and distinctive product offering; think across the board – commercial radio already know, Big for UK radio and worthwhile margins for the retailer; go and BBC, national and local, and Red Sales is not a we continue to see out and keep regular, personal contact across all digital platforms. Digital distributor. The company great performances with retailers; be the human face of radio is truly the engine for growth for provides a nationwide from new digital the manufacturer in a cost-effective UK radio and we continue to see great sales force for its stations.” way; listen to retailers, report back on performances from new digital stations.” manufacturer clients, what they’re saying, react, adjust and visiting retailers, giving » Online/apps now account for 8.8% of all improve. product information and sales radio listening and 18% of digital listening Talking to some of Big Red’s retailer advice, explaining and negotiating » DAB digital radio accounts for 34.5% of all radio contacts, it does work. Angus Webb of deals, and providing that regular facelistening and 71% of digital listening Daniel’s TV in Gloucester went straight to-face contact between manufacturer » Listening via digital television accounts for 5.4% of to the bottom line for retailers: “One of and retailer which is becoming less and all listening and 11.1% of digital listening the most important problems of late is less a feature of our industry. maintaining a reasonable profit margin Big Red’s sales force comprises » In-car digital listening hours reached a new record share to stay in business, and Big Red have experienced people with backgrounds of 29.7% enabled us to do this.” across electrical retailing, manufacture Andrew Armstrong of Toobys and service provision, and they appear Electrical in Carnforth, Yorkshire, said: to have retained their enthusiasm for “I particularly like the regular calls and this industry through these difficult updates we get from the Big Red team. times. It was particularly interesting It is so much easier and time efficient to see that, over the couple of days of to deal with one person representing the meeting, product training and sales several brands.” exercises were engaged in with a level And Russell Aspess of SV1 Digital, of pro-active involvement that is rare in Figures from GfK show reeview has announced Victoria, likes the fact that “Big Red the age of “online training.” that 55% of smart HDTVs that Freeview Play TVs brings to our notice different brands It was an experience that, for sold in June this year were account for more than half including European ones which might us, pointed to one of the ways that Freeview Play-enabled, a of all smart HDTV sales in not necessarily have sales teams in the independents can play to their rise of 20% since January, the UK. UK. It’s as if their agent is working for strengths and manufacturers can and 1.5 million devices have Freeview Play was me rather than Big Red.” create profitable partnerships – and been sold since launch. launched in the thirdIt may not be a one-size-fits-all made clear why Howard Saycell, chief Dan Hastings, Category quarter of 2015 to provide solution for independents across the executive of retra, has remarked: “if Big Director for Consumer a subscription-free UK, but it’s a focused, practical solution Red Sales didn’t exist, retra would have combination of live, catch-up Electronics at Dixons that may be more useful than the to invent it.”

Carphone, described the and on-demand content and broad-brush “save the independents” There is a business model here that, service as “a credible is backed by more than 20 approach. among others, could be a way forward alternative to pay TV.” leading TV brands.

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ONE IN TWO SMART HDTVS SOLD IS FREEVIEW PLAY-ENABLED

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GEORGE COLE

georgecole@gcmagazine.co.uk

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTED GEORGE COLE PINPOINTS HOTSPOTS IN THE WORLD OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

CHARGING AHEAD

We live in a world where wires are rapidly being replaced by wireless technology: think of all the devices that now use Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi. Just recently, wireless charging has been in the news. As the name suggests, wireless charging eliminates the need to plug a device directly into a power point in order to re-charge the battery.

THE GROWTH OF “QI” Your electric toothbrush uses wireless charging, and more and more smartphones now offer the technology (the forthcoming iPhone 8 is rumoured to be one of them). The leading wireless charging standard is Qi (pronounced “chee” – an Asian word for “vital energy”), supported by the Wireless Power Consortium, which includes Apple, LG, Samsung and Sony.

Wireless charging works by induction.

A wire coil converts mains alternating current (AC) into a magnetic field, which generates a current in a secondary coil.

This current is converted into direct current (DC), which charges the device. In order for wireless charging to work, the device has to be precisely positioned on a charging plate or a base station and less than 50mm from the wireless charger. Some cafes now offer wireless charging and the technology is expected to spread to other public places, as well as public transport.

Some are forecasting a revolution in wireless charging and suggesting that it will be soon be used for charging electric cars, and that it could even replace the power points in our homes, allowing us to place our televisions, lamps and Blu-ray players anywhere in homes that have charging spots built into their fabric. But this is somewhat optimistic.

Wireless charging is useful, but it does have its limitations. Existing Qi chargers, for example, typically provide around 5 watts of power, although some can offer up to 120 watts, and there are plans for chargers offering 1kilowatt output. But wireless charging is less efficient than wired charging, generating much heat and taking about twice as long to charge a device. There are also questions about the safety of wireless charging at very high levels (the existing low and medium charging standards are deemed to be safe).

And some critics have pointed out that wireless charging is a bit of a misnomer, because unlike with Wi-Fi, the device has to be in a set position in order to be charged: if it’s moved away from the charger, the charging ends. It’s rather like only being able to use a wireless laptop in a single fixed position in your home or office. If I charge my smartphone using its wired connection, I can charge and use the phone, even if I’m half a metre away from the power socket. But if I used a wireless charger, I wouldn’t be able to move the phone without affecting the charging.

There’s been a lot of excitement recently about scientists at Stanford University developing a system that could

potentially enable wireless charging to work up to a metre away from a charger, but there is still a lot of work to be done before this becomes a commercial reality (if ever). And wireless charging only works for a single device, unless you have multiple coils built into a charging area.

There’s no doubt that wireless charging technology will improve, and that the technology will become even more ubiquitous; but wired charging is going to be around for a long time yet.

SONY BACKS THE VINYL REVIVAL M

ore evidence that the LP record is still alive and kicking comes from the news that, almost 30 years after ending LP record production, Sony is planning to open a new vinyl pressing plant south-west of Tokyo, in order to meet the growing demand for LPs. One of the great ironies is that Sony and Philips heralded the demise of the LP record as a dominant music carrier when they launched the compact disc in Japan in late 1982. As CD player prices plummeted and LP releases were reduced, CD sales boomed and LP sales dived. But there remains a hardcore base of fans who are prepared to pay a premium for vinyl. That’s why Panasonic released new versions of its Technics SL-1200 turntable last year, and why Sony is now jumping on the vinyl bandwagon.

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PRODUCT GALLERY

Big capacity ovens from New World GDHA brand New World has launched a collection of four competitively priced 60cm built-in ovens with generous 83-litre capacities. All models have double-glazed heat-reflective glass and are available in classic black or stainless steel with chrome controls. They contain a chrome anti-tip shelf, full-width grill pan and a bright interior light. Each is finished with easy-clean enamel and has a removable inner door.

www.newworld.co.uk

Pure Siesta S6 DAB+ clock radio Pure’s Siesta S6 DAB/DAB+ and FM alarm clock radio offers Bluetooth connectivity and an easily readable CrystalVue+ display. It has a 2.5” full range speaker powered by a digital amplifier to deliver impressive audio, USB charging for mobile devices, 40 station presets and an alarm memory. The unit is Digital Tick approved.

www.pure.com

Bertazzoni launches cooling line Bertazzoni has launched its first cooling line to complement its range of cooking appliances available in the UK. The French-door model has a capacity of 532L – 421L in the fridge and 120L in the freezer section – six foldable shelves and a dual air-cooling system which optimises temperature and humidity control.

http://uk.bertazzoni.com

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Dimplex Artesia wallmounted fire Dimplex’s Artesia Optiflame fire incorporates a colourchanging display and a Bluetooth speaker which provides the sound of a crackling fire and can also be used to play music from Bluetooth connected devices. The 2kW wallmounted fire has an electronic thermostat and remote control, and is easy to install and operate.

www.dimplex.co.uk

PRODUCT GALLERY

Whirlpool introduces new Grand Side-by-Side Whirlpool has revamped the interior and exterior of its Grand Side-by-Side freestanding fridge and freezer duo to give it a more premium look and feel. Improvements include newly designed integrated handles, a new metallic finish on each refrigerator shelf edge, door balconies and the freezer drawers with high-quality finish, and advanced space management. The duo provides a net capacity of 615 litres.

www.whirlpool.co.uk

Sony unveils first 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray® player for CI channel Sony’s X1000ES Universal Player is compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and streams in full 4K resolution and HDR. It incorporates a variety of video codecs that can deliver 4K streaming from services including Netflix, Amazon Video and YouTube. The unit is designed to meet the needs of custom installers and offers CI compatibility.

www.sony.co.uk

Caple’s space-saving built-under hood Caple’s new A+ energy-rated TBU850 built-under hood is finished in stainless steel and features a foldaway glass panel and illuminated touch controls. It has four speeds including boost, a maximum extraction rate of 772cu. m/hour, maximum sound level of 63dB and an energy-efficient 6W LED strip light. The auto timer switches the appliance off ten minutes after cooking has finished to maximise extraction. A recirculation kit is available.

www.caple.co.uk

Meters Music ‘M-Ears’ buds British music and sound specialist Meters Music has introduced in-ear headphones created in collaboration with U2 bassist Adam Clayton. ‘M-Ears’ feature magnets that clip the two earbuds together when not in use, and are strong enough to hang on the back of the neck when not in-ear. Leather styling in Black, Tan or Red.

www.metersmusic.com

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TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

Indesit Aria oven and microwave

LIVING IN A BOX

comprised over half of the city’s accommodation, compared to less than 20% in the rest of the country, and a substantial proportion of the figure arose from the sub-division of larger houses, in addition to the rise in new apartment developments in central London.

The patterns in the data from 2010 – 2015, as per HM Land Registry sales figures, showed a striking disparity in the distribution of London property types. The starkest figure being the

Designing a small kitchen involves clever thinking, practicality and a soupçon of flair….

T

he pressure on property prices and shortage of land in most major towns and cities has for many years led to developers building vertically as opposed to horizontally, and as a result, a greater proportion of the population now live in flats or apartments.

According to the latest Census, conducted in 2011, of the 23.4 million homes in England and Wales in March of that year, 64% were owner occupied and 36% were rented. 91% of owner occupied households lived in an entire house or bungalow, while for those renting, 56% lived in houses and the remaining 44% lived in other accommodation such as flats.

But the concentration of home types varies tremendously when it comes to city living.

Take London, for example: In 2014, the Mayor’s office published a report which noted that flats

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88.8% of transactions that were for flats. This concentration meant that terraced houses accounted for 7.1% of new builds, semi-detached properties 2.4% and detached houses 1.7%.

RABBIT-HUTCH BRITAIN But the UK has a more pressing problem – apart from the fact that there simply aren’t enough homes being built – the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has warned that half of the new homes constructed are not big enough to meet the needs of people who buy them, depriving thousands of families of the space needed to “live comfortably and cohesively, to eat and socialise together, to accommodate a growing family or ageing relatives, or even to store possessions including everyday necessities such as a vacuum cleaner.”

“With living space at such a premium in major cities, compact appliances are a popular choice for those looking to maximise space” Michael Hockney, Product Manager for Food Preservation, AEG

In July and August 2015, RIBA measured the size of new homes on over 100 randomly selected developments under construction across the UK by the country’s ten largest housebuilders. The organisation found that, outside London, the average new threebedroom home was 4m² smaller than the new standard, and as the report pointed out, 4m² may not sound like a lot, but it is equivalent to the size of a bathroom. The research showed that there has been a small improvement in the size of new homes since RIBA’s 2011 study.

“However,” it said, “there is still a long way to go until new three-bedroom homes meet the recommended minimum size of 93m². Even with the improvement, more than half of the new homes being built today are not big enough to meet the needs of the people who buy them.”

Across the country, two-person apartments of less than 14m² (the size of a typical bedroom) are being delivered, according to RIBA. Try squeezing a cooker, fridge freezer, washing machine – never mind a dishwasher and the complement of small appliances necessary for 21st Century daily life – into the kitchens of these tiny homes.

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

Whatever your style…

From taking your first step on the housing ladder, to downsizing or renting out a property, appliances can quickly absorb your budget. You need more than a fridge to make a kitchen – that’s why we created the Matrix range. Offering hobs in every fuel type, to double and single ovens, extractors, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and range cookers, the Matrix collection has everything needed to kit out your kitchen.

We keep up to date with the latest technology and kitchen style, and provide products at a price you can afford. Whether a dream kitchen in your first home, or the need to get a property back onto the market quickly, we have a range of appliances that will fit the bill perfectly.

www.matrixappliances.co.uk

Is it doable? Perhaps – if floor to ceiling design and open-plan living are both used to full advantage.

Hoover Candy marketing manager Heather England maintains that appliances are constantly developed for “the way we live now.” She adds: “For smaller urban flats and apartments where space maximisation is paramount, it is still possible to incorporate highly functional and fashionable appliances in standard or compact formats. Compact open-plan kitchens are ideally designed to utilise all available working areas whilst still presenting the illusion of space. Fully fitted, they often feature a run of tall cabinetry with an island or peninsula as a preparation area in front, and apart from cooking appliances, others such as cooling and dishwashing are concealed behind furniture doors. Single multifunction ovens with large internal capacities of up to 78 litres can be ergonomically installed in a column at waist height within the run of units, with a useful compact 15cm warming drawer sited directly beneath. A flat-surface 60cm touch-control induction hob can sit within the worktop to maintain a streamlined effect.”

INTEGRATION Alex Hinton, Head of Category for Built-In at Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, believes space and aesthetics are the real drivers when it comes to oven choice, immaterial of kitchen size. “But for smaller spaces, built-in appliances offer a wide range of solutions,”

he comments. “Layout can also shape the decisions a consumer makes; for example, some kitchen arrangements make it impossible for freestanding products to be used – i.e. where there is limited area for extraction, and a small kitchen may mean there is only room for a single built-in oven. There is also a real move towards larger capacity ovens – often up to about 70 litres within a standard 60cm built-in model – to help consumers capitalise on the space they have.”

Consumers looking for a space-saving solution are opting for appliances that integrate seamlessly into the kitchen, according to Juan Pillay, marketing director built-in appliances at Hoover Candy. He suggests that choices range from stylish built-in ovens that fit flush into kitchen cabinetry, modern induction hobs, and laundry appliances concealed behind cupboard doors. “While built-in appliances used to be seen as the high-end option, and often out of budget for most, they are actually ideal for people living in smaller spaces and looking to create a sleek and uninterrupted design in their kitchen. From a retailer’s point of view, it’s worth bearing in mind that, for many people, built-in appliances are considered aspirational so stocking stylish products that are suitable for consumers at each level of the market enables them to cater for a wide audience.”

Light, airy and orderly living is an increasing draw for consumers, and open-plan kitchens, rather than a necessity dictated by space being

at a premium, are a desirable and attractive feature. But as V-ZUG UK’s Rhys Evans, Sales Director UK & Ireland, points out, the layout of the kitchen should merge seamlessly into the dining and living areas, and so it is important for elements of the kitchen such as the appliances to be discreet in their design and operation.

Evans maintains that consumers are looking at built-in steam ovens teamed with coffee machines and microwaves, and dishwashers with lower decibel ratings for open-plan spaces.

He also notes “special” features such as streamlined fascia, retractable handles, unique programmes and touch-screen control panels.

But he stresses that there are no longer strict rules when it comes to designing kitchens as to where a modern or traditional appliance naturally fits, as eclectic trends are now dominating design.

“If anything, mixing and matching across styles has now become very fashionable. You can put modern appliances in traditional or contemporary settings – it depends upon the whole scheme being created by the designer and the tastes of the consumer.”

The London look Recognised for design by the renowned Red Dot Award, Amica has a range of cooking and cooling appliances ideal for creating a chic, designer, city look. Large format, powerful multifunction induction hobs that feature LED lighting and light-touch dimple or slide-touch controls provide a culinary focus for entertaining whilst cooking. To match, Amica’s co-ordinating glass appliances add urban inspiration in a choice of black or white fingerprint resistant glass. Glass appliances also include a wide-ranging choice of built-in multifunction fan-assisted ovens, a 60cm No-Frost A+ fridge freezer, 90cm Gas on Glass hobs and a choice of 60cm or 90cm remote controlled vertical chimney hoods.

www.amica-international.co.uk

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TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

All new Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer™ dishwasher DD60DCHX9 (Stainless Steel), DD60DCHB9 (black), DD60DCHW9 (white) Designed to fit existing kitchen cabinetry, DishDrawer™ Double dishwashers have comparable dimensions to traditional dishwashers but provide the benefit of two independent drawers for added convenience and ergonomics.

The DD60DCHX9 is easy to open and close and can be positioned at bench height so loading and unloading requires minimal bending. Each drawer holds a true half load for small washes and fast turnaround of dishes. Both drawers operate independently so different wash cycles can be used simultaneously to accommodate a variety of loads.

On selected models, selecting `Sanitize’ will raise the temperature of the final rinse to sanitize items. The ‘Extra Dry’ setting improves the drying result, even on plastic dishes.

www.fisherpaykel.com/uk 08000 886601 sales@fisherpaykel.co.uk

THE QUIET LIFE

whisper quiet, but very When advising on appliances, few appliances can “A built-in operational noise levels offer this. 60dB is coffee machine or should be given equivalent to normal microwave can help important consideration. conversation, Ian Moverley, Brand so this is an easy to make the most of a Communications noise level to deal smaller kitchen, as they Director at Indesit, with in small homes. free up valuable notes that those living Washing machines and worktop space” in an open-plan space dishwashers are two are unable to shut out of the most common Luke Shipway, product noises coming from appliances that produce manager, Caple the kitchen and, similarly high noise levels, so for with a small kitchen, it can retailers it’s always worth become near impossible to have remembering which appliance a conversation with noisy appliances in models have the lowest dB rating, for the compact surroundings. “Noise levels affect discussing the options with customers living each individual differently, and some consumers in small homes. Extractors are also a vital would be used to listening to a washing machine consideration, as it’s important that open-plan or dishwasher whirring away in the kitchen. living spaces aren’t contaminated with steam and However, increased exposure to loud noises can smells from cooking.” be harmful both physically and mentally.”

The air quality of the entire cooking and “Here at Gorenje, we’d always recommend living environment will be both inhospitable and advising customers that live in open-plan spaces uncomfortable if consideration is not given in to try and opt for lower dB ratings,” adds sales the early stages to a suitable extraction system, director Stuart Benson. “Technically, 15dB is and Benson offers a “handy calculation” which

Jura Z8 coffee machine No one can deny the pleasure of a freshly brewed coffee, or the convenience of satisfying your caffeine craving on a moment’s notice.

The Z8 is complete with a total of up to 21 drinks options, a 4.3” high resolution colour display touchscreen, as well as customary features such as the exceptional Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.©) which optimises extraction time for a supreme serve.

From creamy cappuccinos to silky flat whites, the Z8 offers the ultimate aspirational technology for coffee lovers and foodies to experience at home.

https://uk.jura.com sales@uk.jura.com

AEG ComboHob: induction hob with integrated extractor

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The Combi-Steam makes cooking a pleasure.

V-ZUG makes cooking easier with simple and individual solutions. The new Combi-Steam MSLQ is the world’s ďŹ rst appliance to combine three heating methods in one: conventional, steam and microwave. Cooking healthy food quickly has never been this much fun: For more information email: rhys.evans@vzug.com www.vzug.com

Swiss perfection for your home

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

Melitta Barista TS coffee machine The Barista TS Bean-to-Cup machine delivers that sumptuous barista-made coffee taste with a choice of 21 delicious drinks. The My Coffee Memory function remembers the personal settings for up to 8 people, so the coffee is always just how you like it, and the TFT touch display is child’s play to operate. The Barista TS also includes an Automatic Bean Select function which selects automatically, or according to your wishes, the correct bean type for your favourite coffee. With over 100 years’ experience, Melitta knows how to produce sublime coffee, and the Barista TS serves up exactly that.

01952 671073 | www.melitta.co.uk

he says will ensure a high enough extraction rate for any given room: “The hood should be able to replace the air 10-20 times per hour. For instance, if a kitchen measures 4m x 4m with a ceiling height of 2.5m, the cooker hood should replace approximately 400-800/m3

of air per hour. This is a great calculation Starkey acknowledges that some education to have on hand when speaking with on induction is still needed, as many consumers customers looking for advice.” assume products are no different to electric Clearly, there is ample choice in the hobs, but he suggests that retailers can bring the various types of extractors available, from benefits to life for prospective buyers with quick chimney and wall hoods to recessed ceiling tips such as “it’s quicker to boil water on an models and discreet downdraft induction hob than in the kettle.” appliances, but where space is He also notes a rise in particularly limited, Michael the number of slimline Hockney, Product Manager dishwashers being for Food Preservation at purchased and states that AEG, suggests installing sales of these products “A suite of matching an induction hob which rose by 27% last year built-in appliances has an extractor built in. for Beko. The brand is provides a great focal currently working with point in any kitchen” SPACE-SAVING Finish to change the SOLUTIONS perception of how big Alex Hinton, Head of Category “Induction hobs make an a kitchen needs to be to for Built-in, GDHA ideal choice for those with incorporate a dishwasher: small kitchens as they’re “A specially created easy to clean and cool down microsite: and heat up quickly, offering www.tinykitchenstour.com/beko extra surface space when not in use,” shows consumers how, with a few says Iain Starkey, Senior Marketing Manager clever tricks, every home, from a houseboat at Beko Plc. “Sales of induction hobs increased to a city apartment, has space for one.” by 34% last year, and we’re approaching a 30% “Washer dryers are ideal appliances for family penetration rate. Induction hobs provide a great homes that are limited on space, providing a opportunity for retailers to up-sell traditional gas space-conscious laundry solution for the busy or electric models.” family by simply combining the two appliances

Salter Nutri Vortex As a powerful high-performing blender, the NutriVortex eases you on your way to achieving five-a-day by extracting nutrients, grinding fruit and vegetables and crushing ice to create smoothies that enrich your diet. The signature ‘Storm’ cups benefit from unique vortex technology, creating a downward inner and upward outer flow that increases speed efficiency. The ability to juice entire fruits means that no time is wasted preparing your smoothies – simply select your ingredients, place them into one of the storm cups, and begin your vortex adventure! With 50 healthy recipes to get you started, your journey to a new lifestyle is that one step closer.

www.upgs.com sales@upgs.com 0161 627 9673 The Nest by Faber combines a glass light with effective extraction

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Consumers demand for better coffee Bean to Cup coffee machines are the fastest growing coffee segment in value and volume reaching nearly 60% value growth in April 2017**.

De’Longhi - Italian Design and Passion De’Longhi has mastered the art of coffee preparation with the unique Italian know-how for artisan coffee. With a De’Longhi bean to cup, consumers can bring Barista quality to the home, serving the perfect coffee taste and all at the touch of a button.

Discover more at: www.delonghi.co.uk or call: 02392 392555 **GfK RT GB, Hot Beverage Makers Market, Volume & Value Sales April 2016 vs. April 2017, compared to other Espresso and Filter markets.

*Source: independent research institute, value sales leader from May to April 2017

DE’LON GHI ITALIAN DESI GN AN D PA SSION

On all De’longhi bean to cup machines

FREE Coffee Link App now available for download

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

The new Vitamix® Ascent™ Series blender range is future gazing Modern, sleek design meets the latest technology in the new Vitamix® Ascent™ Series blenders.

The blender line boasts reimagined design, premium engineering and is the first to offer a complete system of containers with wireless connectivity for the most advanced blending experience for home chefs. It also has a new Vitamix Quick Start Guide, to ensure users can begin their culinary adventure as easily and quickly as possible.

The Ascent Series blenders will come in a variety of high-end finishes – including metallic options on some models – and will be available from autumn 2017 at selected Vitamix retailers.

For more information visit www.vitamix.co.uk

into one footprint,” says Indesit’s Moverley.

“Another option is to consider the available height in the kitchen as you may be able to stack the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine (with the aid of a manufacturer’s kit) and therefore still manage to get a washing machine and tumble dryer in the same footprint.”

As for cooling appliances, Moverley advises: “Always remember you may be limited on footprint but there is always plenty of height in a room. A tall fridge or fridge freezer is a boon in offering greater capacity without taking up any more floor space.”

“To gain maximum functionality from a cooling appliance in a small kitchen, consumers need to consider the internal design,” adds Jennifer Taylor, Senior Brand Manager at Hotpoint. “Modern cooling appliances feature impressive energy ratings, efficient LED lighting, customisable interiors and innovative technology that can maintain an optimum temperature and humidity level to prolong the life of the fridge and freezer’s contents.”

THINK SMALL Smeg UK product manager Lucy King suggests that whites, creams and other pale colour palettes will create the illusion of a light and airy environment, and with a neutral backdrop, a little colour can be injected by placing small appliances on the worktop to bring the space to life.

While there may not be space for a large statement appliance in a smaller kitchen, Whirlpool brand manager Catherine Balderson believes that improvements in appliance design mean that consumers can now achieve the ‘wow factor’ with smaller appliances that attract the eye.

“It is important for retailers to consider showcasing these appliances in a kitchen setting that reflects their target consumer,” she comments. “This can drive purchases, as customers can relate to the environment and see first-hand the statement that appliances can make.”

A particular market trend in small appliances is the continuing growth of multi-function cooking and food prep products that offer a large range of options, maintains Dominik Pytel, Marketing Director Groupe SEB UK. Consumers are looking for products which

offer style, versatility and efficiency, he says.

“Better still if that product has a minimum sized footprint to ensure that available worktop space is maximised.”

Advocates of the steaming hot water tap, which comes in various forms nowadays, suggest this product can free up workspace by doing away with the kettle. It is useful for numerous tasks, such as the quick preparation of hot drinks, sterilising baby bottles and speeding up the process of preparing pasta, couscous, eggs and vegetables. And a tap that will also deliver sparkling water offers further benefits. “As well as completely eliminating the need for a kettle on your countertop, with the added benefit of chilled weand sparkling water that has 25 times better filtration than a water filter jug, there’s no need for bottled water cluttering up your counter top or cupboard space either,” comments Russell Owens, marketing director at Zip Water UK. Not only can bottled water be up to 1,000 times more expensive than tap water, it takes three times the amount of water to produce the plastic bottle and, as Owens points out, environmentally unfriendly plastic water bottles take 450 years to break down naturally.

GC supports https://skyoceanrescue.com Apartment living: no need to compromise The Tango, from electric heating experts Dimplex, is a traditional-style matt black finished fire providing appealing ambiance with the award-winning Optiflame coal effect and the warming benefits of a stove, without the hassle.

The Tango even comes with an on/off remote control for the 2kW fan heater, which can be used independently from the Optiflame effect, all at an affordable recommended retail price of just £225.

The Tango is just one of a range of Dimplex electric fires that offer real opportunities to electric retailers to increase their product offering and sales opportunities.

To find out more, call our pre-sales team on 0800 028 6122, or email pre-sales@gdcgroup.co.uk.

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FROM THE BENCH

FROM THE BENCH

HIGH FRAME RATE

High frame rate is a spin-off from new screen and picture-engine technologies.

To be effective and useful it needs to be understood by dealers and viewers.

Alan Bennett looks at the pros and cons of HFR

S

ince its inception, broadcast TV frame rate has been tied to the electricity supply frequency: 50Hz in the UK and Europe, 60Hz in the USA. An interlaced picture is generally provided, in which odd- and even-numbered lines are delivered in separate sequential batches; thus 25 complete picture frames per second.

This has the advantage of keeping down the required signal bandwidth while maintaining a 50Hz flicker rate.

That’s adequate for the human eye, which perceives motion at frame rates above about 12Hz, but needs about four times that to eliminate a flicker effect. In the cinema 24FPS is almost universal, doubled to 48 “flashes” per second by a once-per-frame shutter. Film is adapted for TV by a telecine machine.

These are fine for still and relatively slow-moving images, but can result in artefacts on fast-moving ones: wagon and car wheels go backwards at some speeds due to a strobing effect, and whizzing picture objects become blurred due to their movement during the period of one frame’s exposure. Judder can appear on fast camera pans. These effects are exacerbated in the bright and highly detailed images which have now become available in TV screens. There have been experiments in shooting at higher frame rates – The Hobbit movie was captured at 48FPS, but criticised by some sections of the industry and many viewers because it lost out on the traditional ‘filmic’ effect which everybody had got used to.

Recently, LG and SES mounted a joint demonstration of ‘true’ HFR TV, in which it was maintained throughout from the camera to the viewing screen. That requires a 50% increase in bandwidth/ bit rates, however, and so is unlikely to become a broadcast standard in the foreseeable future. But it can be managed on the internet, with a fast link.

PCs and smart devices can handle HFR.

INSIDE THE TV Thus, all HFR associated with broadcast reception has to be carried out within

the TV itself. It’s incorporated in some mid-range and all high-end models, using fast picture processors and a special display. OLED screens, having a very rapid response, lend themselves better to this than LCD/LED types. It can be implemented in various ways.

The simplest is to black out the screen or its backlight once per frame to give a higher refresh rate, which is not the same as a higher frame rate. This can improve perceived image on moving pictures, but if badly done may actually be detrimental.

A better technique is interpolation, whereby the TV’s picture engine compares adjacent TV frames, in time and space, pixel by pixel to produce ‘intermediate’ images, slotted in between the real ones in an HFR display. Panasonic called it Intelligent Frame Creation. It is not as good as true 100Hz field rate, but can reduce the effects of image judder and motion blur. Much depends on the design of the engine, the user’s setting of its mode, and the programme material. For still and slow-moving images it does little, and can even degrade the picture; it works best for fast action such as sports.

It cannot eliminate any motion blur embedded in the source material, and can itself (especially in inferior designs) cause some degree of image break-up, distortion and ghosting due to what might be called bad decisions in the interpolation process.

TV HDR FEATURES TV manufacturers like to hype up their HFR features, and have in the past claimed very high ones for some models.

In practice, 100FPS (UK, Europe) is about the limit for useful and effective displays, and it’s necessary to read the set’s specification (available online) very carefully to differentiate between true HFR and ‘effect of HFR’ jargon.

Even this can be difficult, because setmakers do not use the same terms and parameters here so that comparison, while straightforward within one maker’s

model range, is less clear when trying to differentiate between different manufacturers’ competing models. One area which does benefit from high frame rates is gaming. The Oculus Rift (see last month) can handle high frame rates.

HFR features are contained in the ‘motion’ range of user-menu choices, going by names like Auto Motion Plus, Clear Screen, Motion Flow and Trumotion. It can be turned off -- and in some models adjusted in intensity -- in the picture settings menu. For good ‘cinematic’ reproduction of movies turn off the motion features and select (e.g.)

Cinema, Film, Movie or THX mode. Set a Blu-ray player to 24FPS. For football, motor racing and similar sports, on the other hand, avoid Cinema, Dynamic and similar modes and select one of the motion settings for a smoother and more fluid picture. Because viewers (and dealers, come to that) have different tastes and perceptions, it often comes down to a suck-it-and-see choice. The important things are not to settle for the default settings unless they suit the viewer best, and to be aware of the choice given by the menu settings and their effects.

Maybe one day TV broadcasts will be electronically tagged in production or transmission for auto-selection of optimum frame rate and other settings and features to reduce the need for the viewer to change them, though the option must always be there.

AUGUST 2017

GET CONNECTED

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THE GET CONNECTED PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS 2017

THE GET CONNECTED

PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS 2017

THE WINNERS The votes have been counted and verified, and the products that have been chosen by a national constituency of electrical trade professionals can now be named.

The winning products, which have earned the right to use the Get Connected Product Design Awards 2017 logo, are shown here together with a description of each.

Get Connected would like to thank all those who participated this year, with special mention for the trade readership who cast their votes and helped to choose the products worthy of the Product of the Year title.

LEADING DESIGN COOKING

LEADING DESIGN REFRIGERATION GORENJE ONRK193BK BLACK FRIDGE/ FREEZER Launched in March 2016, this retro styled A+++ fridge/freezer embraces the brand’s “life simplified” ethos, with technological advances to make food storage easier and more effective, such as NoFrost Plus, IonAir with Multiflow 360, FastFreeze, XtremeFreeze, SuperCool and EcoMode, and a humidity controlled Crisp Zone.

NEW WORLD DESIGN SUITES Launched in November 2016, this suite of fully coordinated, high specification built-in appliances from GDHA brand New World brings affordable style and functionality to an area previously dominated by premium brands. It includes a 60cm multifunction oven, a 45cm compact combi microwave, a four-zone induction hob and a first-to-market four-in-one combi steam oven with steam, microwave, microwave/steam and convection/steam functions.

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AUGUST 2017

THE GET CONNECTED PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS 2017

LEADING DESIGN GARMENT CARE WHIRLPOOL SUPREME CARE LIVE® LAUNDRY PAIR Launched in July 2016, this Supreme Care smart duo – the FSCR 12441 washing machine and HSCX 10441 tumble dryer – use the 6TH SENSE Live® app to communicate with each other to produce optimum wash and dry results, adjusting detergent and softener dosing with PrecisionDose™ technology, and automatically setting the dryer programme without manual intervention.

LEADING DESIGN DISHWASHERS BEKO ECOSMART SIX LITRE DISHWASHER WITH AQUAINTENSE DFN28320 Launched in August 2015, this A++ energy rated 13 place setting dishwasher is part of Beko’s commitment to energy efficiency and making everyday life easier for young families. A number of resourcesaving developments include AquaIntense, using just 6 litres of water for a full load, Steam Gloss for better drying, and the quieter, more efficient ProSmart Inverter motor.

HEALTHY FRYING SMART COOKING CONNECTED APPLIANCE

Ideas you can’t live without.

t he healthy & smart way

TO YOUR FAVOURITE FRIED FOOD! WINNER OF THE GET CONNECTED MAGAZINE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2017

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AUGUST 2017

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THE GET CONNECTED PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS 2017

THE WINNERS...

LEADING DESIGN SMALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCES TEFAL ACTIFRY SMART XL, AH980840 Launched in Summer 2016 and incorporating the ActiFry low-fat health benefits established over the previous decade, the Smart XL is Tefal’s first connected appliance. Controlled via Bluetooth with the dedicated MyActiFry app, it can receive more than 200 recipes and cook not only chips but a selection of other low-fat options including chilli con carne, risottos, breaded chicken, stir-fries, curries and desserts.

LEADING DESIGN FLOORCARE SEBO E1 PET VACUUM CLEANER Launched in the UK in the Summer of 2015, this addition to SEBO’s Pet range has a selection of onboard tools, S-Class filtration, a 3.5-litre dustbag and a 10.8m cleaning range. It features the SEBO KOMBI cleaning head, a floor turbo brush and stair and upholstery turbo brush, and an airbelt bumper to protect walls and furniture. The intelligent motor protection system senses overheating and adjusts accordingly.

LEADING DESIGN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

HUMAX H3 ESPRESSO SMART MEDIA PLAYER Launched in October 2016, this “brand new way to watch live TV and online entertainment” has won an iF Design Award and a red dot Design Award, acknowledging both its compact stylishness and engineering excellence. It meets consumer demand for terrestrial multi-room TV, and as an easy-to-install smart media player allows streaming of live and recorded content anywhere in the home. Preinstalled apps include Netflix, YouTube and TVPlayer.

LEADING DESIGN MDA COLLECTIONS HOOVER WIZARD COLLECTION Launched in October 2015, the Hoover Wizard Collection, the UK’s first complete family of Wi-Fi enabled kitchen appliances, signals Hoover’s commitment to the connected home concept in MDA. The range can be controlled, monitored and managed via the app, and comprises an oven, hob, hoods, fridge-freezer and a selection of washing machines and dishwashers.

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AUGUST 2017

Our business has always been built on strong connections.

Now our appliances are too.

We’re committed to connecting all of our products by 2018. But it’s not just our products that stay connected – we’ve been working together with retailers and customers for over 100 years.

Most recently we’ve been voted in the top three domestic appliance manufacturers for aftersales service, and have won the Sirius Manufacturer of the Year 2016 and CIH Supporter of the Independents 2016. With our commitment to operational excellence, steadfast relationships and product innovation, our connections are only getting stronger.

For more information, please contact your local Hoover representative or call 01685 725572. Alternatively visit www.hoover.co.uk or www.hooverwizard.com

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M A K E A S P L AS H W I T H I N I SS I A SPECIAL OFFER

F R E E A E R O C C I N O M I L K F R OT H E R When you purchase a minimum of 15 0 N e s p r e s s o G ra n d C r u C a p s u l e s * R R P £ 5 0 /€ 70

*on selected Inissia coffee machines only. T&Cs apply.

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31/07/2017 16:10