Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business by Immediate Media Company London Ltd.

Voted Best Trade Journal 2019

May 2020 Issue 172

www.kbbdaily.com

KBB BIRMINGHAM

EUROLINE PROFILE

ON THE QUIET…

It’s the big one. Don’t miss our pick of all the latest from the UK’s largest kbb show

With new brands and a fresh focus on creating an offer for kitchen specialists

Open-plan kitchens and mindful living are driving ever quieter appliances

Pg 38

IN THIS ISSUE Pg 60

HOW TO GO GREEN Fly the green flag in your bathroom with high-performing, sustainable bathroom products Pg 68

OTTO’S PERSONAL TOUCH: IN PROFILE Unique designs put handmade tiles on a secure footing Pg 17/59

ALL THE LATEST Our kitchen and bathroom newcomers deliver ideas and innovation that never stop!

Pg 24

Pg 30

WORKING FROM HOME? DO BUSINESS AS USUAL! Bill Miller, MD of the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, has offered a wealth of advice for those of us in kbb forced to work from home due to recent events. “There are positive things you can do from home to keep your business in front of The KBBG's MD, Bill Millar customers,” he explained. “Consider marketing your business so that when the pandemic is behind us your target audience remembers you have been there throughout. It is vital to keep your social media going, and if you haven’t invested any time in this communication tool then now is the time to start. Customers will be spending an increased amount of time scrolling through social media, so it’s important that you are there to be seen. “Video is a great means of communication, now more than ever. Try and keep your products and services in

front of your target audience through videos. Try creating a short video with an update on the latest products that you have on display. Perhaps promote the slightly more unusual products that many customers may not usually have time to think about when they are so busy. Anything from ice-makers to sous-vide ovens and steam ovens. You may inspire customers to make a wish list and begin planning a new kitchen “Remember to mention all the things your business does well – going that extra mile, above and beyond your competitors – such as customer service, home delivery and taking orders over the phone and by email. “Educational videos are a great way of engaging an audience. Consumers are looking for things to do around the house, so a tutorial video on how to measure a kitchen, or plan a bathroom refit, could go a long way. It could even inspire the viewer to reach out to you when you are open for business once again.” For more inspiration check out the KBBG’s full list of ideas on kbbdaily.com at https://bit.ly/3boRFzu

BEATING THE CRISIS BY PLAYING THEIR PART Coventry-based flooring firm Amtico has transformed its manufacturing facilities to produce up to 20,000 parts a day for life-saving face shields used by frontline From flooring… to facemasks! NHS and critical key workers in the battle against COVID-19. Better known for its luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, the company has adapted the materials and machinery used in its production to create parts for essential PPE for use throughout the UK. This comes as the result of joining forces with schools from

TOPS ON TOP Cindy Crawford on New Silestone Eternal Noir A product designed by Cosentino® Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F T ô

around the country, who were working on producing face shields using 3D printing before assembling and distributing them nationwide. The company modified the design of the headband and created a new composition of its flooring material specifically for the headstraps. So far they have produced 4,500 of the headbands to date, with capacity to produce up to 20,000 per day. The final samples were taken to Watford General Hospital on Thursday 9 April, where the design was approved and 2,000 units ordered. These were then produced by Amtico free of charge and a further 12,000 parts have been ordered.

New 2019 collection 4043 / Primordia

Effortless luxury for modern living Caesarstone surfaces are a beautiful combination of form and function, matching high strength, stain resistant engineered quartz with the refined shades and subtle details of natural stone or hand cast concrete. Designed and manufactured by the original quartz brand applying 30 years of expertise.

www.caesarstone.co.uk 0800 – 158 – 8088 info@caesarstone.co.uk

FUNCTION. ELEGANCE. HARMONY.

LEICHT UK 106 Culverden Down Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9SW Phone 07802 402 921

www.leicht.com

The 2020 collection

UMBRIA TEXTURED CER

Ceralsio is the ultimate choice of ceramic surfaces for the kitchen and the bathroom.

6 new exclusive designs...

Available in over 30 exclusive designs and large-format 12mm slabs, the range is completely non-porous, scratch resistant and thermally stable. Order free samples on our website.

t: 01706 863 600 e: ceralsio@crlstone.co.uk www.ceralsio.co.uk

Nero Natural

Bianco Silver Natural

Bianco Silver Polished

Belvedere Black Natural

Belvedere Black Polished

Umbria Textured

CER104N

CER410N

CER410P

CER411N

CER411P

CER210T

essentially... It’s the big one. May has become our bumper issue for spring and summer, setting the tone with our annual report from the kbb Birmingham show back in March. (Was it really only two months ago?) We hope this issue similarly fills you with inspiration and optimism at a time when we could all do with a boost! We’re delighted to say that our news pages this month are laden with brave and smart endeavours to help out and get our industry back on track and it’s an honour and privilege (and a bit of a technical miracle) for us to bring them to you. In order to avoid waste with copies of the magazine going to empty offices and showrooms, we won’t be offering a print issue for the months of June, July and August. These issues – while fully featured and carrying all the usual content – will be digital only, so if you haven’t got our app on your mobile or tablet as yet, now is the time to do so! The digital edition is delivered first of the month (as always) direct to your device and you can flip and zoom through the pages as usual. We’re sure you’ll love it. See page 8 for instructions on how to sign up and keep getting your mag! Daniel Griffiths

24 38 68 56 this month...

Editor daniel.griffiths@immediate.co.uk

BATHROOMS 1 K&B business news All the latest news in kitchens and bathrooms

56 Bathroom new products If it’s new for bathrooms you’ll find it here

KITCHENS

the team...

15 Kitchen inspiration The new Carré is the latest kitchen to spring from the Störmer and Villeroy & Boch collaboration 17 Kitchen new products All the latest in the world of kitchens from Uform, Gaggenau, Abode, Caple and more

Darren Summerfield

Rebecca Messina

William Linn

Commercial Director

Digital Editor

Designer

24 Profile | Euroline We go in depth with the specialist appliance importers looking to give designers the edge 31 Special report | On The Quiet The trend for open-plan living and mindful relaxation are sparking a quiet revolution in appliances

Thea Jeffreys

Kayla Rose

Amelia Thorpe

KBB Daily

Brand Executive

Contributor

Lara Sargent

Emma Hedges

Nicola Hanley

Contributor

38 Special report | kbb Birmingham report The big show report from the biggest UK show. Here’s our pick of the highlights

Contributor

Photographer

ABC audited readership figures Average net circulation per issue.....9,212

www.kbbdaily.com

Winner of Best Trade Journal 2019

68 Profile | Otto Tiles We discover the handmade tiling company with bold intentions and unique designs

INFLUENCES 73 Influences Medley porcelain stoneware by Reed Harris 74 Web doctor All the latest online offerings rated 78 Professional Focus Pep up your promo with the experts at jmm PR

PUBLISHING

EDITOR Daniel Griffiths

MANAGING DIRECTOR Marie Davies

DESIGNER William Linn

PROMOTIONS & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Rosa Sherwood

PRODUCTION EDITOR Louise Cassell CONTRIBUTORS Amelia Thorpe, Paul Craig, Nicola Hanley, Emma Hedges, Lara Sargent, Katy Bell

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Lara Van Weber

ADVERTISING

CEO Tom Bureau

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mark Reen

Paul Craig

58 Special report | Go Green Eco products for bathrooms that minimise environmental impact with maximum style

EDITORIAL

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Darren Summerfield

Katy Bell

55 Bathroom inspiration Duravit’s gorgeous new XViu washstand

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Andy Marshall CFO Kevin Langford

CONTACT

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sophie North

Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business Immediate Media, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST

MARKETING AND PRODUCTION

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Sarah Powell

Tel: 01173 008 804

JUNIOR PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Georgia Tolley

EDITORIAL

SUBSCRIPTIONS DIRECTOR Jacky Perales-Morris

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES

DIRECTOR OF LICENSING & SYNDICATION Tim Hudson

UK Tel: 03330 165 798

Email: ekbbusiness@immediate.co.uk

©Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, 2020, member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Unsolicited manuscripts and transparencies are accepted on the understanding that the publisher incurs no liability for their storage or return. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without permission. All prices are correct at the time of going to press. The publisher, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business is published by Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST, UK. Every effort has been made to secure permission for copyright material. In the event of any material being used inadvertently, or where it proved impossible to trace the copyright owner, acknowledgement will be made in a future issue. Immediate Media Co Ltd is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests. This magazine can be recycled. We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate. co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@immediate.co.uk or write to Legal Director, Immediate Media Co, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London, W6 7BT, UK.

Overseas Tel: 0160 426 639 Email: ekbbusiness@buysubscriptions.com

ek&bbusiness

picture this... CDUK helps NHS Corian distributor CDUK, and five key partners, have supplied 450 basin tops to be fitted on to mobile CDUK’s basin tops hand-washing stations for the London, Birmingham and Manchester NHS Nightingale temporary hospitals. “We are honoured to be able to contribute,” said sales director Andy Noble. The Corian Solid Surface is ideal because it is completely non-porous and highly-resistant.

PWS crisis support PWS, the market-leading distributor of kitchen and bedroom components, has fast-tracked the PWS’ online support launch of www.pws.co.uk in order to support customers during the COVID-19 crisis. Mark Stephenson, chief executive, said: “Despite our operations being on hold temporarily, customers can still place orders online, with enhanced order management capabilities. Each customer will also receive regular updates.”

STAY UP TO SPEED WITH OUR ESSENTIAL EK&B BUSINESS APP As first reported last month, our new Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business app is now live – perfect timing for those unable to get to the office – and we’d like YOU to Get the app today! help spread the word. To ensure print copies don’t go to waste in empty offices and to make sure no readers are missing out on their magazine, the May edition of EK&B Business will be our last print issue for a while. Our June, July and August editions will be digital-only, so you’ll need to download the app to ensure that you don’t miss a word. The app is intuitive, slick and easy to use – the brand-new

“PAY UP OR RISK DAMAGE TO YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN,” SAYS BMA

Virtual Worlds Hub Virtual Worlds, the UK market leader in CAD technology for the kbb market, has launched a Lauren Sutton bathroom and kitchen design service that drives leads into retail. Design Hub aims to help showrooms reduce the risk of losing sales during the COVID-19 crisis. Led by head designer Lauren Sutton, who has 13 years of experience in the kbb industry, The Hub helps partners continue to provide a quality service.

BMA launches new site The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has just launched a new website with a fresh look, BMA’s accessible website improved navigation and several key features including a member benefits section, original video content and a link to the recently launched compliance tool. Tom Reynolds CEO said: “Our website is our shop window, so it’s got to stay fresh and accessible.”

Whirlpool cuts waste Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited has reduced its general waste by ten tonnes a month since it began working with waste management specialists, Axil Integrated Services. Axil’s experts The use of continuous liners in Whirlpool office bins has reduced plastic waste by 80% as they are only throwing away the part of the bag that is filled. Meanwhile, reusable coffee cups and stainless steel water bottles have removed more than 158,000 single-use coffee cups and 56,000 plastic bottles from Whirlpool’s canteens.

APHCI gets preview Members of the Association of Plumbers and Heating Contractors Elite prize-winners Ireland (APHCI) were given an exclusive preview of Mira Showers’ latest product, the Elite SE, at a special members’ event at the beginning of March. The Elite SE – the latest incarnation of Mira’s popular 1994 Elite model and the first dual-outlet, silent-pumped electric shower in Ireland – was unveiled, and a prize draw saw ten installers go home with the newly launched product.

ek&bbusiness

way to enjoy EK&B Business anywhere. If you’re not already a subscriber head to subscribe. kbbdaily.com/ekbbusiness and sign up. Tell your friends! If you’re already a subscriber, search for ‘EK&B Business’ on your device’s App Store. Once you are up and running you’ll see that the app contains the new issue, plus the last SIX to enjoy. The digital magazine looks and feels the same as the print mag, only now you don’t have to be in your office or showroom to receive it. Best of all, new issues will automatically be added to your app when they come out. and we’ll be adding great new features to the app in the coming months. Watch this space!

Grohe’s European shift Grohe has implemented a number of measures across European manufacturing sites to protect employees in the COVID-19 crisis. Three German sites have seen changes comply with the latest official guidelines. Production in Albergaria, Portugal, was suspended on 30 March. And the manufacturing site in Klaeng, Thailand, is also following strict procedures including those around temperature controls to ensure increased hygiene standards and safety for all. Applicable regulations and measures are under constant review and subject to adjustments. Together with its business partners, the Grohe brand is closely working on managing stock and service levels across the EMENA region, taking into account the circumstances and requirements of individual markets.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has suggested that the difficulties bathroom manufacturers are experiencing due to the coronavirus crisis are being exacerbated by the refusal of merchants and distributors to pay their first quarter bills. In a statement issued to the press, the BMA said that several large and wellfinanced companies have sent letters to manufacturers unilaterally changing payment terms, despite Government action to ensure

liquidity within the industry. The BMA has now raised the issue with the Government’s business department, BEIS, and has written to the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). In a move welcomed by the BMA, the CLC’s co-Chair Andy Mitchell has released a statement stating that companies should “think hard about how their reputation could be damaged by not doing the right thing.”

n an effort to deal with the impact of COVID-19, MHK has distributed bonuses to all members. The company has set up a hotline that will see questions and concerns about the coronavirus answered via phone and email, while also launching Coronahelp, an “active crisis management” initiative. So far, the Coronahelp scheme has seen a team of experts, made up of members from a number of different service companies, develop a strategy after assessing the market. In its current phase, MHK shareholders are receiving all the tools they need to sell kitchens without direct customer contact. MHK has announced that a partial distribution of bonuses for 2020 will be made in September at the latest. “The MHK Group would not be the MHK Group if it had not immediately taken on responsibility for employees and partners with effective means and measures,” said MHK chairman, Hans Strothoff.

V ZUG PLANS BIG RETURN TO UK MARKET In May 2018, premium appliance brand V-ZUG announced its withdrawal of retail operations from the UK and Ireland. The David Knight Swiss company cited the “increasingly negative” prospects created by Brexit as its main reason, and noted that the UK’s drastic change in economic conditions was impacting on its business operations while “showing no signs of stopping”. Fast-forward two years and the company is busy making plans to relaunch in the UK. Sister site kbbdaily.com sat down with V-ZUG MD, David Knight, to find out why the company has its sights set on the UK again, and what to expect in the future.

“The company is the leading appliance manufacturer in Switzerland and within the past ten years has started to export to other countries. This has developed particularly well in Asia, so is a model that we’re looking to replicate in other countries,” David explained. “In 2001 we were the first brand to introduce a combi-steam oven for domestic use. We are also the only brand to use heat-pump technology in our washing/drying and dishwashing products. In June we’re announcing a new range of products that we’re pleased to bring to the market in the UK as well as showcasing the new Supreme premium cooling range. In 2021 at Eurocucina we will launch a new design range and also share the new brand identity.” www.kbbdaily.com

ABODE MD SAYS “BUY BRITISH!” Matthew Pitt, the Abode MD, has issued a rallying cry for the Matthew Pitt advantages of a “buying British” during the COVID-19 crisis. Speaking to kbbdaily Matthew said: “While the world has been thrown into disarray since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been lots of heartwarming stories and positivity

to come out of it. Consumers stuck at home are turning their minds to DIY and home improvements to pass the time, and by buying British, consumers are less likely to be faced with supply problems as stock will be available even if manufacturers are slowing down production in line with the Government’s social distancing guidelines.

he British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is now offering a free three-month extension to memberships, as well as the provision of a fee-free direct debit option to help support cashflow. The BiKBBI has also simplified how members update information, in order to assist with compliance obligations during a time where other regulatory organisations may be experiencing challenges. BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters added: “Now is the time to prepare for recovery so that we’re in as strong a place as we could possibly be. Our members should be strengthening their own propositions in readiness for a ‘fast start off the blocks’ when the time comes.”

PJH INVESTS IN OWN BRAND, REFLEXION PJH has made some comprehensive changes to RefleXion, its own brand of shower enclosures and trays, in order to increase its appeal to stockists and consumers. The group has invested in a RefleXion Aftercare Package – a package of customer service, spare parts and aftercare advice – to provide “a genuine promise of customer support” and peace-of-mind to all RefleXion purchasers. PJH’s online trading site, the Partners Portal™, also now

features a new RefleXion Spares section, offering spare parts. In addition, for the end-user, the current consumer website, www.reflexionenclosures.uk, now features a new Warranty Registration Section so that customers are assured of the brand’s Lifetime Guarantee.

“British manufacturers such as Abode offer a ray of light for consumers who want to battle on with home improvement projects and give kitchens and bathrooms a freshen up, perhaps with new brassware. And it doesn’t mean having to compromise on quality either, as the Made in Great Britain label is one to be proud of due to the high manufacturing standards it represents.”

TUKC boss predicts surge in UK spend The founder of The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC), Looeeze Grossman (below), has predicted that the UK will experience a surge in renovation spends as soon as COVID-19 restrictions lift. Grossman said: “Many buyers are being extremely patient, knowing they can’t fit their kitchen immediately but wanting to bag a bargain now. We predict a massive boom in sales once restrictions lift, as many of the people we are speaking to are diverting budget, which would have been spent on holidays this year, into home makeovers. They should have agreed on the style of kitchen they want, ahead of the end of this crisis. “Any showrooms using the time to refurbish their own space should be aware that we can list their ex-displays now and probably find them buyers as they are prepared to wait for their kitchen to be fitted.”

Novy wins Plus X award

Quooker financial support

Novy’s ONE Pro extraction hob has won the prestigious Plus X innovation award. Owain Harrison, country manager, Novy, said: “The Plus X is the world’s most respected award that a brand can achieve. The Novy One PRO has not only attained the seven seals of approval, but has also gone one step further to be awarded Best Product of the Year 2020.”

The COVID-19: Quooker Support for Businesses initiative will see any Quooker displaying dealer that has been severely affected by the virus be offered the ability to freeze its account for a period of up to three months. Quooker has also launched a new VIP virtual installation offer, which guides consumers through the tap installation process by remote one-to-one virtual application.

AMDEA pledges priority

www.kbbdaily.com

the latest from the industry Ideal Standard’s new UK and Ireland MD Ideal Standard has announced that finance director David Barber is to David Barber take over as the firm’s UK and Ireland managing director. Barber joined the multinational bathroom manufacturer in 2006. His 14 years at Ideal Standard also includes nine months as interim MD for the UK and Ireland between November 2015 and July 2016.

New marketing director for Whirlpool UK Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, the parent company to KitchenAid, Hotpoint and Indesit, has announced Hugo Silva as its new Hugo Silva marketing director for the UK and Ireland. Silva joins the UK team from Whirlpool Portugal having gained tremendous experience and knowledge of the business across all areas of the company during a 20-year career at Whirlpool.

Fluidmaster UK new OEM sales manager Sanitaryware firm Fluidmaster has appointed Julia Coulthard as its Julia Coulthard news national OEM sales manager for the UK describing the appointment as part of a “global five-year sales strategy to grow its global OEM network in line with business and marketing initiatives”. Coulthard is an experienced sales specialist, having worked at Aqualisa, Bristan, Triton, Uponor Ltd and Reliance Water Controls.

Abode’s sales director Peter Phelan has been promoted to the position of sales director at Abode, the sink and tap manufacturer. Phelan, was previously national sales manager. Peter Phelan Managing director Matthew Pitt commented: ‘‘I would like to congratulate Peter on his promotion and I look forward to working with him to ensure we convert the many new business opportunities available to us.”

JJO new area manager

stop press...

The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) is offering priority repair or replacement services for key health workers who need to keep their homes and families sanitised and safe.

movers & shakers

held on 28 April 2021 at the same venue, the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Rotpunkt online training Rotpunkt has announced that it is supporting its UK retail network by offering free online training sessions twice-a-week. The online seminars take place every Wednesday and Friday at 10am and 2pm.

Robert Lee steps in KBSA new conference date The KBSA has announced that its 2020 conference will be moved from this September to April 2021. The conference, which was due to take place on 30 September, will now be

UK-wide Bathroom distributor Robert Lee has set up a specialist team to act solely for key workers, working in the NHS and Pharmaceutical and Food Production and Distribution.

JJO plc has announced that it has appointed Connor Judge as its new area sales manager for the West Midlands. Judge joins the company after four years with Blackheath Connor Judge Products covering the West Midlands and South West. Judge said: “I aim to keep the high standards of customer service that JJO has provided to its customers over the many years and hope to continue that work.”

LochAnna Kitchens welcomes three British Kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens has announced three new sales managers. John Boston, Raj John, Raj and Scot Bhachu and Scot Greenwood have been appointed as regional sales managers and will be responsible for building the company’s profile and developing client relationships in the Midlands, the South, the North East and Scotland.

ek&bbusiness

essential news | business update

DEVON&DEVON CONSOLIDATES UK

PRESENCE WITH DIRECTLY OPERATED LONDON SHOWROOM The brand hopes its complete service and co-ordinated offering will appeal to architects and designers in the capital

Federica Verdi

Marketing and e-commerce manager, Devon&Devon

Words Emma Hedges

he end of 2019 saw Devon&Devon acquire its 200sq m showroom in London’s Notting Hill. The Florentine brand, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019 and was started by two architects with a great affection for all things British, is well known for its distinctive style when it comes to bathroom products. However, with its expanding collection of wallpapers, wall coverings, flooring, mirrors, lamps, towels and soaps, accompanied by its customisable ‘Tailored Interiors’ service, its current portfolio now reaches beyond the bathroom and into other areas in the home, with a view to developing the showroom into a ‘one-stop shop’ for architects and designers. Q

Tell us about your decision to step up your presence in the UK market? A: It’s a market we want to invest in as our origins are British – a lot of people in Italy think that we’re a British brand. But London is not just a British market – it’s a shop window for the international market, with architectural and design firms here working with connections to big projects worldwide. Also, we don’t believe that Brexit is going to be a big deal for high-spending people.

What are the advantages of having a directly operated store? A: It allows us to have total control over displays, which is important as we need to be able to showcase products as soon as they are launched. We planned the launch of a new product in April – the result of a major collaboration – and this showroom will be the first place that displays it. However, this will remain the only directly operated showroom over here. For the rest of the UK we have our dealer network that we’re still looking to grow.

What’s next for the brand in the UK? A: Over the past two years we’ve updated the brand in terms of image and product design, and as part of that we’ve also just launched our new website. We’re trying to get the message out to the market that ours is a very high-quality classic – but also contemporary – offering. Our aim is that the UK will become 7% of our global turnover.

www.kbbdaily.com

WESTBOURNE PARK SHOWROOM Devon&Devon’s acquisition of the Westbourne Park showroom enables it to have direct access to the market, and it’s a place where private customers, interior designers, architects and contractors can come to make use of the brand’s tailormade design service. Plans for a showroom revamp following the imminent launch of the next new product range are under way

NEW PARTNERSHIPS As well as the high-end brand’s Art Deco and neo-Victorian-style bathroom designs, Devon&Devon now offers interiors solutions for other areas of the home. Added to that, a new partnership with Italian home linen producer Frette has led to the launch of a new range of luxury bathroom towels, mats and bathrobes. Pictured here is the President bathtub on the left, and the Season vanity to the right in the foreground

FLOORING OPTIONS Flooring options feature materials such as marble, stoneware, wood and ceramic in striking combinations and geometric patterns in an aesthetic dominated by black and white. Pictured here top left is Prestige marble flooring, along with Intarsia wood formats below, and a display featuring Atelier ceramic stoneware to the right

ek&bbusiness

Ashbourne Windsor Blue with White and Portland Oak cabinetry

Beauty is more than skin deep The epitome of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;useable storageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, The Signature Collection offers seamless storage and design features across all our kitchen ranges, with every element of the kitchen perfectly coordinating. Our collection of kitchen pantries are a clear favourite with customers and the must-have, design led storage solution of kitchen design in 2020! Visit masterclasskitchens.co.uk to find out more.

The Hathaway is a quintessential storage feature tha is perfect for the keen chef that needs all of their store cupboard essentials in one, easy to reach space.

Tuscan Walnut kitchen pantry

Portland Oak double kitchen pantry

Slimline Tuscan Walnut kitchen pantry

masterclasskitchens.co.uk

SLEEK, CHIC & UNIQUE Bring a touch of luxury and unique styling to any kitchen with the new Wi6160 fully integrated undercounter wine cabinet. The innovative design allows you to create a bespoke frame to match your kitchen cabinets, ensuring seamless integration and an uninterrupted finish. With brilliant performance this model has been developed to store red, white and even sparkling wine in optimum conditions. The Wi6160 features perfect temperature, humidity and air circulation controls, with unrivalled low vibration technology to minimise disturbance, protecting the winesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; complex flavours. Always choose Caple for complete confidence in your wine cabinet.

www.caple.co.uk

Image: Wi6160

essential kitchens | design inspiration

KITCHENS

p15

– p 35

THIS MONTH’S DESIGN INSPIRATION

VILLEROY & BOCH KITCHENS The latest kitchen to come out of the brand collaboration between Störmer and Villeroy & Boch is the new Carré. With a distinctive embossed design, the ultra-contemporary kitchen (part of the Signature collection) is shown here in Black Velvet lacquer paired with a Satin Glass door from the Calais range. www.euromobel.co.uk

The striking embossed door is inspired by ceramic mosaic tiles from the 19th century. The pattern is made up of small rhombuses to create an almost 3D effect

www.kbbdaily.com

Sleek and modern, Carré is shown here on a storage and appliance bank in this open-plan, monochrome kitchen/diner

“The new Carré collection is a modern take on the original design for ceramic tiles that Villeroy & Boch created in the 19th century known as ‘Mettlacher Platten’”

Bodie Kelay, MD Euromobel (Villeroy & Boch Kitchens UK)

ek&bbusiness

To complement a Poggenpohl kitchen, only the highest standards are good enough. The Showroom Collection taps and disposers are perfect. Marco Antonelli. Poggenpohl, Milan. Below: 4N1 Touch, J Shape, Velvet Black. Pictured in Poggenpohl Showroom, Milan.

Designed for designers

insinkerator.co.uk/showroom-collection

essential kitchens | new products

1 NEW

PRODUCTS

A preview of all the latest product designs coming your way Words Lara Sargent

The new Armstrong tap from Perrin Rowe offers a modern take on the industrial aesthetic

3 4 1

COOKER HOOD COLLECTION Britannia Tel: 03444 639 705 www.britannialiving.co.uk Britannia has unveiled three new cooker hoods to coordinate with its Q Line and Delphi range cookers. In Gloss Black and Stainless Steel, with sizes from 70cm to 120cm, each has an A energy efficiency, LED lights and soft-touch controls. The Altissimo, pictured, has a maximum extraction rate of 710m3/h and 68dB rating www.kbbdaily.com

HARBORNE DOOR

RAPID LINEN SINK

ARMSTRONG TAP

Uform Tel: 02879 651 650 www.uform.co.uk Uform has unveiled three new door ranges as well as a complementary, freestanding furniture offering. The flagship design Harborne combines the linear detail of a handleless door with a subtle Shaker-style frame. The five-piece solid frame door has a visible Ash Grain finish and can be painted in all the 26 standard colours or colour matched to any shade

Carron Phoenix Tel: 01614 366 280 www.carron.com Carron Phoenix has introduced a new Linen finish for its Rapid stainless steel sink range. The subtle, textured finish, like woven linen, has a semi-matt appearance, which is tactile to the touch. Available in a single and 1.5 bowl, with a range of optional accessories including a bamboo chopping board, wire basket and strainer bowl

Perrin & Rowe Tel: 01708 526 361 www.perrinandrowe.co.uk The new Armstrong tap from Perrin & Rowe offers a modern take on the industrial aesthetic. In a choice of eight finishes, from hand-polished Chrome to 24-carat plated Gold, the new tap is offered as a bridge mixer or single-lever design. Pictured is the bridge mixer with pull-down rinse in English Bronze. Both are available with or without a pull-down rinse ek&bbusiness

essential kitchens | new products

6 5

7 5

3 IN 1 TAMPERA HOT TAP Blanco Tel: 01923 635 200 www.blanco.co.uk Blanco has unveiled a new range of kitchen Smart Taps including the new 3-in-1 Tampera Hot (pictured second from left above). With an insulated spout and 4-litre titanium boiler, it delivers instant, filtered 100Â°C boiling water using a child-safe lever plus standard hot and cold water

COMBI STEAM

PROPURE TAP

Gaggenau Tel: 03448 928 988 www.gaggenau.com Gaggenau has introduced a new generation of combi-steam ovens for its 400 and 200 series. With the option of a fixed water connection or a refillable water tank, the seven new models offer a 50-litre capacity, a multicore temperature probe that continually revises cooking time, and a full-surface grill. All can be controlled via the Home Connect app

Abode Tel: 01226 283 434 www.abode.eu Abode has extended its Pronteau 4 IN 1 tap range with the launch of Propure. Delivering steaming hot water and filtered cold water from the same tap, Propure is available in five finishes (including Brushed Brass pictured) and either a swan or quad spout. The tap is designed for use with the Abode Proboil.2X, which sits in the under-sink cupboard

10 0% MONEY BACK GUAR ANTEE

INCREASE YOUR SALES BY AT LEAST 30% WITH 4D THEATRE

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

Mereway is run as a family business and are leading manufacturers of high quality kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture, supplying to an extensive network of independent retail outlets nationwide. Over the last 30 years we have built an enviable reputation for not only creating beautiful hand crafted furniture but by offering the kind of customer service that others can only aspire to. All our furniture is proudly made in Britain using the best materials, to make sure our furniture is made to last.

PROUDLY MADE IN BRITAIN USING THE BEST MATERIALS

To become a trade partner please contact one of our Regional Account Managers for more information JENNA FYFE

DARRAN TUNE

DEANE WELLER

KELVIN WOOD

CLIVE BLIZARD

JOHN KNIGHT

SCOTLAND & BORDERS REGION

NORTHERN REGION

EASTERN & NORTH LONDON REGION

CENTRAL REGION & WALES

SOUTH LONDON, SOUTH EAST & CHANNEL ISLANDS

SOUTH CENTRAL & SOUTH WEST REGION

T: 07935 503299

T: 07771 978926

T: 07799 132553

T: 07860 852673

T: 07919 210085

T: 07850 265606

E: jennafyfe@mereway.co.uk

E: darrantune@mereway.co.uk

E: deaneweller@mereway.co.uk

E: kelvinwood@mereway.co.uk

E: cliveblizard@mereway.co.uk

E: johnknight@mereway.co.uk

essential kitchens | new products

9 10 11 8

NEOCHILLER InSinkErator Tel: 08003 893 715 insinkerator.emerson.com/en-gb InSinkErator’s new NeoChiller is now available as an add-on for its range of 4N1 Touch taps, to dispense filtered, chilled water alongside steaming hot and regular hot and cold water. Designed to sit neatly under the sink, NeoChiller dispenses up to seven litres of chilled water per hour and connects to the in-line water filter www.kbbdaily.com

DIRECTHEAT GAS HOB Caple Tel: 01179 381 900 www.caple.co.uk The new C772G gas hob from Caple features DirectHeat+ technology, which produces a 45° inclined flame so the heat is sent upwards directly towards the base of the pan rather than escaping around the sides. With five burners, the black and stainless steel hob can be flush mounted or inset

PRIMA+ 3 IN 1 TAPS PJH Tel: 08008 778 899 www.partners.pjh.uk New from Prima, PJH’s own-brand of kitchen appliances, is a new collection of Prima+ 3-in-1 hot taps. Available in four finishes – Matt Black, Brushed Copper, Chrome and Brushed Steel – the new contemporary collection offers boiled water up to 98°C, plus normal hot or cold filtered water and various safety mechanisms

BETON CONCRETE SHADES Deseo Tel: 01780 753 407 www.deseoliving.com Deseo has beefed up its Beton concrete range with two new finishes: the light sandy Sahara and an on-trend Green shade. The minimalist mdf door, with a real concrete veneer, is now available in eight finishes and comes in a variety of styles including slab, chamfer and J profile ek&bbusiness

SLEEK, SEAMLESS, SUPERIOR.

Introducing the new Matt Black Collection. Bringing together years of material innovation, our Matt Black finish combined with traditional glass offers a seamless look designed for performance. Naturally stain-resistant and safe from fingerprints, the Matt Black surface maintains its quality over time. Truly sophisticated, this new collection offers kitchens an elevated sense of elegance.

Exclusive to our Premier Partner independent kitchen studios. Visit aeg.co.uk to learn more.

essential kitchens | new products

14 15 12

LACE MARKET TILES

GRANITE SINKS

FROST FREE

RIMANO

deVOL Tel: 01509 261 000 www.devolkitchens.co.uk Designed by one of its in-house ceramicists, deVOL has unveiled a new range of vintage-style, patterned tiles called Lace Market Tiles. The patterned tiles are creating by pressing old remnants of vintage lace into clay and come in three glazes – Sepia, Rose and Vintage Teal – with an aged and weathered feel

Rangemaster Tel: 01926 457 628 www.rangemaster.co.uk Rangemaster has expanded its igneous granite sink collection with the new Elements inset range, joining the Mayon and Mica models launched last year. The single and 1.5 bowl designs feature a contemporary recessed and reversible drainer. Both models measure 1000 x 500mm and come in Ash Black, Crystal White, Stone and Dove Grey

Hotpoint Tel: 03448 224 224 www.hotpoint.co.uk Hotpoint’s new range of 540mmwide freestanding fridge freezers are perfect for smaller kitchens. In Black, White or Silver with an A+ energy rating, the frost-free HBNF 55181 S AQUA UK includes a built-in water dispenser, Fresh Crisper drawer and LED lighting. The Excellent FIT door design means the model can be placed next to a wall with no gapping

Crown Imperial Tel: 01227 742 424 www.crown-imperial.co.uk Rimano is a new kitchen from British manufacturer Crown Imperial and the latest addition to its Painted Fusions collection. The modern, classic kitchen has a solid ash frame and veneered centre panel and is shown here in the new Sky shade with sleek handleless fronts. Rimano is available in 18 neutral and bold shades

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

LINING IT UP Specialist appliance importer Euroline has new brands and a fresh focus on creating an exclusive offer for kitchen specialists, says MD Nigel Jacobs Words Amelia Thorpe Photos Paul Craig

sk Nigel Jacobs, MD and founder of specialist extraction and cooking appliance importer Euroline, what has kept his business going over its 20-year history and he’d probably say adaptability. After all, he’s just parted company with one supplier, launched several new ones and totally revamped his showroom. “In the last five years the built-in appliance market has changed rapidly, in terms of routes to market and also in the products themselves – a vented hob didn’t exist five years ago,” he explains. Euroline waved goodbye to cooker hood specialist Falmec in December, after working with the brand for some 15 years. Why? “It decided to set up its own subsidiary [in the UK], which it is perfectly entitled to do,” he says, although the fact that Falmec products are

ek&bbusiness

available to purchase online from Italian suppliers at discounted prices may have had something to do with it, given his next statement. “There is a big trend for people [kitchen retailers] looking for product differentiation, for products that are not mashed on the internet,” he says. “Our core business is supplying kitchen specialists and we’ve noticed that a lot of them were losing business to the internet, predominantly on appliances.” The focus, he says, over the last three years has been working towards creating distinct ranges of products that are not available elsewhere. “Now our brands are only available through authorised dealers,” he says. Euroline has moved quickly to replace Falmec with exclusive agreements with extraction specialists Sirius (a boutique range of mid-to-premium Italian-made products available in the UK for f

www.kbbdaily.com

essential kitchens | Euroline

“Our core business is supplying kitchen specialists and we’ve noticed that a lot of them were losing business to the internet, predominantly on appliances̜ Nigel Jacobs, MD, Euroline

f the first time), Bozen (Euroline’s own brand collection made by bespoke Italian manufacturer SIL FIM) and German brand Gutmann (premium, high-performance products). Jacobs estimates that about 70% of Sirius and all Bozen products have been specifically designed for Euroline, including a private label range produced for John Lewis & Partners. “These products are completely different – we are not just re-badging,” he says. The company also continues to sell Barazza, the Italian brand known for unique stainless steel worktops with integrated hobs, sinks and taps, with whom Euroline has worked since 2006. And, finally, there’s Fulgor Milano,

a range of premium built-in and Americanstyle cooking appliances by an Italian company established for more than 70 years and described by Jacobs as “Italy’s best kept secret”. “The Fulgor Milano portfolio, especially with the range cookers, goes head to head with Wolf – but at about half the price,” he says. But why does Euroline need three extraction suppliers? “We want to become the go-to supplier for extraction, a one-stop-shop,” explains Jacobs. With products ranging in price (trade, including VAT) from £300 to £7,000, he says it’s a good (Sirius), better (Bozen), best (Gutmann) collection. “I don’t think anyone else at the moment is offering that kind of portfolio,” he says, adding that customers have one point of contact and haven’t got to open three different accounts. “We can now go to our kitchen specialists with an offer that isn’t available elsewhere in the marketplace.” Q

1 New Sirius Halo pendant hood features a dimmable LED light ring 2 New Sirius Icon wall-mounted extractor with handmade ceramic canopy in Satin Black finish 3 Bozen Evo vented induction hob 4 Nigel Jacobs, Euroline MD 5 Inside the newly refurbished Euroline showroom in Colchester, Essex, with all-live appliances 6 Bozen Izar touch control downdraft hood with Barazza Vintage Steel worktop

www.kbbdaily.com

6 ek&bbusiness

Find all the support you need at the new pws.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We provide the sum of the parts, so you can create the wholeâ&#x20AC;? www.pws.co.uk

essential kitchens | Euroline

WHAT EFFECT WILL COVID 19 HAVE ON YOUR BUSINESS? “In the last 20 years we’ve had 9/11, which was a global event, and the financial crash of 2008/2009, 09 which was also a global event. Now wee have h COVID-19. Of course, all three are very ddifferent, but I do believe that humans adapt. I think h we’re in for 12 months of confusionn and uncertainty before things settle t and business comes back fully. y. But B t I take comfort from the factt tthat we emerged stronger afterr the previous two events, and nd this h time we’re in a much better teer position os – in terms of our u portfolio p and offer – th than we were before” Nigel Jacobs

2 4

3 6

1 Sirius Nova Plus flush ceiling-mounted hood in Stainless Steel, with, behind, Bozen Joist ceiling-mounted hood in White, designed to fit between UK ceiling joists 2 Fulgor Milano Stainless Steel combination microwave, left, and wine cooler above self-cleaning ovens 3 Fulgor Milano built-in ovens and open wine cooler, above

an open warming drawer, all in

Q&A

Stainless Steel 4 Barazza Mood Fusion bespoke configuration of

What is your greatest challenge? “To get our brands recognised in the UK”

steel worktop with gas and induction hobs 5 New Sirius Halo pendant

What is your greatest opportunity? “We now have a lot of freedom to be creative and develop products specifically for our clients’ requirements”

hood features a dimmable LED light ring 6 New Fulgor Milano 48in Professional range cooker in Stainless Steel with digital

Strange but true “We once did a site survey for a house in London and who should walk through the door but Madonna”

control and steel rotary controls, with Matt Black porcelain enamel hob surface 7 New Fulgor Milano 48in Professional range cooker in Stainless Steel

www.kbbdaily.com

7 ek&bbusiness

With the wonderful Vital Capsule filter System, the benefits are clear

WORLD-LEADING STORAGE & WASTE SOLUTIONS The smartest, most practical and attractive collection of internal accessories.

Delivering cleaner, healthier, better tasting water the innovative Vital Capsule Filter Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy change filter removes 99.9% of bacteria, 99% of viruses, 99% of microplastics, plus rust, sediments and other small particles. It also helps customers reduce single use plastics and can save the cost of buying bottled water. Offering a choice of designs and colours plus an additional chiller option, the Vital Capsule Filter System is clearly like nothing else. Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

We provide the sum of the parts, provide the sum of the kitchen parts, soWe you can create the whole so you can create the whole kitchen kitche e: projectsupport@pws.co.uk t: 01325 621 303 w: www.pws.co.uk

essential kitchens | Euroline

1 1 Sirius Radar wall-mounted hood with opened fascia for increased performance, above a Barazza Mood Fusion steel worktop with gas hobs, which can be configured as required 2 Barazza Mood Fusion steel worktop with gas hobs, which can be configured as required 3 Fulgor Milano combination microwave and warming drawer, both in Black glass 4 Fulgor Milano fridge freezer, next to a 60cm self-cleaning oven in Black glass 5 Fulgor Milano new 30in XXL self-cleaning multifunction oven, below a 45cm combination steam oven, alongside a Barazza Satin finish steel worktop with integrated sink and tap 6 Fulgor Milano outdoor gas barbecue with side-mounted stainless steel controls

PROFILE Euroline Who are we? Nigel Jacobs, MD

Where are we? 8 De Grey Square, De Grey Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5YQ Tel: 01206 849 900 www.euroline.co.uk What we do... Importer of specialist Italian and German appliance brands Business history Founded in 2000 by Nigel Jacobs, 54, Euroline sales and marketing is a specialist importer of premium appliance brands. The business remains privately owned by Jacobs and his wife and finance director, Christine Jacobs Euroline moved to its current 3,000sq ft head office in Colchester in 2012, opening its on-site showroom in 2013. It has a separate warehouse, also in Colchester, of 10,000sq ft, which opened in 2017. Euroline sells products into four channels of which the largest is the mid-premium independent kitchen retailer. The other channels are architects and developers, kitchen manufacturers such as Kuhlmann, private labels such as John Lewis

4 5

It was 2006 when Euroline began importing Barazza, and 2018 for Fulgor Milano. It introduced Bozen in 2015, Sirius in December 2019 and Gutmann in January 2020 Sales stats â&#x20AC;&#x153;We grew 11% last year and, prior to COVID-19, we had expected the percentage growth in 2020 to probably mimic that or be even higher,â&#x20AC;? says Jacobs Staffing levels 16

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

BLACK STEEL

fisherpaykel.com/uk

sales@fisherpaykel.com

08000 886 601

essential kitchens | special report

ON THE QUIET Open-plan kitchens and the growing trend for mindful living are driving consumer demand for ever quieter appliances Words Nicola Hanley

WHITE CEILING HOOD 75dB Siemens Tel: 03448 928 999 www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com The new white iQ700 LR18HLT25 studioLine ceiling hood features Siemensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; varioLift function, which allows the hood to be raised out of sight when not in use. It operates at 63dB when the normal 417m3/h extraction rate is used with noise levels rising to 75dB when the intensive 706m3/h rate is selected. The company says the charcoal filter removes 95% of odours, an anti-fish coating helps eliminate fishy smells and an anti-pollen coating reduces 99% of pollens. It can be controlled by remote control or via the Home Connect app or from a WiFi-enabled hob using the cookConnect system

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

PURE’LINE CEILING HOOD 59dB Novy Tel: 02078 662 493 www.novy.co.uk Belgian extraction specialist Novy’s 90cm stainless steel Pure’line 6830 integrated ceiling hood has three power levels plus a power boost function. Sound levels start at 34dB and go up to 59dB when the boost, which has a maximum extraction rate of 634m3/h, is used. Power levels and the four adjustable LED lights are operated by remote control or using radio frequency with the control on Novy’s InTouch induction hob. It is rated A+ for energy efficiency

n a recent survey conducted by Trend-Monitor on behalf of Whirlpool, 47% of consumers questioned said the washing machine was the “noisest and most annoying kitchen appliance”, and 15% likened the sound of their washing machine to that of an aeroplane taking off in the hub of their home. One in four claimed their washing machine was on a par with noisy road traffic, while just 8% compared the noise to the more palatable sound of rustling leaves.

It makes for sobering reading, especially Manufacturers unanimously agree that as the World Health Organisation states that the increase in open-plan living, which sees noise is one of the main environmental risks activities such as cooking, entertaining, to physical and mental health. However, it relaxing and homework all taking place seems that until fairly recently, sound levels within the same space, has played a huge were not prioritised by consumers looking to part. Research conducted by retailer John buy a new appliance. “Consumers previously Lewis found that noise performance was a overlooked the importance of sound when key consideration for 49% of consumers in the choosing a home appliance, focussing instead market for a new appliance with the figure on the capabilities, design, energy rating and rising to 62% when open-plan living was taken so on, which led to into account. dissatisfaction down the “Previously open-plan line and noise invasion kitchens were saved in the fabric of daily for larger properties, life,” says David Palmer, which would have had LG’s product specialist a separate utility room home appliances. that would serve to shut Alex Lucas, category away the noisy washing manager freestanding machines and tumble dishwashing at BSH dryers. However, more Home Appliances, and more consumers agrees. “In the past, are wanting to make the a frequent trigger for most of their space and consumers buying a so we’re starting to see Geoff Baker, chairman, AirUno new dishwasher was an increasing amount that their existing of open-plan kitchens model had become noisy in smaller properties,” and they wanted to replace it with a quieter explains Nick Bevan, Samsung Electronics UK’s one,” he says. head of product management for domestic In recent years sound has become more appliances. “As such, there is increasing important to consumers in the market for a demand for quiet appliances.” new kitchen appliance and LG’s Palmer cites For families who use their appliances day the increase in mindful living as a contributing and night, noise is key. “Where available, factor.” With health, wellness and personal consumers can take advantage of lower wellbeing taking over the social agenda, the running costs at night, which in turn demand for quiet appliances has increased makes noise levels a key selling point. significantly,” he continues. “A noise reduction A low noise level will ensure that running revolution is on the rise as people increasingly an appliance at night will not disturb the look for peace and quiet within their homes household,” says Catherine Balderson, senior away from the stresses of the outside world.” Hotpoint brand manager.

“With new technology coming to market all the time, decibel levels could be reduced further as motors become more and more efficient̜

68dB

DOWNDRAFT HOOD

KitchenAid Tel: 08001 510 908 www.kitchenaid.co.uk Featuring perimetral extraction, this 90cm downdraft hood rises to a height of 30cm when in use. It features four speeds including a boost function, which provides a maximum extraction rate of 713m3/h and noise level of 68dB. Suitable for ducted and recirculation installation, it has touch controls, two dishwasher-safe aluminium odour filters and is rated B for energy efficiency 32

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

essential kitchens | special report

QUIETLY DOES IT

WALL CHIMNEY HOOD

Associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation, Quiet Mark is the international consumer champion, which works with companies to prioritise noise reduction in the design of appliances and machines. The independent scheme only awards the Quiet Mark to ‘high-performing products that have been acoustically engineered to be quieter than similarly performing products’, providing brands with a valuable USP. Quiet Mark doesn’t publish decibel levels as it says ‘the decibel system is complex and poorly understood by the public’ and that the Quiet Mark itself provides consumers with the necessary buying confidence. Currently: 9% of washing machines, 9% of dishwashers, 7% of tumble dryers, 5% of washer dryers and 2% of refrigeration appliances available to buy in the UK have been awarded the Quiet Mark.

Caple Tel: 01179 381 900 www.caple.co.uk Operating at a maximum extraction rate of 456m3/h, Caple’s Black and Clear Glass CGC711BK wall chimney hood is C-rated for energy efficiency and features two 1.5W LED lights to illuminate the hob below. It has push-button controls and an auto timer, which allows the extractor to switch off five minutes after cooking is complete to remove any leftover odours

HOW RETAILERS CAN LEAD THE QUIET REVOLUTION » “Consider organising a consumer event that is led by cooking demonstrations. The atmosphere would be similar to that of a dinner party where there will be socialising with the appliances working in the background. Demonstration modes are always valuable but an event would be more relatable and allow consumers to easily make comparisons between the showroom and their kitchen at home” Lee Collett channel controller, KitchenAid

BOHEME WALL HOOD 68dB AirUno Tel: 01132 012 240 www.airuno.co.uk In Stainless Steel or Black Glass, pictured, AirUno’s Boheme wall hood has four speeds starting at 345m3/h with a minimum noise level of 48dB, rising to 68dB when extracting at the maximum rate of 770m3/h. Operated by touch controls, this 80cm-wide, A-rated appliance has two circular LED lights and an auto-off function. The digital display lets users know when the easily accessible metallic filter needs changing

62dB

STAR EFFECT HOOD

CDA Tel: 01949 862 012 www.cda.eu CDA says that this 90cm ceiling extractor, which fea features a 20 micro LED lights to create a striking striiking star effect, has an external motor that reduces reduc noise levels. It has four speeds with wi ith extraction extract rates ranging from 465m3/h to 750m3/h and sound levels starting at 54dB and going goiing up to 62dB. Operated by a remote control, the extractor extra also has a timer function

However, wever, according to Ros Collins, BSH Home Appli Appliances’ iances’ category manager laundry, while we often en talk about noise noiise levels in in terms of decibel ratings, that’s not what’ss important importtant to consumers. “It’s not the decibel rating that’s vital so much as the impact the appliance has on conversation and general wellbeing. Does the noise of the appliance stop the family chatting over dinner or watching television, for example?” she says. “Further to this, the new energy labels will measure noise on a scale of A-B rather than an actual noise level measurement, which will mean decibels are even less of an indicator for consumers.” But has the quest to develop ever quieter appliances come at a sacrifice to functionality?

www.kbbdaily.com

56dB

Not accordi according ing to t manufacturers who claim that reducing reduciing noise levels has actually led to improvements improv ve in performance. And although it’s unlikely that appliances will altho ever be completely quiet, AirUno’s chairman Geoff Baker says that “with new technology coming to market all the time, decibel levels could be reduced further as motors become more and more efficient”. LG’s David Palmer agrees. “Our lives are more hectic and demanding than ever before and loud noises exacerbate this stress. We can expect brands to prioritise noise reduction further in the future, working on a more advanced and broader offering of quiet appliances.” Q

» “Ask where the appliance will be positioned – whether it is in a separate utility room or in a multipurpose area where noise might interrupt family living. If the customer answers the latter, highlight the quieter models and illustrate how much difference they can make” Ros Collins category manager laundry, BSH Home Appliances » “Retailers need to enable consumers to hear how quietly different appliances perform across all their speed settings so providing access to working displays is key here” Geoff Baker chairman, AirUno » “Many consumers still have limited knowledge of decibel ratings, which is why LG advises retailers to educate consumers on this as well as on related features to look for such as anti-vibration and inverter motors, which all help to reduce noise. Retailers should really educate their staff on this subject and make them aware of all features related to noise disturbance” David Palmer product specialist home appliances, LG » “Retailers can help educate consumers with regards to decibel ratings. For example, 46dB is significantly quieter than 48dB, even though the numbers are so close together” Alex Lucas category manager freestanding dishwashers, BSH Home Appliances

ek&bbusiness

EASY START DISHWASHER

41dB

DOUBLE DISHDRAWER Fisher & Paykel Tel: 08000 886 605 www.fisherpaykel.com The recipient of the Quiet Mark, Fisher & Paykel’s DD60DDFHB9 double DishDrawer is also energy efficient with an A++ rating. With a Black Stainless Steel finish, it features 15 wash programmes, including quick, extra-dry and a sanitise mode that kills 99.9% of bacteria. The two drawers, each of which holds a half load, can be used independently

PUSH&GO DISHWASHER

45dB

44dB

Neff Tel: 03448 928 989 www.neff-home.com/uk Neff’s fully integrated 60cm N 90 S517T80D6E has an A+++ energy rating and can hold up to 14 place settings. This model can be controlled remotely via the Home Connect app on a smartphone or tablet and can tell consumers the ideal settings for each type of load using the Easy Start function. It has eight programmes and five special options including Shine & Dry and HygienePlus and a TimeLight, which projects the time remaining and cycle phase onto the floor

Indesit Tel: 0800 921 922 www.indesit.co.uk Indesit says that its Push&Go DSFO 3T224 Z UK dishwasher, which has a maximum sound level of 44dB, makes less noise than handwashing and drying. This slimline 450mm-wide model has up to ten place settings, an A++ energy rating and nine programmes including Rapid 30, Eco and a Baby cycle, which removes 99.9% of bacteria. For added convenience, pressing the Push&Go button allows users to automatically run a dedicated 80-minute cycle

MAGNET GUIDED DISHWASHER 42dB

QUIET LG WASHING MACHINE

Hotpoint Tel: 03448 224 224 www.hotpoint.co.uk Endorsed by the Quiet Mark, this stainless steel freestanding dishwasher has a 42dB noise level, which Hotpoint says is achieved by its ‘magnet-guided variable speed motor, which provides higher precision and control of spin velocity’ to minimise vibration and optimise energy efficiency. A++ rated, it can hold up to 14 place settings, features ten programmes and the company’s 3D Zone Wash technology, which allows users to increase performance or energy efficiency

Where available, consumers can take advantage of lower running costs at night, g which in turn makes noise levels a key selling point̜ Catherine Balderson, senior brand manager, Hotpoint

ek&bbusiness

71dB

LG Tel: 08448 471 402 www.lg.com/uk/appliances LG’s F4V909WTS washing machine operates at 48dB while washing and 71dB during the spin cycle and comes with the Quiet Mark stamp of approval. It has an A+++ energy rating, 9kg capacity and a maximum spin speed of 1360rpm. AI DD detects the weight and softness of the fabric being washed, then chooses the best setting. Programmes include Steam+ which LG says eliminates 99.9% of allergens such as dust mites and reduces creases by up to 30%. It can also be controlled remotely with LG’s ThinQ app

45dB

FREESTANDING DISHWASHER

Amica Tel: 01949 862 010 www.amica-international.co.uk The 60cm-wide ZWM628W freestanding dishwasher can hold up to 14 place settings and has eight programmes including glass, eco and intensive. Rated A++ for energy efficiency, it has a removable top level cutlery tray, height adjustable upper baskets and a delay timer in addition to rinse aid, salt and LED progress indicators

www.kbbdaily.com

essential kitchens | special report

POWERWASH WASHING MACHINE

QUICKDRIVE WASHING MACHINE

72dB

Samsung Tel: 03307 262 677 www.samsung.com/uk The QuickDrive WW8800 washing machine features Samsung’s VRT technology, which the company says reduces noise and vibration during washing by keeping the drum perfectly balanced even at high spin speeds. It operates at 49dB during wash and 72dB during spin cycles. With a 10kg capacity, A+++ energy rating, it has a 1600rpm spin speed and also features Auto Optimal Wash, which uses sensors to weigh the load and soil levels and adjust the time and water usage accordingly

68dB

Miele 72dB Tel: 03301 606 600 www.miele.co.uk This 9kg WCR860 WPS washing machine operates at 46dB on a wash programme and at 72dB during spinning. It has a maximum spin speed of 1600rpm and an A+++ energy rating. Operated by tapping or swiping the MTouch touchscreen display or remotely using Miele’s app, this machine features a Wash Assistant, which recommends the most suitable programme for different loads. Other features include Miele’s TwinDos automatic dispensing system and PowerWash

A noise reduction revolution is on the rise as people increasingly look for peace and quiet within their homes away from the stresses of the outside world̜ David Palmer, product specialist home appliances, LG

SUPREME CARE

Whirlpool Tel: 03448 111 009 www.whirlpool.co.uk Whirlpool’s 10kg Supreme Care washing machine features ZEN noise-reduction technology and an induction motor attached directly to the drum minimises vibration and noise. It has been endorsed with the Quiet Mark and when washing operates at 48dB and when in spin mode has a noise level of 68dB. Rated A+++ for energy efficiency, it has a maximum spin speed of 1400rpm and features the company’s 6th Sense technology to monitor the size of the load and adapt water, energy and time to suit exact requirements

www.kbbdaily.com

SERIE 6 WASHING MACHINE

73dB

Bosch Tel: 03448 928 979 www.bosch-home.co.uk With a 9kg capacity, 1400rpm maximum spin speed and an A+++ energy rating, Bosch’s Serie 6 WAT286H0GB washing machine has a sound level of 47dB during wash and 73dB during spin cycles. It utilises the company’s i-DOS intelligent dosing technology, which uses sensors to detect the load weight, fabric type and degree of soiling to release the exact amount of liquid detergent and softener for each load. Other highlights include VarioPerfect, which reduces the time or energy consumption of standard washes ek&bbusiness

INTRODUCING

MIDSOMER HANDLE-LESS

SEE MORE NEW INNOVATIONS FOR 2020...

Midsomer, the classic painted shaker collection is now available handle-less. Blurring the lines between modern sophistication and traditional elegance, Midsomer handle-less is available in a choice of subtle and bold paint finishes perfect for those wishing to create a room totally unique.

CROW N-I MP ERIA ERIAL.CO.UK/NEW L.C O.U K/NE W

ere We w ! there

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY FOR THE BEST KBB BIRMINGHAM YET A round-up of all the astounding and innovative highlights at the show Words Emma Hedges, Nicola Hanley, Daniel Griffiths

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

kbb birmingham | special report

Our Top Takeaways from kbb Birmingham 2020 » A tour of kitchen and bathroom stands at the show confirmed that textured finishes – and natural wood lookalikes in particular – were in vogue, as well as new flexible solutions for keeping items on display, like Rotpunkt’s new wall-panelling system, pictured. It seems that having left behind the sleek and minimalist aesthetic, we are now venturing into characterful maximalist territory, with the new ranges enabling consumers to introduce personalised touches to their designs

kbb 2020 was a truly wonderful experience with a real buzz and buoyancy to it. It was a pleasure to exhibit and to meet with so many of our customers and we are excited to build on kbb 2020; see you in 2022!̜ Barry Hoyne, Commercial Director, Merlyn

n the current climate and with heavy hindsight it’s safe to say that the 2020 kbb Birmingham show just snuck in under the UK’s lockdown wire. Taking place on 1-4 March at Birmingham’s NEC there were rumours swirling: Of big names pulling out; fears regarding footfall in the days leading up to the event… But all amounted to naught as kbb 2020 delivered the goods in fine style. Thank heavens. In fact, the show experienced record attendance on two of its four days with the final figures finishing on a par with the 2018 show at 15,000 visitors. If anything though 2020’s show was a slicker, state-of-the-art affair with every one of the big names upping their stand game to deliver not just new product but presenting it in themed arenas with interactive demonstrations – featuring some delicious food from star chefs – at every turn. Favourable comments were on the lips of all attendees, the consensus being that the

www.kbbdaily.com

show felt like a true, high-end ‘European show’ more than ever. Director of kbb Birmingham Mark Gordon of Informa Markets told us: “We had a great show this year and from the feedback we have received, from both exhibitors and visitors, everyone found it a great place to do business. There was a vast amount of innovation on display and manufacturers looking forward to the future of the kbb market. Despite some challenges, we defied the odds and managed to put on a hugely successful show – the Sunday and the Monday saw record visitor numbers cementing the show’s position as the leading event in the kbb space in the UK. We’re looking forward to 2022 and the future of the industry.” Over the next 14 pages we make our pick of the highlights from the show, get the views of some of kbb’s biggest names, deliver our top three takeaways and sum up kbb Birmingham 2020 in style. Until next time! Q

» Another brand that was exploring ways in which to offer customers the ability to tailor configurations to their own specific taste and needs was LochAnna Kitchens. The brand’s Lifestyle Larder concept is a proposition that can be personalised according to its intended function, and can be adapted to become a store cupboard for food, crockery, pet paraphernalia, sports equipment, or anything the customer wishes it to be. As feedback about the concept has been so positive, the company said that it is now considering putting the larder into production » The personalisation theme was also front and centre of Virtual Worlds’ stand at the show and has been incorporated into its latest VR experience in a way that has the potential to be a game changer for kitchen and bathroom retailers. The 4D Theatre lets designers incorporate customer details that are jotted down at the beginning of any consultation into their virtual design, prompting customers to subconsciously take ‘ownership’ of it. So if the client has mentioned that red wine is their favourite tipple, then a bottle can be in the cupboard when they open it, or details such as their name and address can be included in letters placed on their new worktop. Artwork on the walls displaying positive messages such as ‘Treat Yourself’ and ‘You Deserve It’ can also be added. Virtual Worlds is so confident that the 4D Theatre will increase sales by 30%, it is offering a money-back guarantee

4 DAYS 400 EXHIBITORS 15,000 VISITORS

ek&bbusiness

kbb birmingham | special report

BSH Bosch venting hobs Tel: 03448 928 979 www.bosch-home.co.uk BSH brands Bosch, Neff and Siemens each had separate stands that, combined, created a display area of more than 500sq m. In a bid to broaden its vented hob portfolio, Bosch was showcasing several new models including its new Serie 8 PXX875D67E 80cm-wide venting induction hob, pictured, which includes the brand’s FlexInduction technology. All three brands were also highlighting the Home Connect app and explaining how it fits into the wider connected home

CAESARSTONE 4043 Primordia Tel: 08001 588 088 www.caesarstone.co.uk More than 32 large slabs were displayed around Caesarstone’s stand, along with some bespoke furniture showcasing some of the brand’s most recent launches, such as 4043 Primordia, pictured here. Key accounts were invited into a private viewing room for a preview of new dark colours that are set to be launched later this year, while the coffee bar on the stand was finished in on-trend dark shade 5100 Vanilla Noir

NOVY Mood Steel island hood Tel: 02078 662 493 www.novy.co.uk The star product on Novy’s stand was its Mood Steel 108cm recirculation island hood, pictured, which is remote controlled with adjustable mood lighting, and a maximum noise-level rating of 68dB on level 4. However, the brand was also showcasing a host of other products including its Panorama Pro 88cm induction hob, and its new Gas Pro collection of cast-iron gas burners that are designed to be directly integrated within any stone, granite, quartz or Corian worktop

PRONORM Y-Line range Tel: 07801 862 691 www.pronorm.de Pronorm’s Y-Line handleless and X-Line handleless ranges were being highlighted on its 98sq m stand to demonstrate the brand’s flexibility when it comes to design, and also its commercial scope which it says enables retailers to work across market segments and appeal to mid-market consumers all the way through to luxury purchasers. Pictured here are the Y-Line handleless and Proline 128 kitchen ranges in Organic Black Matt and Walnut

CAPLE Mode 175GD sink Tel: 01179 381 900 www.caple.co.uk Caple’s stand was packed with new launches, including the brand’s new Wi-Fi-enabled cooking appliances, extractor hoods, and an array of sinks and taps including the Mode 175GD sink range with a striking two-tone gold and stainless steel finish, shown here. Another highlight was Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton, who was on hand to demonstrate some of Caple’s products with a Japanese-inspired menu www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

Brand new VelaBin in Portland Oak from The Living Collection. 800mm wide with 104L waste storage and 42L of additional storage.

Introducing, the brand new VelaBin. The epitome of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;useable storageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, our 800mm wide VelaBin* can store 104 litres of waste plus 42 litres of additional storage inside of the cabinet. A world first for waste management solutions! Available in a wide range of width, depths and configurations. Visit masterclasskitchens.co.uk to find out more.

Portland Oak or Tuscan Walnut drawer options

masterclasskitchens.co.uk

kbb birmingham | special report

VIRTUAL WORLDS 4D Theatre Tel: 01908 663 848 www.virtualworlds.co.uk The latest virtual reality experience from Virtual Worlds is the company’s 4D Theatre premium package, which enables customers to have a fully immersive VR tour of their proposed design, as well as being able to interact with it. Visitors to the stand were able to experience this for themselves, as well as hear about the use of neuroscience in the programme that incorporates subtle cues that help nudge consumers towards a purchase

BLANCO

CDA

Tampera hot tap Tel: 01923 635 200 www.blanco.co.uk Blanco was using live demonstrations to highlight the benefits of its Smart Tap collection, which includes the Tampera hot boiling water tap and system, pictured here, as well as the Fontas-S filter tap and Solenta-S sensor tap. Also on display was the new striking black Silgranit taps and sinks, which were proving popular with visitors to the 280sq m stand, and are to be available to retailers in the near future

SL670 oven with steam Tel: 01949 862 010 www.cda.eu CDA used kbb as an opportunity to unveil its new collection of large-cavity ovens with new features and aesthetics. Boasting a 77-litre capacity, the new models feature LED displays, a 96mm control panel, soft-close action and updated steel accents. The SL670 full steam oven, pictured, has multifunctional oven function options as well as the ability to combine both with its combination steam auto programmes

LOCHANNA KITCHENS Durham collection Tel: 01204 328 720 www.lochannakitchens.co.uk The new Durham collection was taking centre stage on the LochAnna Kitchens stand – the traditional-style in-frame cabinet door, pictured here in Warm Earth and Pearl, is available in a palette of 30 colours and made from solid ash with beading on the inner door. The collection’s 1000mm bi-fold dresser, which is designed to give the look of a bespoke item and is available as a single product, was also on display

WHAT YOU SAID... Customer communication and interaction has consistently been, and continues to be, a fundamental element of the Blanco brand ethos. At kbb Birmingham the reaction to the new products, live demonstrations, smart taps, and the range in general was really good. Importantly, though, we were able to receive all the positive and constructive feedback directly from customers across the UK” John Robinson, marketing manager, Blanco As a relatively young brand, kbb gave us the opportunity to present LochAnna to a much wider audience of independent retailers – the lifeblood of our business. We were able to demonstrate that because as a smaller, self-governed kbb brand we are agile and bold enough to launch daring and conceptual products that invigorate the industry, yet sit at a more affordable price range. The feedback we received was amazingly positive” Paul Jenkinson, founder and managing director, LochAnna Kitchens

www.kbbdaily.com

ALNO AlnoPlan Shaker range Tel: 0208 420 1124 www.alno.co.uk As a way of blending a traditional style with contemporary styling, Alno was showcasing its AlnoPlan Shaker kitchen, which is now available in all PG1-3 ranges, in a Concrete finish, pictured here. The brand was also presenting its AlnoSpace range and its Tailor concept to retailers, which it says gives them a high degree of flexibility for individualisation in kitchen planning, as well as a 19mm carcase thickness

ek&bbusiness

THE KITCHEN ISLAND DESIGN AND ORGANISED Zoom. Work. Cook. Eat. Relax. The kitchen – now, more than ever – shows how it’s the cornerstone of our homes.

For an exclusive area opportunity, contact Richard Turner UK & Ireland Business Manager 07818 447678 richard.turner@pronormde.co.uk www.pronorm.de

kbb birmingham | special report

SCAVOLINI Mia collection Tel: +39 0234 95882 www.scavolini.com Scavolini’s stand featured displays from the DeLinea and Carattere collections, as well as the MIA range, pictured here, which was designed in collaboration with chef Carlo Cracco and is inspired by a professional kitchen. It features stainless steel elements, as well as a heat lamp for keeping food warm and a structure above the island that houses an extractor and open storage. Also on display were products from the Tratto bathroom collection

FRANKE Mythos MYX sink Tel: 01614 366 280 www.franke.co.uk Franke’s new minimalist Mythos MYX stainless steel sink range features eight undermount models and four inset options, and is being lined up to replace the Kubus range by the end of this year. As well as a plethora of other new products, the brand was also launching its ‘Wonderful Weekend’ campaign for retailers, who get the chance to win a chef to attend an event at their showroom by purchasing a Box Center and Vital filter tap at display rate for showcasing in their store

BLUM Space Step Tel: 01908 285 700 www.blum.com Blum’s 306sq m stand was being used to display the brand’s broad range of lift, hinge, pull-out and motion technology solutions, as well as to introduce its new Space Step to the UK market. The plinth solution can be used for step heights of 150mm to 250mm and is suitable for cabinet widths of 400mm to 1200mm, and enables users to reach high storage areas while also creating an extra storage area itself

BORA

WHAT YOU SAID... We are really satisfied with the overall outcome of kbb Birmingham 2020. At a time when public events are being restricted, we received fewer visitors to the stand than at the show two years ago, but the quality of the leads was excellent. We also had a great reaction to our newly developed kitchens and bathrooms, and are thrilled to continue our investment in the UK market and expand our presence by partnering with more key retailers” Fabiana Scavolini, CEO, Scavolini At kbb Birmingham we successfully brought across one of Nolte’s major fortes: flexibility. Not only did visitors use the show as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with our latest launches, which we showcased in the UK for the first time, but they also learned that we can provide a solution for every demand from kitchens to utility rooms, and now even bathrooms. We could not be happier with the outcome of the event” Chris Rushby, UK country manager, Nolte Küchen

www.kbbdaily.com

Bora X Pure Tel: 02036 931 390 www.bora.com Being shown for the first time in the UK was the Bora X Pure surface induction system. It can be integrated into any kitchen design and has an air inlet nozzle that is slightly recessed into the centre of the cooktop. This can also be easily removed and reinserted. It is operated by an intuitive central touch panel that is hardly visible when in standby mode, and all parts can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher

NOLTE KÜCHEN Torino Lack Tel: 01707 290 444 www.nolte-kitchens.com Nolte Küchen reported that it had an overwhelmingly positive four days at the show, with strong interest from retailers, architects and developers. The brand was displaying ranges across price groups to allow independent specialists to tailor the product to their clientele. As well as exhibiting a striking display with the brand’s Torino Lack range in black, Nolte was also introducing its brand-new Nolte SPA bathroom collection to a UK audience

ek&bbusiness

kbb birmingham | special report

CRL STONE

WHAT YOU SAID... I believe our ‘we do it all’ mentality has led to our most successful kbb Birmingham to date in terms of design, innovation and product scope, with most stand interest focussed on our new 100% recycled kitchen range, Renzo. In fact, industry reaction has been incredible, which has confirmed for us that it’s the right time for this style of eco-friendly furniture product” Simon Bodsworth, managing director, Daval

Umbria Tel: 01706 863 600 www.crlstone.co.uk With several new colours launched at the show, CRL Stone was showcasing the breadth of its portfolio alongside additions to its Ceralsio and CRL Quartz ranges, with the main attraction being its Ceralsio Umbria colour. Launched in response to the trend for darker materials, Umbria’s grey tones combine well with other surfaces, and it has a slim 12mm profile making it ideal for contemporary schemes

MEREWAY Q-Line range Tel: 08000 284 466 www.mereway.co.uk The new contemporary-style Q-Line range in Mereway’s Cucina Colore collection features a handleless door in a choice of textured ceramic and smooth or polished glass. The low 60mm plinth line is teamed with doors in three widths – 1600, 1800 and 2000mm – enabling designers to offer spacious storage, while the range of grip profiles and plinths in brushed metal and painted options offer a touch of luxe

DAVAL Renzo collection Tel: 01484 848 500 www.daval-furniture.co.uk Attracting over 500 visitors to its stand over the four days at the show, Daval said that it had had its most successful outing at kbb to date and was highlighting its ‘we do all’ approach to providing its customers with a complete home solution. One of the star products on its stand was the Renzo FSC Certified contemporary kitchen range, pictured here in Charred Japanese Wood with the Mayfair range in Hunter Green

FISHER & PAYKEL Black touch-screen ovens Tel: 08000 886 605 www.fisherpaykel.com/uk Fisher & Paykel hosted a launch with a special guest appearance from TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle, and was highlighting the brand’s New Zealand heritage on its stand, which had been created by three up-and-coming New Zealand designers. On display was the brand’s sleek new range of black touchscreen ovens, pictured, as well as additions to its column refrigeration range, and the new black styling for the DishDrawer

INSINKERATOR Additional steaming hot water taps Tel: 01923 297 881 www.insinkerator.emerson.com/en-gb As well as some of its waste disposal products, and new NeoChiller to provide filtered, chilled water to its 4N1 Touch taps, InSinkErator was previewing a new range of additional steaming hot water taps. Available in J or U shapes in six metallic finishes including brand-new Arctic Steel or Brushed Bronze, as well as Velvet Black, the FHC3010 and FHC3020 models dispense steaming hot water and ambient cold water, while the FH3010 and FH3020 provide steaming hot water only www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

JJO Holcombe bedroom furniture Tel: 01706 877 877 www.jjoplc.com JJO presented its rebranded Holcombe bedroom furniture range (previously Colonial Bedrooms) with new cabinet colours and construction, fascias and accessories. Also launched in the Eco Bathroom furniture collection was Apri, a modular basin unit in Rose Pink and River Wash, a unit that combines a 600mm basin with a large 60-litre laundry basket, as well as a prototype of a wetroom basin unit in concrete. Making kitchen debuts were the handleless Moderna in Matt White and Matt Indigo, Haddington in Dark Green and a Matt White 22mm J profile door

SHOWERWALL SOTTINI Vintage Birds wall panel Tel: 08456 047 334 www.showerwall.co.uk There were no fewer than 26 designs being introduced to Showerwall’s bathroom wall panelling portfolio, showcased in inspirational displays to demonstrate how they can be best installed in a retail setting. The 14 new HPL designs include four synchronised options that emulate marble and stone, while the nine customised digital prints feature five wallpaper styles and four tile effects. Proving a real attention-grabber was the Vintage Birds design, seen here with Showerwall product manager Steph Harris, the three new terrazzo designs, and Sage, Sky and Blush, the trio of pastel colours joining the Acrylic range

Fusaro furniture Tel: 01482 449 513 www.sottini.co.uk At its first time at the show as a standalone brand Sottini unveiled additions to sanitaryware, brassware and furniture collections. Featuring the same design synergy and soft square design, the new Rienza basins have been created to complement the new Caffaro WCs. Also launched was the Ceno brassware range, in a simple, minimalist design, and Fusaro furniture in four finishes of Dark Walnut, Gold Oak, Gloss White and Matt Anthracite. A special installation called Serenity 2020, designed to ‘elevate the functional and inspire wellbeing’, featured the curvaceous freestanding Piomba bath

KARONIA ROCA Smart shower Tel: 01530 510 007 www.uk.roca.com Technology was key for Roca as it unveiled its new Smart Shower. Customisable settings allow users to set shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates, which can be programmed via the colour LCD display or an app, and it can feature up to three outlets, two of which can work simultaneously. Also on display was: the new Savana countertop collection with its curvaceous Ohtake basin; the Lander furniture range; coloured sanitaryware in its Beyond and Inspira ranges; plus its Everlux PVD brassware finishes

Seastrom worktop Tel: 08456 580 333 www.karonia.com Solid-surface specialist Karonia introduced its Mistral range of 25mm solid-surface worktops at kbb 2010 and returned to the NEC to preview a trio of marble-inspired worktops, which will form The Unique Collection alongside the Aria and Moonscape decors unveiled in 2018. Set to officially launch on 11 May, the nature-inspired Atacalma, River Rock and Seastorm, pictured, will come in four sizes

WHAT YOU SAID... This was the seventh kbb show for Cosentino and this year has been one of the most successful. Our stand was consistently busy, with Sunday and Monday bringing the most footfall. We also had our products feature on other stands, with great cross promotion through social media” Paul Gidley, regional director, Cosentino UK It was an excellent show, particularly given the stories concerning the coronavirus. Footfall was excellent, our stand was consistently busy and we are confident that the show will accelerate the growth of all three categories of products. We look forward to kbb 2022” John Pollitt, sales and marketing director, JJO

ek&bbusiness

VILLEROY & BOCH Architectura sanitaryware Tel: 02088 714 028 www.villeroy-boch.co.uk Villeroy & Boch chose to exhibit in a suite outside of the main exhibition hall where it presented a new basin and back-to-wall pan for its O.Novo range and a new wall-hung pan, which is joining its Architectura collection. A Matt White finish was debuted on Avento and Venticello sanitaryware while furniture from the Collaro and Avento ranges were showcased. In addition, visitors were given the opportunity to visualise a selection of the company’s bestselling ranges via a Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre

www.kbbdaily.com

kbb birmingham | special report

BUSHBOARD

LAUFEN

Options Underground Stucco worktop Tel: 01933 232 242 www.bushboard.co.uk Laminate worktop manufacturer Bushboard highlighted its relaunched and repositioned Options and Omega ranges and introduced eight new decors to its super-slim Evolve collection of 12.5mm-thick work surfaces. The new-look Options range of postformed worktops now features 40 decors in 38mm, including the new Underground Stucco Ultramatt, pictured, and ten decors in 28mm, all with the company’s Q3 profile. The Omega range welcomed 24 new decors, now totalling 50, in thicknesses of 22mm and 38mm

New Classic furniture Tel: 01530 510 007 www.laufen.co.uk The award-winning New Classic range, designed for Laufen by Marcel Wanders, was displayed more comprehensively at kbb Birmingham than it had been at Sleep + Eat, where it made its UK debut. Seen in a variety of bathroom settings, it was the star of the stand for marketing manager Emma Mottram, pictured. The show provided the platform for the launch of new Val cloakroom basins and new furniture, on display in a metallic Rose Gold finish, which joined the existing Sonar range designed by Patricia Urquiola. Visitors were also treated to a preview of new coloured brassware set to join the Kartell range in July

RAK CERAMICS UK Feeling collection Tel: 01730 237 850 www.rakceramics.com/uk RAK Ceramics returned to kbb Birmingham with its biggest, most ambitious stand to date. Colour was making its mark as the company showcased RAK-Feeling, a collection of shower trays, enclosures, sanitaryware and brassware available in five matt colours. Also making its UK show debut was RAK-Cloud, a sanitaryware range designed by Giuseppe Maurizo Scutella, and RAK-Variant, a modular washbasin collection, pictured, created by Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri. There was also a glimpse of the new RAK-Des range – a tribute to the Bauhaus school – set to become available in the UK next year, as well as some of the company’s large-format tiles

COSENTINO Dekton Liquid Sky Tel: 01256 761 229 www.cosentino.com Cosentino launched its new Dekton Liquid collection, designed by pattern experts Patternity. The three designs – Sky, Shell and Embers – are inspired by nature and environmental awareness and feature swirling patterns. Also joining the Dekton brand was the luxurious Avante Garde series, which features three colours in a high shine finish; five new colours for the Portfolio range; Uyuni, the first solid white Dekton colour; and Feroe and Baltic, the first colours to join the Chromica by Daniel Germani range. Also previewed was new Silestone by Cosentino colours including three new concrete finishes – Camden, Calido and Anders – and new Sensa by Cosentino designs – Graphite Grey and Siberia www.kbbdaily.com

NEWFORM Thermo Easy thermostat Tel: 01279 771 159 www.newform.it The recipient of the award for the Best Bathroom Stand Under 50sq m, Italian brassware brand Newform returned to the show, where it made its UK debut two years ago, with a variety of new and bestselling products. Attracting attention were the new Blink and Nio ranges, plus the Thermo Easy thermostat, which made its UK debut. In round or rectangular formats, it is compatible with every Newform collection and features elegant, flush-fit buttons that control up to three functions – overhead shower, hand shower and body jets. It comes in 14 finishes from Chrome, Glossy Gold and Matt Black to Copper Satin and PVD Copper Bronze. The company also used kbb Birmingham to promote its new distribution partnership with brassware specialists Marflow Engineering, which will provide UK stock holding and sales technical support for Newform

kbb 2020 was a positive and worthwhile experience for Villeroy & Boch and it was exciting to see our customers being inspired by showcased bathroom products̜ Anna Waitr, CRM, sales and marketing manager, Villeroy & Boch, Bathroom and Wellness Division

ek&bbusiness

Impressively elegant. Remarkably intense. Sinks and bowls in Black, defining kitchen designs.

NEW BLACK SILGRANIT® PuraDur®

Sinks and bowls available from Summer 2020.

An ultimate expression of confidence or a subtle touch of elegance. SILGRANIT® PuraDur® Black is the must-have tone for interior designers all over the world. The new black from BLANCO has a real depth, creating breathtakingly opulent accents in kitchens with lighter woods, stones and colours, or exuding subtle luxury when elegantly integrated into black-themed kitchens. Discover distinctive design possibilities and the uniquely robust, easy-care material properties of SILGRANIT® PuraDur® in a diverse selection of sinks and bowls, now available in timelessly beautiful Black. 01923 635 201

info@blanco.co.uk

blanco.co.uk

kbb birmingham | special report

MERLYN Arysto X shower enclosure Tel: 08081 011 429 www.merlynshowering.com Merlyn’s 60sq m stand offered a preview of the new Arysto X ahead of its official launch in July. Made from 10mm-thick, 2000mm-high glass, with Mershield Stayclear protective coating, it has a slim bracing bar discreetly hidden behind the top edge of the door for a frameless effect while the ergonomicallydesigned handle doubles as a towel rail. Also making a splash was the new Colour Collection, which comes with Matt Black, Stainless Steel or Brushed Brass fixings, and the company’s frameless showerwalls from the Black Range. Merlyn was also promoting its partnership with breast cancer trust the Pink Ribbon Foundation and its Just a reminder campaign, which encourages people to check their breasts while showering, with special guest Hayley Sparkes, a Brand Ambassador for the foundation

KINEDO

CRL STONE Venetian Arte worktop Tel: 01706 863 600 www.crlstone.co.uk There were six new quartz and four ceramic colours being introduced by CRL Stone. Among the surfaces joining the CRL Quartz collection was Venetian Arte, which was described by sales director David Beckett as something of a “marmite colour”; the dark grey Siena, featuring chalky white lines for a stone effect; and Lugano, characterised by distinctive veining. Additions to the Ceralsio ceramic collection included Umbria with a textured finish and Bianco Silver in natural and polished versions

Kinemoon shower trays Tel: 02088 420 033 www.kinedo.co.uk It was the first time that Kinedo, which is part of the Saniflo group, has exhibited at the show as a standalone brand. Ann Boardman, head of marketing and product management, said the stand had been “rammed” with visitors keen to see the new Brooklyn shower cubicle, which was displayed with black profiles, shower and silk screen printed lines on the transparent glass. Also on show were a selection of the brand’s textured, cutable shower trays, including the new stoneeffect Kinemoon trays, which come in five finishes and measure just 26mm high

VICTORIA + ALBERT 100% matt baths and basins Tel: 01952 221 100 www.vandabaths.com It was Victoria + Albert’s first time exhibiting at kbb Birmingham and the British brand used the show to launch its new matt finish, which was shown on the Amalfi bath and basin. Available on 12 of its bestselling baths and basins, the matt products are made from the same Quarrycast material as their glossy counterparts but cast in a different way. The company also highlighted its new colour service, which sees the exterior of its freestanding baths and basins now available in 194 RAL colours, while the Taizu bath, launched at the Sleep + Eat show, was also attracting attention

WHAT YOU SAID... kbb proved to be upbeat and positive, despite recent challenges. There was good representations from the bathroom sector and a significant number of new products on display. It was good to see that many manufacturers focused on sustainability and I loved all the new colours that were introduced. There was substantial interest shown by bathroom manufacturers and distributors in the Unified Water Label (UWL), as they begin to take on board that consumers are seeking information about the water usage of the products they buy. There is still work to be done to encourage the manufacturers that do use UWL to promote it more and kbb provided the ideal opportunity to share this message” Yvonne Orgill, MD, Unified Water Label It was a tiring but enjoyable four-day event seeing so many customers, old and new. We hope the event will be a great kickstart for 2020 – there was a really positive vibe there. It was fantastic for us to have a stand full of new launches – and some interesting prototypes for the future” David Osborne, managing director, Roman

www.kbbdaily.com

ROMAN Liberty Fluted Glass wetroom panels Tel: 01325 311 318 www.roman-showers.com British shower enclosure manufacturer Roman used its 80sq m stand to launch a raft of new products including the star of the stand, the Liberty Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels. Innov8 Sliders and Innov8 Curved Quadrants, which come in a Matt Black finish as well as Silver Chrome, were introduced as was the new Liberty Black Grid Hinged Door with In-line panel. The company says it welcomed “record-breaking numbers” of visitors to its stand during the show, which it hailed a great success

ek&bbusiness

BRAND NEW LOOK

DAILY NEWSLETTER DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

www.kbbdaily.com

INDUSTRY-LEADING BESPOKE WORKSURFACES One of the largest, most innovative range of materials, profiles and processes.

We provide the sum of the parts, provide the sum of the kitchen parts, soWe you can create the whole so you can create the whole kitchen

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION AT http://subscribe.kbbdaily.com/ekbbusiness

e: projectsupport@pws.co.uk t: 01325 621 303 w: www.pws.co.uk 52

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

kbb birmingham | special report

DANSANI You furniture Tel: 08005 871 725 www.dansani.co.uk Danish brand Dansani found the 2020 show so successful it has already signed up for 2022. It showed off its You collection of bathroom furniture – a first UK showing. In three distinct styles – Vintage (pictured, with grooved fronts), Urban and Classic – and an abundance of colours and sizes, the range incorporates mirrored cabinets, lighting and accessories. Also a talking point was Kustomhouse Foss (Old Norse for waterfall) – a new bespoke concept allowing Dansani to create tailor-made bathroom furniture using any colour and material from marble and wood, to copper and glass. On display was furniture featuring marble fronts, servo-drive and solid wood finger-drawer boxes

ABODE ACQUABELLA Coniq R tap Tel: 01226 283 434 www.abode.eu Incoming Abode MD Matthew Pitt (below) hailed the exhibition a “great success”. Abode, exhibiting at the show for the tenth consecutive time, showcased a trio of designled, yet affordable kitchen tap ranges – Coniq R, pictured in Brushed Nickel, Coniq S and Tubist – which come in a variety of finishes. Other highlights included the launch of Propure, Abode’s most cost-effective 4 IN 1 tap to date and Prothia, its slimmest, most affordable 3 IN 1 hot water tap range. Both join the company’s Pronteau range and are designed for use with the new Proboil.2X boiler. The Puria Aquifier water filter mixer tap range made its show debut while there was a preview of System Sync, a prototype of a new compact sink range

Smart quiz shower tray Tel: +34 647 311 024 www.acquabella.com/en Spanish bathroom brand Acquabella picked up the award for best bathroom stand over 50sq m as it returned to kbb Birmingham for the fourth time. One of the showstoppers on its stand, which was dressed to impress featuring a fashion boutique concept under the ‘Acquabella Store’ strapline, was the Smart Quiz shower tray. Featuring three high-definition finishes, the striking, geometric shower tray has a drain hidden in its centre and a grating that is fully integrated into its shapes

CARRON BATHROOMS

WHAT YOU SAID... We scanned nearly double the amount of attendees, and had to send out for extra brochures on the last day, so it’s been really positive. The event has been a great success for Abode. I’ve been with Abode for over ten years and have worked the stand at kbb throughout, but this was my first one as MD, so it was extra special. It was great to get such support from industry colleagues and customers” Matthew Pitt, MD, Abode We found the show a pleasure to be part of. We were very busy with well-established business partners as well as meeting lots of new potentials. It is a joy to see our customers again having a spring in their step and being positive about the future. Our conscious plan of moving up in the market is paying off. We are excited and ready to go with the follow up work from this exciting opportunity” Christian Asmussen, MD, Dansani

www.kbbdaily.com

Matt white acrylic Tel: 01324 638 407 www.carronbathrooms.com At bath manufacturer Carron’s second time at the show it unveiled a tactile new Matt White acrylic finish on its Profile Duo bath. It also rolled out its enhanced ColourMatch service, which now sees the company offer all its freestanding baths in any RAL colour, with an eye-catching display featuring its Celsius bath in Classic Blue, Pantone’s Colour of the Year. Also turning heads were the striking Matt Anthracite handgrips, designed to complement black brassware, shown on its Quantum Integra bath

PERRIN & ROWE Armstrong tap Tel: 01708 526 361 www.perrinandrowe.co.uk Perrin & Rowe, Shaws and Victoria + Albert Baths share a sales and marketing team following the acquisition of all three by the Fortune Brands group of companies, so exhibited together on the same centrally-located stand. Making its debut for Perrin & Rowe was Armstrong, a new industrial kitchen brassware range. On display in English Bronze, Aged Brass and Satin Brass, but also available in five other finishes, it comes with smooth or textured lever handles. Both the single-lever and bridge tap come with the option of a pull-down rinse. On the bathroom side, its Hoxton brassware range, including a tall single-lever basin mixer, was on show

ek&bbusiness

GROHE BLUE PURE FILTER TAPS PURE TASTE, PURE ENJOYMENT Add great taste to your kitchen, effortlessly, with a GROHE Blue Pure Filter tap. The filter technology turns tap water into delicious tasting filtered drinking water, removing impurities that can impair the taste. The filter fits easily under your sink and the tap still offers the normal functionality of a kitchen tap. Available in 4 designs, Minta pull-out, BauCurve, Mono and Eurosmart. The GROHE Blue Eurosmart model (pictured) has also achieved the highly regarded seal of approval from Good Housekeeping Institute. Put pure, refreshing, filtered water at the heart of your kitchen with a GROHE Blue Pure tap. grohe.co.uk

essential bathrooms | design inspiration

BATHROOMS

p55

– p71

THIS MONTH’S DESIGN INSPIRATION

DURAVIT White, in its many guises, is being embraced by German manufacturer Duravit, which is using various shades of this subtle, understated hue across its new Viu/XViu and Happy D.2 Plus ranges. Created in collaboration with Sieger Design, the XViu washstand seen here blends a crisp white basin with Champagne Matt profiles

Designed by Cecilie Manz, Duravit’s Luv range combines Nordic minimalism with timeless elegance. This vanity unit, in Nordic White with a Satin Matt finish, features a large, oval countertop basin in Glazed White

www.kbbdaily.com

The wall-hung vanity units in the Happy D.2 Plus range by Sieger Design feature Duravit’s patentpending c-shaped technology to seamlessly blend the basin with the unit

“Off White has become increasingly popular as a shade in the bathroom. The mix of white and gentle beige brings an element of softness to a room and creates very inviting bathrooms”

Martin Carroll, MD, Duravit UK

ek&bbusiness

NEW PRODUCTS

Your monthly update of the latest bathroom designs Words Nicola Hanley

Hudson Reed’s newlook Sarenna modular furniture range now comes in three tactile satin finishes

2 3

4 1

PATTERN TILES Harvey Maria Tel: 03303 301 231 www.harveymaria.com Created by British designer Dee Hardwicke, Harvey Maria’s new Pattern collection of luxury vinyl floor tiles is inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement from the turn of the 20th century. Each of the four designs within the range is centred around a geometric flower motif adapted from an original ceramic illustration. Reminiscent of handpainted Moroccan tiles, pictured is Larkspur. Warm Terracotta, Meadow Green and Ashen colour ways complete the range 56

ek&bbusiness

SUNNE FURNITURE

SLATE EFFECT SHOWER TRAY

Frontline Bathrooms Tel: 08454 702 424 www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk Frontline Bathrooms’ Sunne furniture collection is wall-mounted to free up floor space and combines water-resistant, oak-effect sides with a Matt White body. The 600mm and 800mm vanity units also feature a solid surface basin and natural stone worktop. Cut-out handles have been incorporated to enhance the contemporary look. Both wall units, which come in left-hand or right-hand configurations, and vanity units feature soft-close hinges

Matki Tel: 01454 322 888 www.matki.co.uk New from Matki is a range of slateeffect shower trays and floors. With a textured, anti-slip finish, the new trays are manufactured in Cornwall and are made from cast stone resin with a gel coating. The company says they come in any colour via Tile Matching, RAL or Pantone and are available in a variety of standard sizes with trays starting from 905 x 905mm to 1700 x 905mm and shower floors from 760 x 760mm to 2000 x 1000mm

SARENNA RANGE Hudson Reed Tel: 01422 417 100 www.hudsonreed.co.uk Previously available in a woodgrain effect, Hudson Reed’s new-look Sarenna modular furniture range now comes in three tactile satin finishes: Moon White, Dove Grey and Mineral Blue. Featuring a contemporary curved design, the wall-hung vanity units, in widths of 700mm and 1000mm, feature a white polymarble basin and chrome handle. Also included in the range is a new wall-hung 300mm side unit, a wall-hung 350mm tall unit and a floorstanding 550mm WC unit www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | new products

5 6

7 5

BETTEFORM BATH Bette Tel: 08448 000 547 www.bette.co.uk German manufacturer Bette has redesigned its fitted BetteForm bath, which is made from the company’s glazed titanium-steel. The new-look bath features a more contemporary design and a wider back rest, which Bette says is more comfortable, and extra standing space when used as a shower-bath. Like its predecessor, it offers retailers a glazed steel bath at a more mid-market price point. With a depth of 420mm, it comes in 12 sizes ranging from 1400 x 700mm to 1900 x 800mm www.kbbdaily.com

DOUBLE ENDED DRIFT BATH

ASTUTE TOWEL WARMER

POSITANO BLUE TERRAZZO PANEL

Waters Baths of Ashbourne Tel: 01332 824 166 www.watersbaths.co.uk Featuring seamless, fluid lines and sweeping curves, the new freestanding Drift bath from Waters Baths of Ashbourne is one of the latest additions to its i-Line collection. Designed to complement white sanitaryware, the superscooped bath is made from 100% recyclable Lucite acrylic with a glossy finish. With a double-ended design, Drift measures 1600 x 800 x 630-560mm

Vogue UK Tel: 01902 387 000 www.vogueuk.co.uk Radiator manufacturer Vogue UK has launched Astute, a contemporary towel warmer made from lightweight aluminium. Designed to provide a more efficient and eco-friendly heating solution, it has a low water content and is suitable for central heating, electric or dual-fuel installations. Astute measures 1200 x 500 x 100mm and has a heat output of 778W. It comes in White or Anthracite, pictured, and features ten cross bars in a three-three-four design

Showerwall Tel: 08456 047 334 www.showerwall.co.uk Tapping into one of 2020’s biggest material trends, Showerwall has launched three new terrazzo designs, including Positano Blue Terrazzo, pictured. Ideal for use in shower enclosures, around and behind baths or to create feature walls, the company’s shower walls are designed to be 100% waterproof and come in panel sizes of 600mm, 900mm, 1200mm and 1220mm x 2440mm in square edge or Proclick installation ek&bbusiness

INSPIRING BATHROOMS. DESIGNED FOR LIFE.

Fresh air with DuoFresh odour extraction unit.

Clever comb insert prevents drain from clogging.

More flexibility with the modular magnetic wall.

:LWK SOHQW\ RI IHDWXUHV WKDW XVH RXU \HDUV RI H[SHUWLVH *HEHULW R HUV DQ H[FLWLQJ VDOHV RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU UHWDLO SDUWQHUV 2XU FRPSOHWH EDWKURRP VROXWLRQV DUH GHVLJQHG WR PDNH OLYHV HDVLHU IURP FHUDPLF ZDOO KXQJ VROXWLRQV XVLQJ WUXVWHG FRQFHDOHG IUDPHV WR LQQRYDWLYH VKRZHU WRLOHWV DQG EHDXWLIXO IXUQLWXUH ZLWK FOHYHU IHDWXUHV *HEHULW SURGXFWV R HU D SHUIHFW EDODQFH RI WLPHOHVV GHVLJQ DQG RXWVWDQGLQJ IXQFWLRQ )LQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH FRPSOHWH *HEHULW R HULQJ DW JHEHULW FR XN

essential bathrooms | new products

11 12 9 9

VALENCIA RANGE CP Hart Tel: 03458 731 121 www.cphart.co.uk Manufactured by German family-owned company Joerger and available in the UK exclusively at CP Hart, Valencia is a new brassware range inspired by the interiors of luxury, contemporary automobiles. Featuring smooth curves with subtle knurled handles inlaid with hand-crafted black crystal glass, the range consists of basin, freestanding bath, pictured, and bidet mixers, showerheads and coordinating accessories. They are available in 15 colours including Chrome and Gold, and in polished, brushed and matt finishes www.kbbdaily.com

KOCOON SHOWER CUBICLE

PENDANT SQUARE PERFECTION WC

Kinedo Tel: 02088 420 033 www.kinedo.co.uk From Saniflo’s Kinedo collection, Kocoon is a new self-contained shower cubicle combining chromeframed shower walls, a low-profile shower tray, overhead rain shower, handset and valve. The shower walls come in three designs, including a tile pattern in Grey or Beige, while the shower tray is textured for added grip and is available in White or Taupe. The cubicle comes in size configurations from 1000-1700mm for corner and recess installations

Toto Tel: 02078 317 544 gb.toto.com Japanese manufacturer Toto has introduced two new wall-hung WCs – the Round Perfection (RP) and Pendant Square Perfection (SP) pictured. The two models have been designed to look as though the seat and ceramic body blend into a single, cohesive unit and feature a rimless design for added hygiene and ease of cleaning. They are also coated with Cefiontect glaze to protect the ceramic surface and feature the company’s Tornado flush, which uses 4.5 litres of water per flush

GRECO TILES Ceramique Internationale Tel: 01132 310 218 www.tilesandmosaics.co.uk Ceramique Internationale says that it has responded to a growing demand for textured tiles with the Greco collection. Featuring a classical mild marble effect, the 250 x 400mm wall tiles come in Light Grey and Light Beige and are complemented by 330 x 330mm glazed porcelain floor tiles. The range also includes a 3D wall tile, which measures 250 x 400mm, embossed with seven floral and geometric relief patterns in beige and grey mixes ek&bbusiness

MIENA WASHBASIN Kaldewei Tel: 01480 498 053 www.kaldewei.co.uk German manufacturer Kaldewei, which received a Green Good Design Award in 2017 for its sustainability, says that it avoids using colour additives in the production of its steel enamel bathroom products, which are 100% recyclable. Pictured in Alpine White is the round Miena washbasin, freestanding Meistertueck Classic Duo Oval bath and award-winning Nexsys shower tray

GOING

GREEN 60

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | special report

Manufacturers are flying the green flag with the latest high-performing, sustainable bathroom products, which allow consumers to reduce their impact on the environment without economising on style Words Nicola Hanley

scalating energy bills and the Methven UK CEO Martin Walker agrees and rise of the conscious consumer says that the New Zealand-based brassware are having a positive impact on manufacturer is seeing sales of its waterthe market for eco-friendly saving products increase. “Over the last bathroom products. According five years we have seen products with our to MTW Research’s Bathroom water-saving technology outsell our other Market Trends Report 2019*, sales of eco showering products as people strive to reach bathroom products have grown by 40% in the Environment Agency’s targets of reducing the last ten years and – before the Covid-19 water usage per person by 40 litres or more.” outbreak at least – were forecast to exceed Grohe’s Paul Bailey also comments on £330m in 2020. “Legislation, water metering, the change in consumer buying patterns. product labelling, “As a nation we are innovation and societal becoming more aware expectations have of the impact we are boosted demand having on the planet. for eco bathroom Homeowners are more products rapidly,” aware of their water says Mark Waddy, consumption than MTW’s director. ever, which is in Cost, aesthetics turn leading to more and performance informed purchasing may still be the main behaviours,” he says. Paul Bailey, senior category manager, Grohe considerations for “Sustainability will have

“Sustainability will play an increasingly bigger part on consumer purchasing trends in 2020 and beyond̜

homeowners making a purchase, but the environmental impact of bathroom products, from the materials and manufacturing processes used to make them to the amount of water and energy they will consume once installed, has definitely become increasingly important, too. Historically consumers often had to sacrifice design or performance when opting for greener products that would ease their eco conscience. However, Paul Bailey, senior category manager at Grohe, says that consumers no longer need to compromise. “With more advanced technology, many economical options are still able to deliver an excellent experience.”

an increasingly bigger effect on consumer purchasing trends in 2020 and beyond.” According to research conducted by Trend Monitor in association with the BMA in 2018, sales of water-saving products could grow further if more retailers promoted their benefits to consumers. “Sales of water-efficient products are being hampered by lack of customer awareness. Up to 80% of bathroom consumers indicated that water efficiency was a key purchase influencer, but over 40% weren’t made aware of the amount of water individual products will use,” notes the Bathroom Purchasing Trends, Consumer Insight Report**. f

METALLIC FINISHES Methven Tel: 08001 951 602 www.methven.com Brassware manufacturer Methven’s award-winning T roa showerheads feature the New Zealand-based company’s V-Jet spray technology, which delivers a water-saving nine litres per minute. They are available in Stainless Steel and three metallic finishes: Gunmetal Black, Graphite and Gold. Methven says these PVD finishes are some of “the most environmentally friendly coatings available”, containing no toxic ingredients or chemicals

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

The Beyond Collection

The Beyond Collection creates a statement, its elegant curves and soft lines contribute to its sleek and contemporary design; making it the perfect addition to any bathroom space.

www.uk.roca.com

essential bathrooms | special report

f The Unified Water Label (UWL), which includes information on water flow, flush or volume, provides retailers with a clear and simple system to help consumers identify how much water and energy a product will use. “The Water Label is an excellent way for consumers to become more aware of how watersaving their choice of tap or shower is,” advises Margaret Talbot, Vitra’s marketing manager. But, says UWL MD Yvonne Orgill, many retailers are currently missing a trick by not utilising the water label more. “Installers and retailers are not yet exploiting the UWL to their advantage and could do much more by promoting products that are registered and educating consumers on these options,” she says.

As well as water-saving taps, showers and WCs, products manufactured from responsibly sourced and recyclable materials, such as aluminium or steel, and those made in leaner and greener factories, which adopt manufacturing processes that are less harmful to the environment, are also appealing to eco-conscious consumers. “Sustainability is as much about the ability to reuse as it is about those products that provide environmental protection,” says Vitra’s Talbot. “Vitra’s Blue Life pledge with sustainability being an integral part of our design process makes buying beautiful bathrooms guilt-free.” Q *MTW Research Bathroom Market Trends Report 2019, £475. www.marketresearchreports.co.uk

**Trend Monitor Bathroom Purchase Trends, Consumer Insight Report, £849. www.trend-monitor.co.uk

The Water Label is an excellent way for consumers to become more aware of how water-saving their choice of tap or shower is̜ Margaret Talbot, marketing manager, Vitra

SMART PANEL FLUSH PLATE Vitra Tel: 01235 750 990 www.vitra.co.uk According to Vitra, the WC is flushed on average 7.7 times per person per day, making it the main culprit for water wastage in the home. In glossy black glass, Vitra’s Smart Panel Flush Plate can be synced to a smart device via the company’s app, allowing users to flush remotely and also record data so that they can see how much water is used per week to help identify how to be more efficient. It has three flushing options using four, three or 2.5 litres of water, while an auto-flush mode, which supplies the optimum amount of water for each flush, is also available. It is pictured with the V-Care shower toilet

BEAMS MONO ELECTRIC RADIATOR Vasco Tel: 07391 086 607 www.vasco.eu Vasco’s Beams Mono electric radiator is made from recycled aluminium, which is fully recyclable, and features a minimalist, contemporary design. Perfect for compact bathrooms, it measures just 150mm wide, is 1800mm high and has a heat output of 950W. It is available in 55 colours, is suitable for use on its own or with up to three installed side by side, and comes with a choice of optional towel rails

www.kbbdaily.com

RAINFINITY OVERHEAD SHOWER Hansgrohe Tel: 01372 472 056 www.hansgrohe.co.uk Finished in Chrome, Hansgrohe’s Rainfinity Overhead shower 250 utilises the company’s EcoSmart technology to deliver a sustainable nine litres of water per minute, saving up to 60% compared to standard products. The EcoSmart aerator is integrated into the showerhead, which measures 250mm, mixing air with the water to produce what the company describes as a ‘full, bubbling jet of water’ ek&bbusiness

VitrA Origin Silent gracefulness

0 < /% :063 /&"3&45 4)08300. 1-&"4& 7*4*5 7*53" 4)08300.4 $0 6,

7*53"#"5)300.4 7*53" $0 6,

essential bathrooms | special report

ECO TRENDS QUARTZ CLASSIC SHOWER » “Dual-flushing (2.4/4 litre) WCs are among our most popular eco-friendly products and all of our standard height wall-hung frames come with a dual-flush function as standard” Margaret Talbot marketing manager, Vitra

Aqualisa Tel: 01959 560 010 www.aqualisa.co.uk Part of Aqualisa’s new Quartz collection of smart showers, the bestselling Quartz Classic digital shower can now be operated from a smart device using the Aqualisa app, by voice command via Alexa as well as a remote control on the wall. Individual shower profiles allow each member of the family to pre-set their preferred flow rate, between eight and 16.5 litres per minute, temperature and shower duration, which can be monitored through the app along with the cost of each shower

» “Smart technology is leading the way in energy-saving innovations. Setting the temperature of the shower before it is switched on means no unnecessary water wastage as the heat is adjusted. The timer functions on smart showers allow a maximum time limit to be set to keep consumers conscious of excess water usage” Suzannah Hallam product manager, Mira Showers » “Sanitaryware design has changed rapidly to better fit water-saving solutions. New water distributors within rimless toilets enable a strong flush, spreading water more consistently around the bowl for greater hygiene while reducing the amount of water used with each flush, allowing for even less water waste” Claire Gay marketing manager, Roca » “Shower toilets are set to slowly but surely become a staple of the modern eco bathroom as homeowners begin to recognise the sustainability benefits these smart toilet systems can offer” Paul Bailey senior category manager, Grohe » “Baths can be purchased where the overflow has yet to be drilled. Positioning a lower overflow restricts the amount of water that can be used in filling the bath” Barrie Cutchie design director, BC Designs

BETTEOCEAN LOWLINE BATH Bette Tel: 08448 000 547 www.bette.co.uk Designed by German studio Schmiddem, the BetteOcean Low-Line shower bath provides easy access thanks to its reduced depth, which also limits water capacity. It is made from 100% recyclable glazed titanium steel and comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 1500 x 700 x 380mm, which has a more sustainable capacity of 90 litres, to 1800 x 800 x 380mm. The German manufacturer also says that all products are made without chemicals or solvents and that in its factory it produces two thirds of its energy itself from its own sources

FLOW REGULATOR SHOWER » “Chrome is one of the most popular bathroom finishes. However, stainless steel has durable properties and the manufacturing process does not require chrome-plating, which can be harmful for the environment. In the future this material may be collected, reused and repurposed into new products” Martin Walker CEO, Methven UK

Bristan Tel: 03300 266 273 www.bristan.com One of Bristan’s bestselling shower ranges, the 1901 includes this exposed concentric chrome shower valve with diverter and rigid riser kit. It is fitted with flow regulators that reduce water consumption, saving an average of 11 litres of water per minute. Thermostatically controlled to prevent accidental scalding, it features a traditional, Edwardian-inspired design and is finished in the company’s Luminance chrome, which it says is scratch resistant

BAU COSMO E TAP Grohe Tel: 02082 832 840 www.grohe.co.uk The Bau Cosmo E tap range from Grohe features infra-red touchless technology, which, says the company, helps to reduce water consumption by only dispensing water when the sensor is activated. It also offers enhanced hygiene as there is no need to touch the handle. Other sustainable features include EcoJoy technology, which sees a water- and energy-saving aerator limit water flow to 5.7 litres per minute. Temperature can be adjusted via a discreet control on the side of the tap

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

touch

is a

g n h ti

With the wonderful Minerva 4-in-1 Electronic a touch is all it takes to deliver 100Â°C boiling, warm, cold or cold filtered water in an instant. Designed for a fast, flawless installation in as little as just 20 minutes, the Minerva 4-in-1 features our compact M-Box control box. This pipework tidying, space-saving unit can be fitted vertically or horizontally in customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cabinets. Now howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that for a neat little touch? Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

essential bathrooms | special report

VAL SINGLE LEVER MIXER Laufen Tel: 01530 510 007 www.laufen.co.uk Laufen’s contemporary Val brassware range, designed by Konstantin Grcic, includes this single-lever basin mixer with a fixed spout. In Chrome and also available in Matt Black, it features an Eco+ function that ensures the lever is automatically positioned in the cold-water range to prevent unwanted hot water and energy being used. It also has an integrated Ecototal cartridge, which controls the volume and heat of the water, reducing water and energy consumption by around 30% to 5.7 litres a minute at 3 bar pressure

MODE

Mira Tel: 02034 297 855 www.mirashowers.co.uk Mira’s Mode smart shower uses 16 litres of water per minute at 1 bar and at 0.1 bar. It can be operated by a push-button controller, separate on/ off remote control that can be placed outside the showering area and by the Mira Mode app. You can preselect the water temperature, which the company says reduces water wastage as users no longer need to adjust the heat, while a timer function enables a maximum time limit to be set to stop long showers

Over the last five years we have seen products with our water-saving technology outsell our other showering products̜ Martin Walker, CEO, Methven UK

» There are thousands of eco-friendly bathroom products available in the marketplace, which presents kbb retailers with a fantastic opportunity to respond to the growing demand from consumers to make more informed choices

HIGH NECK BASIN MIXER Roca Tel: 01530 510 007 www.uk.roca.com Roca’s deck-mounted, high neck Escuadra basin mixer incorporates the company’s Cold Start technology, said to reduce energy consumption by only activating the boiler when the handle is moved to hot. It also features a flow limiter to restrict water flow to five litres per minute. Featuring a contemporary single lever, this chrome-finished mixer is coated with Roca’s EverShine, which makes it easy to clean

» The Unified Water Label, (UWL) identifies innovative and technologically advanced bathroom products that deliver the bathing experience consumers enjoy, but use less water, saving energy and money » With clear evidence that the consumer is seeking to understand more about the environmental credentials of the products they buy, promoting products that carry the UWL makes commercial sense

ESSETA BATH BC Designs Tel: 01206 827 100 www.bcdesigns.co.uk Although BC Designs’ freestanding Esseta bath, which measures 1510 x 780 x 550mm, has an indulgent maximum capacity of 170 litres, it is available without a pre-drilled overflow to allow consumers to position it lower and restrict the amount of water that can be used. Made from the company’s Cian solid surface composite material, which blends acrylic modified polyester resin and mineral fillers, this bath comes in a Silk Matt finish and eight ColourKast colours

www.kbbdaily.com

Yvonne Orgill, MD at the Unified Water Label (UWL), explains how retailers can benefit from eco-friendly bathroom products with the UWL

» This independent and entirely voluntary Unified Water Label was developed by manufacturers in the UK bathroom industry and is now firmly established across Europe and beyond under the guidance of the European Bathroom Forum » The UWL has experienced strong growth: 18 manufacturers and a database of 800 products in 2008 growing to 155 brands and a database of 14,706 in 2019. The database is regularly cleansed so that it only includes products that are currently available in the marketplace » Choosing products from this database, which are then installed and used correctly, will deliver environmental and cost-saving benefits

Visit www.europeanwaterlabel.eu for more information

ek&bbusiness

, founder of Otto Tiles, is focussing on unique designs to lay a secure footing for her handmade tile business Words Amelia Thorpe Photos Paul Craig

ate works in mysterious ways. It’s an old adage, but one with which Damla Turgut, founder and UK MD of Otto Tiles, would probably agree. As a lawyer, she came to London in 2012 to study for a masters in banking and finance law, returning home to Turkey to find herself overqualified and unable to get a job in the flagging local economy. “I was rejected so many times that I decided to take a break,” she says of the reason she found herself trying to sell Turkish tiles to customers in Africa, thanks to her neighbour’s connections in the ceramics world and her fluency in several languages. “The tiles were dull, but I loved the business,” says Turgut, now 34. “I realised that I could create my own designs, developing Turkish, Ottoman and Anatolian patterns with a contemporary touch.” Determined to create a handmade product using the age-old techniques, she found a small number of artisanal workshops to make her designs, assembled two suitcases with tile samples and 25 catalogues and set off for London in 2015. “I just started googling interior designers in London, emailing them and arranging meetings. Then, because I was on such a limited budget, getting on public transport with two very heavy suitcases,” she recalls. “The first three years were very difficult, but last year we opened our first showroom in Turkey and then, in September, this

ek&bbusiness

showroom in London. Now it’s our fifth year and we are booming.” The new 120sq m showroom in East London displays Otto Tiles’ own ranges of cement and ceramic handmade tiles produced in 12 small ateliers in Turkey, plus zellige and bejmat tiles made in Morocco. It also sells a range of terrazzo tiles made in Turkey, shortly to be available in slab form, cut to order for countertops. The focus is on the unique. “We are the only company in Turkey producing tiles with contemporary patterns, matt finishes and rustic touches,” she says. Does she worry that the vogue for encaustic cement tiles might pass? “No,” says Turgut. “The beauty of them is that you create your own thing. Everything is made to order so colours and patterns can be customised as you wish.” Current clients include Soho House (eight projects, with another in Paris under way), Le Pain Quotidien and Starbucks, for whom Otto is the sole provider in the Middle East. Sales to designers working on hospitality, commercial and residential projects represent about 70% of sales in volume terms, but retail is growing as the brand becomes better known, explains Turgut. Next on the agenda is a plan to open a showroom in Florida or New York before 2020 is out. And, as to fate, does she miss the law? “Not all! It was so boring,” says Turgut. “I’ve got a big obsession with tiles and I love creating something unique and different.” Q

www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | Otto Tiles & Design

2 3

1 Damla Turgut, founder

4 The industrial style of the

and UK MD 2 Encaustic cement tiles

showroom is accentuated with

come in a wide selection of

reclaimed timber and metal

colours and patterns 3 Terrazzo tiles are

shelving by Filippo Pardini

cement-covered walls,

(fpbespoke.co.uk)

hardwearing and can be used on the floor, so it is no longer

1 www.kbbdaily.com

necessary to employ a specialist to create a solid piece on site

ek&bbusiness

DAMLA’S KITCHEN AND BATHROOM TILE TREND TIPS 1. Terrazzo is becoming increasingly popular ar for floors, walls and countertops. My preference is for the natural colours, used on a wall with a plain floor, or vice versa

2. Moroccan bejmat handcrafted natural clay 2 ti tiles, 14x5cm, have a unique, irregular finish, which makes them special. Fix them in a w hherringbone or vertical-horizontal layouts, on walls including splashbacks and shower walls and on floors

3. Oriental Fairy ceramic tiles are

hand-drawn and painted, then glazed. They make a stunning bathroom wall, teamed with a natural-coloured plain floor and brass or black taps and a shower framed in brass or black

4. Our Bamboo ceramic tiles have an unusual 4 3 effect that looks amazing on bathroom 3D walls. They would look especially striking on w tthe exterior of a curved shower wall

5. We have developed a unique sandblastedd finish for our encaustic cement tiles, such as Celestial Flower. Finished with a sealant, they can be used inside and outside, and have a matt, non-slip surface, ideal for wet areas

2 5

6. Mix a few Colourful Kite 6 D Diamond encaustic cement titiles at random into a floor or wall of plain, diamondo shaped tiles for a note of lively interest

1 The industrial style of the

4 Handmade bejmat tiles

showroom is accentuated with

come in a variety of colours

cement-covered walls,

and can be fixed in a choice

reclaimed timber and metal

of patterns 5 Plain encaustic cement tiles

shelving by Filippo Pardini (fpbespoke.co.uk) 2 Fish Scale mosaic tiles, right,

can be mixed and matched, or

are hand cut from Italian and

to striking effect 6 Cross Stripe handmade

Turkish marble 3 Tile samples are despatched in smart presentation boxes

combined with patterned tiles,

encaustic cement tiles make an eye-catching splashback

4 WHAT EFFECT WILL COVID 19 HAVE ON YOUR BUSINESS? “Whilst it has certainly slowed down our commercial work as the development of many hotels, restaurants and bars are on hold, our residential work remains very strong. With the majority of people now at home fulltime, we are seeing an increased interest in the trend for home renovation, from small projects such as kitchen splash backs to complete bathroom makeovers. Our distribution channels remain active and with a number of our designs in stock, product can still safely reach customers in a contact free delivery within a few days, whilst our made to order lead time remains the same.”

6 70

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

essential bathrooms | Otto Tiles & Design

1 1 Clockwise, from

3 Odi handmade

top left: Celestial Flower encaustic

encaustic cement tiles 4 Handmade natural

cement with

clay bejmat glazed tiles

sandblasted finish,

have a unique,

terrazzo above bejmat glazed clay,

irregular finish 5 Fish Scale mosaic

Bamboo ceramic,

tiles, right, are hand

Oriental Fairy ceramic,

cut from Italian and

Colourful Kite

Turkish marble 6 Oriental Fairy

Diamond encaustic cement tiles 2 Handmade Turkish

ceramic tiles are

ceramic tiles,

painted before glazing

hand-drawn and

developed from traditional patterns

2 4 PROFILE Otto Tiles & Design Who are we? Damla Turgut, founder and UK MD Where are we? Unit 11, 2 Ash Grove, London, E8 4RH Tel: 02037 291 072 www.ottotiles.co.uk What we do... Handmade tile supplier

5 6

Business history Otto Tiles was founded in Turkey in 2014 by Damla Turgut and remains owned by her today. All designs are created by Turgut and one other designer, based in Turkey, and everything is made to order and shipped worldwide, with the Middle East and America significant export markets for the company Retail prices start from £72m sq for terrazzo, rising to £360m sq for Carrara marble mosaic Sales stats “Our UK turnover was £650,000 last year,” says Damla Turgut. “We are expecting £1.5million this year” Staffing levels Seven including three in London and four in Turkey

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

essential showcase

Contact Sophie Roberts 0117 300 8801, sophie.roberts@immediate.co.uk

Introducing our new range, Enbury. A plywood door highlighting the laminated edges and finished in any of our standard colours or any special colour.

Bespoke manufacturers of top quality kitchen doors & accessories. Traditional to contemporary, In-frame and Lay-on door designs.

Elstead Lighting, established since 1969, has recently launched the Distinctive Lighting Bathroom and Kitchen collection. This priced catalogue is a great tool for designers. Its product reference codes are not online to help avoid price comparisons. To request a catalogue and learn more about EHFRPLQJ D UHVHOOHU FRQWDFW RXU VDOHV R FH ‘Formica, the Formica anvil device and Axiom are registered trademarks of the Diller Corporation’

www.elsteadlighting.com enquiries@elsteadlighting.com • 01420 82377

sales@landau.uk.com 01482 440680

essential directory

Contact Sophie Roberts 0117 300 8801, sophie.roberts@immediate.co.uk

Choose from 8 new stunning colour options only available in 650mm widths

Deralam Laminates West Coast Park, Bradley Lane, Standish, Wigan WN6 0YR

Introducing the new premier range go old solid surrface kitchen worktops

South Depot: Unit 10 - 10a Woodside Park, Foster Avenue, Dunstable LU5 5TA Tel: 01257 478540 Fax: 01257 478550 Email: sales@deralam.co.uk . www.deralam.co.uk

2/-+)$ 12 5/ 3 23%5 -3(13-5-42 35

go old solid surrface kitchen worktops 72

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

essential influences | design inspiration

INFLUENCES

p73

– p78

THIS MONTH’S DESIGN INSPIRATION

REED HARRIS A recent addition to the Reed Harris portfolio, the Medley porcelain stoneware tile collection comprises plain and patterned variants that can be mixed and matched on both walls and floors. Pictured here is Rock Blue on the floor, and Classic Blue terrazzo and Minimal Blue plain on the wall

The Medley Classic Green tile – shown here as a kitchen splashback – is one of six fresh colour ways in four pattern types with differing sizes of multi-tonal chippings

www.kbbdaily.com

Pictured on the floor is the Medley tile in Rock Grey, Classic Grey on the left wall and Minimal Grey on the right. Pink, White and Dark Grey variants are also available

“Medley is a modernday take on classical terrazzo – both playful and colourful in nature, it’s the perfect choice for today’s contemporary interiors”

Karen Brimacombe, business development manager, Reed Harris

ek&bbusiness

Want your website here? Send your request for a complimentary website review to ekbbusiness@immediate.co.uk

WEB DOCTOR Our Web Doctor monitors the pulse of one company’s online offering. This month, it’s AEG – so what’s the diagnosis?

www.aeg.co.uk here are Internet rabbit holes and then there are Internet black holes. May I present Exhibit 1 – FacebookWatch. I cannot recommend this pit of nonsense enough as, had I not discovered it, I would not know there is such a thing as a TV show where siblings and ‘friends’ give each other horrific tattoos in highly prominent places. And I don’t mean Trafalgar Square. There are tears, punch-ups and stunned silences. I’m unable to use the actual descriptive words in this high-quality publication; let’s just say there are a lot of body parts and inkings of a scatological nature. Bottom-scraping entertainment aside, what really sets FacebookWatch apart is that the videos all have subtitles. It’s estimated that up to 85% of Facebook videos are watched sound-off, subtitles on. Accessibility on websites back in the days of dial-up came in the form of alt-tags, which short text in the coding that described the images displayed. Now it has a much wider context and encompasses the navigability of your menus and functions and AEG’s site is a masterful example worth taking note of. Ovens is a good place to start. You can choose between built-in, steam or compacts 74

ek&bbusiness

or, if you need help to decide which is best for your requirements, make a start on your buying journey with a comprehensive buying guide. Via two chunky buttons these image-heavy explanations can even filter the content between a general focus on technologies, or on more specific considerations such as the size of your household and what type of chef you are. As modern appliances offer a growing number of fancy features, it’s a proper thumbstopping section. For those who want to make use of the quick views and comparison tool on the oven category landing screen, there’s a pop-out menu that will filter by colour, type and whether it is self-cleaning and has the Food Sensor technology. At a glance you can take in the colour-coded energy rating and see the customer rating in stars and how many there are. Digging into the individual product screens will reveal even more helpful features,

including those sometimes amusing usi g p product reviews. If your Polish is shaky, the accompanying graphics will show you how highly each reviewer rates their purchase by design, function and quality. Or you can tick a box to only see the ones in English. As you scroll down an additional menu drops down with quick links to specific items on the screen such as more details, key benefit and what accessories are available. As a fan of icons as a method of communication, I especially liked the round symbols that often appear to highlight benefits of steam technology, for example. A short explanation appears when you hover over them and in no time at all you become fluent in the language of Fast Heat Up and Sous Vide cooking. So slickly curated are the systems to keep you on the site and engaged, combined with a exquisite photography, it’s no surprise it kept me off FacebookWatch for long enough to imagine that there is hope for me yet. Q

“As a fan of icons as a method of communication, I especially liked the round symbols that often appear to highlight benefits of steam technology̜

www.kbbdaily.com

essential influences | web doctor

WEB WATCH |OUR PICK OF KBB WEBSITES A round-up of sites using top tech and enticement skills to keep you engaged A ST R IN N TO VA O RS

stoves.co.uk A hundred years in business and Stoves’s site is as fresh as a daisy

ashleyann.co.uk Customer projects even include video reviews of the happy punters Top marks On a desktop and a mobile screen the slightly see-through navigation bar stays at the top of the screen no matter how far down you scroll. Always there when you need to find your way, but doesn’t intrude on the visual space too much Works well The section devoted to the Ashley Ann story is beautifully supported by bespoke photography that shows the team, the manufacturing workforce and video backgrounds of the design and engineering process Could do better The socials are rather hidden down on the footer Suggestion box The showroom profiles include photographs and introductions to team members that visitors will meet when they visit. Could a panel on the home screen give this innovation more prominence? Attraction factor An attractive, technical success ++++

Top marks It’s refreshing to easily be able to find telephone numbers to speak to a human beings – three cover customer care, a product helpline and the spares store. There’s also all the usual manuals, brochures and a dedicated store for spares Works well The Our Heritage area is an enticing romp through the brand’s history and role in the changing face of kitchens Could do better The Instagram feed could do with some more real-life kitchens Suggestion box Would the Why Buy section work better as a walkthrough comparison process that goes over the main USPs for product types to discern what is best for them? Attraction factor Consumerfacing that ticks all the right boxes ++++

egger.com There’s a businesslike approach to the look and feel with the red, black and grey colour way

the1810company.co.uk News from August 2019 and a broken Twitter feed widget doesn’t engender confidence

burbidge.co.uk A potential-packed site could become a slimmer, faster version if an axe is taken to the prose

Top marks The mobile layout includes a top navigation bar that follows you as you scroll down and includes chunky, easy-to-use search, telephone and email links Works well The customer portal myEGGER offers a whole raft of benefits once you register, including product and image data ready for printing, an edging configurator and a place to order samples and marketing materials Could do better If you sit long enough on the site a chat bot box will pop up asking if you need any help. Is this type of feature a bit intrusive? Suggestion box When visiting the site in March, the latest news was December 2019 Attraction factor Would appeal to the technically minded ++

Top marks Next day delivery is a great selling point so it’s pleasing to see it given pride of place on the home screen Works well Individual product screens are simply but effectively laid out and also include a panel for related products to keep visitors browsing around the site Could do better As soon as you land the entire home screen is taken over by a pop-up advertising a recent magazine article. Would it be less disruptive to create a panel on the home screen that provides a link to the transcript and pictures? Suggestion box The desktop navigation is unwieldy but could easily adopt the mobile layout to solve this Attraction factor Coding problems are easily fixed ++

Top marks The nattily titled Your Kitchens is chocka with previous projects, attractively photographed and staged. You can also read about specific details such as the worktops and any design considerations. Very reassuring content Works well Why Burbidge gives a pleasantly visual walkthrough of the company’s history and ethos Could do better The amount of text on the home screen is bananas. It’s in a small font, and centred, thus making it an unpleasant task to wade through Suggestion box I was intrigued by the section called The Detail – great creative thinking on what sections should be called and entail. But, again, so much text Attraction factor Innovation is marred by verbosity ++

www.kbbdaily.com

simon-taylor.co.uk There’s a lot to read on the home screen, but photography will win visitors over Top marks Testimonials and many bespoke projects are given prominence – this brand has an energetic approach to collating its past projects to show off Works well The mobile menu has chunky icons for telephone and email to speed things up Could do better The Twitter feed shows only 106 followers. If a platform doesn’t fit in with your marketing, why not set it up so it updates when others such as Pinterest or Instagram do, so it’s not extra work? Suggestion box Make an even bigger deal of the fact that it manufactures in the UK. Discerning consumers appreciate this level of commitment and see it as a mark of quality Attraction factor Clean and bright +++

mylifebathrooms.com A successful site let down by the lack of a wishlist Top marks The ‘related products’ feature is a smashing tool to help buyers make sure they have everything they need Works well Once you hit an individual product screen the vertical navigation system disappears and is replaced by a small pop-out box on either side to take you to the next item in the category Could do better There was a ‘Spring Sale’ on during my online visit, but no mention of it on the home screen Suggestion box A busy Facebook presence is not matched on Twitter, where MyLife only has 93 followers. Is an inactive presence more damaging than no presence at all? Attraction factor Acres of ice-white space keep the real estate unhurried ++

veldeau.co.uk Well-considered, easy to navigate Top marks The Find a Retailer section is a perfect example of how to present this information. Once your list of nearby stores is calculated by postcode you can filter the results to show only the range you are interested in, or note what you will find there, such as if there is a fitting service, free parking and disabled access Works well Range landing screens list the products as well as what you can combine them with Could do better The look is rather flat – some texture and mixed media would be good Suggestion box I couldn’t work out what the Gallery achieved as it basically reproduces the Ranges landing screen but with less information Attraction factor Some great functionality, including being able to order samples from the site +++

uk.kronospan-express.com/en The blocky, 70s-era decor has a peculiar European appeal but the navigation system sends you down a few rabbit holes Top marks Individual products have a system of icons to help explain the spec Works well Once registered you can add your items to your wishlist to order samples Could do better After choosing my country of origin I had to click to accept cookies, and before I’d seen the home screen properly a large pop-out box appeared asking me to subscribe to the newsletter. Annoying obstacles Suggestion box On a desktop there is a bizarre horizontal swiping system to see the entire product screen. It took me some time to realise this Attraction factor Appealing to the technically minded but only foreknowledge of the offering will give you a stress-free browse + ek&bbusiness

essential directory

Contact Sophie Roberts 0117 300 8801, sophie.roberts@immediate.co.uk

Bedroom & Home

esSisential directory bedroom/home office Sinks & Taps

Kitchen Manufacturers

BEST GET

01784 247494 sinksthings.co.uk

BEDROOMS

If you are looking for value, simplicity and quality 0800 028 4466

Discover more with BLANCO

01923 635 200 info@blanco.co.uk blanco.co.uk

LEICHT UK 106 Culverden Down Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9SW Phone 07802 402 921

it’s all about passion… Phone: 0800 028 4466 Email: info@mereway.co.uk www.mereway.co.uk

www.trendinteriors.co.uk Quote TREND015 when calling.

. Premium sinks, taps and accessories.

BEST GET

Computer Aided Design

Secure more sales with ArtiCAD’s fast & easy to use design software & online sales lead generation tools.

KITCHENS

Call 01923 888101 for details and to arrange a demonstration www.articad.com

Bathrooms

If you are looking for value, simplicity and quality 0800 028 4466

Kitchen & Bathroom Software Solutions

www.trendinteriors.co.uk Quote TREND013 when calling.

Lighting KITCHEN COMPANY LTD ZZZ OXELQD FR XN

Phone: 0800 028 4466 info@merewaybathrooms.co.uk www.merewaybathrooms.co.uk

0DQXIDFWXUHU RI FRPSOHWH ULJLG NLWFKHQV /D\ RQ ,Q IUDPH SURGXFW 6WDQGDUG EHVSRNH FDUFDVHV

L U X U R I O U S S TA N D A L O N E B AT H R O O M F U R N I T U R E

To advertise here please call

Sophie Roberts on 0117 300 8801 or email

sophie.roberts@ 0800 028 4466 W W W. M E R E WAY.CO. U K

ek&bbusiness

immediate.co.uk

250+ models in our Distinctive Lighting Bathroom & Kitchen Collection

( HQTXLULHV#OXELQD FR XN

www.elsteadlighting.com enquiries@elsteadlighting.com 01420 82377

www. www. www. www. www.

hh hh hh hh hh

TËà TËà TËà TËà TËà

võè võè võè võè võè

www.kbbdaily.com

IT'S BACK, BIGGER & BETTER

THAN EVER!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE EKBBAWARDS2020.SEETICKETS.COM FEATURING A GREAT LINE-UP OF ENTERTAINMENT PLUS OUR 2020 AWARDS CEREMONY

! E T A D E H T E SAV rd

BLOOMSBURY BIG TOP, 3 GUILDFORD STREET, BLOOMSBURY, LONDON, WC1N 1DN

DECEMBER

THURSDAY | 12PM - 5PM

TICKET INCLUDES: UNLIMITED DRINKS RECEPTION ON ARRIVAL, THREE COURSE SEATED MEAL WITH COFFEE AND PETIT FOURS WITH UNLIMITED WINE, BEER AND SOFT DRINKS DURING THE MEAL.

www.kbbdaily.com

ek&bbusiness

essential influences | jmm PR

PROFESSIONAL FOCUS

jmm PR, based in Northamptonshire, is a dedicated kbb public relations agency that offers solutions for businesses of all sizes. The company, started by Jacqueline Mariani, began as a marketing services specialist in 1994 and expanded into PR soon afterwards. 2019 saw jmm PR take home the Best PR Campaign award at the EK&BBusiness Awards in addition to the company celebrating a landmark of 25 years in business

Tel: 01536 414 555

Email: contact@jmmpr.co.uk

Website: www.jmmpr.co.uk

Q I am an independent kitchen and

bathroom specialist retailer. How can PR support my marketing strategy and overall business objectives?

>> Public relations encompasses a variety of different activities, from writing and issuing press releases and providing comment on relevant industry topics, to organising press events to keep your business front of mind with your target audience. >> Ensure you align your PR activities with your marketing objectives and calendar, making the most of every opportunity. For example, if you are having a cooking appliance promotion in the run up to the festive period, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to share the news with your local media, and on social media, to increase the opportunities for your target audience to read about your business. >> During the current uncertain times, jmm PR recommends that retailers keep their business in the spotlight locally, ensuring their customers are kept up to date and feel looked after, creating interest and sales for the future. >> Update your social media profiles to inform followers of your alternative ways of working and that customers can still reach you if they have a query, need help or even a new kitchen, bathroom or appliance. Why not approach your local newspaper too and provide alternative content for their publication, such as tasty recipe ideas, hints and tips for easy home updates or advice for readers with appliance needs. The investment of time now is worth it in the long-run, keeping your business in front of the consumer; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be remembered for all the good advice shared, even when your showroom was closed.

During the current uncertain times, jmm PR recommends that retailers keep their business in the spotlight locally

1 The jmm PR team: (left to right) Briar Wooldridge, Hannah Cottis, Jacqueline Mariani, Steph Amos and Tessa Ross 2 jmm PR receives the EK&BBusiness Award for Best PR Campaign in 2019

ek&bbusiness

www.kbbdaily.com

“When designing, I need the comfort of knowing the materials I have at my disposal will both enhance and not inhibit my design creativity. Rotpunkt offers me everything I need to craft designs that have XLEX VIEP IHKI SJ MRHMZMHYEPMX] 8LI I\MFMPMX] SJ XLI VERKI MW YRVMZEPPIH ERH IREFPIW QI XS SJJIV Q] 'SPMR ;SRK 1YPXM %[EVH [MRRMRK 'VIEXMZI (MVIGXSV SJ /MXGLIRW (I RIH F] 'SPMR ;SRK clients a truly tailored kitchen”

e info@rotpunktuk.com [ www.rotpunktuk.com

INTRODUCING RIMANO THE NEW MODERN CLASSIC The delicately proportioned bevel defines this solid Ash framed door with its veneered centre panel. Rimano is a modern classic comfortably at ease in every style of home. A choice of 18 painted colours including new Sky shown here. Available with handles, handle-less or handle-less tip-on. Exclusively from Crown Imperial.

See more new innovations for 2020...

C RO WN-IMPE RIAL.CO .UK/ NEW

KI T C HE N B E D R O OM L I V IN G