TSJ April 2012

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April 2012 Volume 9 Number 4 Editor Joe Simpson tandsjournal@aol.com M: 07885 294814 Advertisement Director Stuart Bourne stuart.bourne@kick-startpublishing.co.uk T: 01892 752400 Production Director John Heath 01892 752400

CEVISAMA REVIEW: KERABEN P36

CONTENTS NEWS natural Stone Sustainability Award winners, Wedi’s training initiative, nando’s gets the tiling treatment, latest RIcS’ market survey, Milan showcase for Italian tiles, and more

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Editorial Director Alan Bakalor 01892 680816

TTA NEWSLETTER the shortlisted entries for the tile Association Awards 2012 18

Editorial Administration Elaine Hudson 01892 752400

ON INSTALLATION Martin cummins offers his top tips for conservatory tiling

Designer Neil Owen 01892 752400

REVIEW: CEVISAMA Matthijs & Renée Pronker explore design trends at Valencia 36

Production and Design Janet Purchase 01892 752400

CASE STUDY original Style provides the props for tV’s tile Your Life

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Print Management DPI Print and Production, Tonbridge, Kent 01732 371271 www.dpi-print.co.uk

TILE AGENTS tSJ’s surveys those that connect the factory to the retailer

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PORTFOLIO What’s new in tiles, tools, natural stone and fixing materials 48

GeneRAL enquIRIeS Editorial Unit 4, The Spelmonden Estate Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1HE T: 07885 294814 E: tandsjournal@aol.com

Advertising and subscriptions The Oast, Great Danegate Eridge, East Sussex TN3 9HU T: 01892 752400 F: 01892 752404-752405 W: www.tileandstonejournal.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of the publisher.

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Rest of the World £95.00 per annum

Tile & Stone Journal is published by © Kick-Start Publishing Ltd ISSN 1744-4276

APRIL 2012 TSJ

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NEWS & COMMENT EDITOR’S COMMENT

Collaborative training initiative by Wedi

“In a recession, marketing tends to be one of the first things to be cut back. At TSJ, I have noticed that the magazine’s electronic postbag has dwindled of late.

This is a great pity because PR still represents one of the most cost-effective ways for any businesses to communicate with both existing and potential new customers.

And PR can be a very low cost form of promotion. All it really takes is a little planning and then finding the time to sit down and write a few words.

At TSJ we are interested in all your company news, including appointments; plus information on any new products and packaging, recent contracts and any other relevant news. Many will choose to structure this PR around the magazine’s editorial programme. With this in mind, here are some details of forthcoming features in TSJ .

In May we will be looking at artisan tile manufacturers, tile studios and tile designers in the UK and Ireland. There will also be an in-depth feature on surface preparation that will cover tile removal, primers, self-levelling compounds, acoustic insulation and tile backer boards. We will need editorial submissions by 20th April.

The June edition will have a survey of stone suppliers, including wholesalers and distributors of calibrated natural stone, and selected UK quarries. This will be complemented by a technical article on entrance and barrier matting systems and suppliers. To be considered, please send in any editorial copy by 11th May. In the July/August edition, our focus will be on adhesives and grouts. TSJ will investigate the latest installation and finishing formulations for natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles. This edition will also look at training opportunities for retail staff, tillers and warehouse operatives, with a survey of UK colleges, training schools and tiling courses. The editorial deadline is 29th June.

Our September issue will cover undertile heating system, both electric and waterbased option, plus installation techniques and supplier profiles; as well as specialist IT options for tiling businesses. Please send any contributions by 17th August.

For features later in the year, please visit www.tileandstonejournal.com.

I look forward to receiving all your ideas and stories at tandsjournal@aol.com.

Joe Simpson

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A new partnership looks set to open up new innovative opportunities for apprentices and experienced trades across tiling, plastering, site carpentry and brick laying.

Rob Hutchinson, Centre Manager from East Durham College Technical Academy explained: “Wedi, the recognised brand name synonymous with tiling preparation systems for wet areas, approached the college to deliver a series of training modules aimed at apprentices as well as local builders, plumbers and contractors looking to develop their skills and practical knowledge on new innovative methods within their trade. The college already delivers training for a wide range of construction trades but working with Wedi will give learners the chance to discover an array of new opportunities to enhance their skills and discover practical new solutions for everyday projects.”

Courses are split into two one-day modules and cover five core Wedi products. Customers can choose to do just the one module of their choice with the option to complete the second module at a later date, or if they wish they can do both modules back-to-back.

A dedicated training room at the college has been fully equipped to allow first quality hands-on practical workshop experience for all students.

Courses will include both practical workshop and informal lecture based sessions delivered by Wedi Applications Manager, Tim Brain.

Courses run on a monthly basis and commenced in February 2012.

Commenting at the launch of the courses, Peter Kindness, Managing Director designate for Wedi Systems (UK) said: “We are delighted with the demand for the course, which has already proved a big hit, attracting tiling contractors from across the UK such as Clearwater Marine Technology (Basildon), A De Cecco (Glasgow), Tilecraft Services (Glasgow) and The Tile Gallery (Isle of Man).”

In addition to the training modules Wedi is launching a dedicated Wedi Approved Partner (WAP) training programme and certification course, open by invitation only, to larger contractors, developers and builders.

Wedi has worked closely with the national awarding organization NCFE and has been accredited with NCFE’s Investing in Quality Licence (IIQ).

T: 01706 647333 W: www.wedi.co.uk E: sales@wedi.co.uk

TSJApr12p 4-16_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:11 Page 5

NEWS & COMMENT Natural Stone Sustainability Award winners announced

Stone Federation Great Britain has announced the winners of their Natural Stone Sustainability Awards. The awards, now in their third year, were created to highlight the sustainable qualities of natural stone and to recognise outstanding achievement, awareness and innovation in sustainability within the industry.

The awards were presented, at the Natural Stone Awards Sustainability Day at EcoBuild on 22nd March.

Chairing the judging panel was Ingval Maxwell OBE, who qualified as an architect in 1969 and then spent his professional career dealing with the conservation of ancient monuments and historic buildings until his retirement from Historic Scotland in 2008. Also judging were David Richardson, Director of the BRE’s Building Technology Group and John Bysouth, recipient of the Duke of Gloucester Gold Medal for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in Stonemasonry.

The award in the category for Workshops and Premises went to Lovell Purbeck, which in the last year has been investing heavily in generating its own electricity at Downs Quarry in Purbeck and Bowdens Quarry in Somerset. A photo voltaic generation system has been installed on the roof of the company’s new tile processing factory at Downs Quarry and is able to generate 20% of the company’s total electricity requirements for the processing facility. When processing is not taking place surplus electricity is fed back to the national grid.

A similar, but slightly smaller, system at its Bowdens Quarry produces enough electricity to run all of the processing equipment. Lovell Purbeck has invested over £230,000 in the schemes and expects payback in less than ten years.

Managing Director, Simon Hart said “Of course it is really good news to have won this award. Sustainability is a key issue throughout our company. It is always very high on the agenda, as it should be. We have been making substantial investments and it makes sense that these should be environmentally friendly.”

An award for Landscaping went to Hardscape for a project in Nelson, Lancashire (pictured above).

Following a decline in retail trade Pendle Borough Council was granted funding of £2.3 million to recreate The High Street in an attempt to regenerate the town centre. This included reintroducing slow moving traffic to a previously pedestrianised precinct. After changes in funding the council was asked to cut the cost of the scheme by £200,000 and complete the programme in

twelve months instead of the planned fifteen. This was achieved through strong project management skills.

A mixture of high quality locally sourced natural stone and manmade materials have produced a visually pleasing but robust scheme. Stone paving flags to the pedestrian movement zones, stone setts to crossing points and hot rolled asphalt coloured buff has provided durability to the vehicle route.

Anthony Collins, North West Sales Manager for Hardscape, said:L "Together with Pendle Borough Council we are delighted the project received the award. From providing locally sourced materials where possible to being leading members of the Ethical Trading Initiative, Hardscape continues to ensure sustainable inspiration, selection and supply of hard landscaping materials to clients across the UK “

The award for Re-use of Materials went to Granite Le Pelley for a project at La Moinerie Hotel on Sark. This utilised material from derelict 18th century granite farm buildings surrounding the hotel.

The owners wanted to sensitively renew and refurbish the existing hotel and add new bedrooms and a restaurant.

The method of construction was designed to suit the skills of labour available on the island and in order to support the island’s economy a local building contractor was appointed to oversee the works. The re-use of materials included reclaimed random granite walling from derelict buildings and reclaimed granite setts and cubes obtained from Brittany.

Other sustainable features included a central oil fired boiler with insulated pipe work, a water management infrastructure and additional boreholes to provide a water supply.

Granite Le Pelley, Managing Director Phil Le Roy said: “As well as building and refurbishing as sustainably as possible, our clients (Sark Estate Management) have a vision to grow, rear and catch from the sea as much of the produce they require as possible.”

NEWS IN BRIEF American PR professional, Eric Carson, has launched a new public relations and marketing company,Blueprint Global Media. This fullservice agency is dedicated to supporting manufacturers of ceramic tiles and other architecturally specified building products. Blueprint offers in-depth knowledge across several key areas including hospitality, healthcare, retail and leisure construction.

Based in Lima, Peru, with a satellite office in Portland, Maine, USA, Blueprint offers bi-ligual services in both English and Spanish to allow South American manufacturers to communicate with English-speaking architects, designers, distributors and dealers around the globe. Eric Carson can be contacted at epc@blueprintglobalmedia.com.

Building Adhesives Limited has strengthened its marketing team by Vanessa appointing Edwards as BAL Brand Manager. She takes responsibility for the marketing communications of everything bearing the BAL name.

David Hackett, Building Adhesives Limited Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Nurturing the BAL brand and keeping it relevant to professional tilers is critical, so this represents a key strategic appointment.

Vanessa Edwards brings exactly the right blend of a wide-ranging skillset and in-depth relevant experience to assure the future for their favourite brand.”

Edwards joins the company following nearly five years with Focus DIY, where she had brand management responsibility for a showroom category worth in excess of £100 million. Edwards has both BSc (Hons) and MPhil degrees.

France's antitrust regulator has given construction giant Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA the green light to acquire Wolseley PLC's French plumbing-heating subsidiary Brossette for $247 million, provided it sells off 22 stores. Without the divestitures, it was judged that the deal would create unfair market conditions bordering on monopoly in western France, the Autorite de la Concurrence said in a statement. The Autorite said that because both companies are active in the sector of specialized plumbing, heating and air conditioning products, rival retailers would be unable to exercise sufficient competitive strength, unless St Gobain reduced it reach by the divestment of these stores.

APRIL 2012 TSJ

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TSJApr12p 4-16_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:07 Page 6

NEWS & COMMENT J P KENNEDY “Hello and welcome to my first article for the TSJ. First off a thank you to Joe Simpson for asking me, although in fairness he has warned me that the huge fees involved may force me into early retirement!

Tile Depot, the UK’s largest independent tile, stone and wood retailer, is delighted to open a brand new store in Reading, Berkshire. Tile Depot’s 19th branch sits in a prominent, convenient location at 31 Boulton Road, south of the town centre and 1.5 miles from Junction 11 of the M4, between the A33 and the Basingstoke Road, opposite the Brunel Retail Park and near to Morrisons supermarket. The store is easily identified by its brightly lit distinctive yellow and green signage.

Tile Depot is a new type of tile store for Reading and the surrounding areas, featuring inspirational room-like displays throughout and a massive choice of the latest wall and floor tiles to suit all tastes, from budget ranges to designer collections: with the best trade prices guaranteed for holders of the Tile Depot Trade Card.

StoneCircle sponsorship supports local boy’s rugby

A little introduction: My name is JP Kennedy, Managing Director of TileStyle one of Ireland’s leading tile companies, founded 30 years ago by the redoubtable Jim McNaughton. I have been working within the tile industry in Ireland and the UK for nearly 20 years, with most of this time spent working with BAL and Ardex.

So how is the Irish market? Well overall the economy in the South has been battered hard but we are fighting a good fight. Technically Ireland slipped into recession again at the end of 2011.

However Irish exports continue to perform strongly, agriculture is experiencing a renaissance and tourism is on the up. Employment is at 85% and while we are still being given a “dig out” by the IMF and ECB, multinational companies continue to invest in new and existing businesses in Ireland.

In Northern Ireland the impact of the recession, while challenging, has perhaps not been so drastic in terms of the general economy, with unemployment relatively stable.

StoneCircle has sponsored the Newbury Rugby Club’s Under 10s team and helped provide them with a new training shirt. The shirts which will be used during training sessions encourage a much improved tackle technique than the old style training bibs and feature stoneCIRCLE’s logo on the front.

Steve Vanhinsbergh, Director of StoneCircle commented that he was delighted to be able to help youngsters to play rugby in the local area.

The stone masons supplies architects, interior designers and kitchen and bathroom showrooms with stone products which are made to the customer’s specification. Products vary from granite and quartz worktops through bespoke marble and limestone bathroom items such as vanity tops and shower trays, to water features, ecclesiastical furniture etc in natural stone.

New York Stone has recently opened a marble and granite distribution showroom in the heart of Manhattan on West 21st Street.

This location is just across the Hudson river from New York Stone’s flagship location on 45 Howell Street in Jersey City. It expands New York Stone’s accessibility to potential customers in New York City and also increases the space available to store large quantities of precious stone slabs.

New York Stone’s two locations are varied in size, design, and stock. The New Jersey showroom is 125,000 square feet, and it showcases over 400 different varieties of stone. New York Stone’s Manhattan showroom is approximately 15,000 square feet across three stories. The New York location has an innovative showroom concept that allows visitors to see the stone arranged in their original sizes. Each floor contains its own collection from specific suppliers, such as Luccon, Hyperwave, and Marazzi.

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So, for the tile industry in Ireland, North and South, it has been an incredibly tough time. The Irish construction industry has collapsed from €36 billion in 2007 to little under €8 billion in 2011 and further modest declines are forecast in 2012.

House prices have fallen by 50% and have yet to stabilise although the bottom is very close. So, with demand flat, little signs of significant growth in the short term and the added pressure of significant over supply, a hyper competitive market has developed for tiles over the last three years.

So the good news! The recession will end when demand begins to exceed supply and the challenge for the Irish tile industry is when? With all these external forces forming a formidable obstacle to normal business, the Irish tile industry must continue to work very hard, adapt and learn how to do old things better and completely new things to perfection, not for the faint hearted!”

JP Kennedy is Managing Director of TileStyle, one of Ireland’s leading companies specialising in tiles, stone, bathrooms and wood for the retail and commercial sectors.

Contact JP at jp@tilestyle.ie.

TSJApr12p 4-16_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:08 Page 8

NEWS & COMMENT Norcros South Africa selects JustEnough Software JustEnough Software Corporation, a leading provider of demand management solutions for retailers, distributors and brand owners worldwide, has announced that Norcros South Africa has selected its best-in-class Demand Planning solution.

Norcros South Africa manufactures and retails a large range of quality tiles, adhesives and construction chemical products. The company sought a supply chain planning system that would ensure consumer demand in its retail environment is driving production planning and raw-material ordering at its manufacturing facilities. JustEnough’s cloud-based Demand Planning solution, which incorporates advanced Demand Forecasting, Inventory Planning and Order Planning and Replenishment functionality, proved to be the best fit for the business, according to Shane McLeod, Norcros South Africa’s strategic planning executive.

“We needed supply chain planning technology that could help us align our IT systems with our business model,” McLeod said. “JustEnough was the only software provider that effectively demonstrated how its solutions could accomplish this. Plus, JustEnough’s OnCloud offering will deliver a quick return on our investment and lower total cost of ownership. Ultimately, we expect that leveraging JustEnough Demand Planning will result in improved fill rates and reduced stockholding within our operations.” www.justenough.com

Nando’s receives Great Northern Tiling’s touch

MADELEINE HARRINGTON “What would you do if you were in a job interview and you were asked to give your Facebook password to the interviewer? I assume that most people’s reaction would be the same as mine: that this is private information and none of their business. And what’s more that I wouldn’t want to work for an employer that thought it could pry into my personal affairs to this extent.

This topic was the subject of a recent article in the Washington Post and has sparked controversy across the US. Apparently it is not just the odd over zealous personnel manager who is doing it either; it is actually more prevalent among government agencies, especially those that deal with law enforcement.

Opinions differ as to the legality of these processes and some states are changing the law to make it definitely illegal. After all people don’t ask to read your personal mail or for a list of your friends so that they can ring them up and talk to them all before they hire you, so why should they be given access to your social media accounts?

The question is how far is a company entitled to know about your life outside work. Is it any business of your employer if you go out and get outrageously drunk or even attend orgies every weekend, as long as you turn up on time, do your job well and don’t slag them off publicly?

If you are a policeman or judge it may matter more. In fact the Washington Post article refers to a sheriff’s department that used to talk to friends and neighbours but now checks on social media sites, by insisting that potential employees “friend” the researcher.

But even in other industries, a lot of American companies seem to have decided that they are entitled to know everything about their employees.

The Great Northern Tiling Company was recently commissioned to complete a tiling installation in the busy Meadowhall Nando’s, home of the legendary Portuguese flame-grilled PeriPeri chicken. Situated in Sheffield, Meadowhall shopping centre’s food court is a predominant attraction and includes a wide choice of restaurants from Giraffe to Yo! Sushi and Nando’s.

The project involved fixing unpolished 600 by 300mm porcelain tiles to the restaurant’s floor.

Ultra Tile’s ProRapid RS cementitious adhesive was perfect for the job as it offers exceptional bond strength, flexibility and fast setting capabilities. The product has a pot life of 40 minutes and grouting can be started after only two hours.

To finish the all-round stylish look of the restaurant, leading Ultra Tile grout, FlexJoint in grey was used. The grout’s composition is mould resistant and water repellent, making it an ideal hygienic choice for hospitality areas. Suitable for wall or floor applications and joint widths of up to 20mm, FlexJoint has been used on a variety of tiling projects including: sporting venues, hairdressers, supermarkets and showrooms.

Overall the Nando’s experience was as enjoyable as the famous Peri-Peri sauce for The Great Northern Tiling Company. They were yet again delighted with the performance and ease of use of Ultra Tile adhesives and grouts, creating a professional and stylish tiled floor.

Ultra Tile W: www.ultratileadhesives.co.uk The Great Northern Tiling Company W: www.gntc.co.uk 8

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The UK is a long way behind the USA in this, and let’s hope that it stays that way. Our fondness for alcohol as a form of social and business lubrication could also act as a counter balance especially in the tile industry. When the Irish bar is a key networking point for an industry at trade shows, it is unlikely that employers are going to turn you down for a job because of some drunken pictures on Facebook.

The serious point though is that your private life is becoming more public with the advent of social networking. Facebook is determined to get you and your friends to map your life in its timeline app and Google to find out all about your tastes and interests from where you go on the net. Your actions are no longer known just to immediate friends and family. You may be fine with that, if not, make sure that you set Facebook’s privacy tools how you want them and sign out of, or don’t create, any Google accounts. That way you are in charge of what is seen. Until of course the Personnel Manager at your company insists that you give him/her your Facebook password.”

Madeleine Harrington is a director of McMullin Harrington Limited, a marketing consultancy specialising in the tile and stone industry.

She can be contacted on madeleine@mcmh.co.uk.

TSJApr12p 4-16_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:08 Page 10

NEWS & COMMENT RICS survey reveals some house price optimism Expectations for future house prices were more optimistic during February as transaction levels continued to edge upwards, says the latest RICS UK Housing Market Survey published on 13th March 2012. Expectations for future prices saw a considerable turnaround in February with surveyors reporting a net balance of zero percent (compared with -14 in January). This is the first time since May 2010 that respondents have not been predicting further price declines. Given the recent upturn in interest from first time buyers looking to beat the stamp duty exemption deadline, it would appear that surveyors are slowly becoming less pessimistic over prices.

Alongside this, transaction levels continued to edge up with the average amount of sales per surveyor (by branch) moving up to 16, an increase of almost four percent on last month’s figure of 15.7. Although still historically low, this is the most positive reading since September 2010 and suggests that the improvement in activity seen in recent months is continuing.

In spite of this more positive trend in sales, prices across the UK continued to dip during February, albeit at the slowest rate for over a year and a half. 13% more chartered surveyors reported price falls rather than rises in the last month. Regionally, London was again the only part of the country to see prices increase, while surveyors in the West Midlands and Northern Ireland saw the least positive readings.

Fresh interest from potential buyers was relatively flat during February with a net balance of 3% more respondents reporting increases in demand. Surveyors report that problems accessing affordable mortgage finance continue to hinder many first time buyers who would otherwise be looking to get onto the property ladder.

New instructions, which indicate supply levels to the market, saw a slight upturn with nine percent more surveyors reporting instructions rose rather than fell. New stock coming to the market has now risen, albeit relatively modestly, for five successive months.

Looking ahead, with a less pessimistic outlook surrounding future prices, surveyors expect transaction levels to continue to rise. A net balance of 20% more surveyors predict sales to increase over the coming three months.

Alan Collett, RICS housing spokesperson (left), commented: “With the recent upturn in activity brought on by the end of the stamp duty holiday, it seems that a renewed sense of optimism may be slowly returning to the property market. Chartered surveyors’ price predictions were more optimistic in almost every area of the country in February.”

“However, with affordable mortgage finance still out of reach for many potential first time buyers, it remains to be seen whether the more optimistic outlook for future sales can be sustained beyond the expiry of the stamp duty holiday.”

Selco celebrates 10th anniversary of first London branch A London branch of a nationwide builder’s merchants are celebrating a milestone anniversary after ten successful years in the capital. The Walthamstow branch of nationwide merchants Selco, which opened its doors for the first time on 19th March 2002, was the first builder’s warehouse Selco opened in London. The brand has since successfully opened 14 more London branches, as well as a number of branches nationwide across Yorkshire, Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham, Wales, the South West and Berkshire.

“Any reservations we may have had about opening our first branch of Selco in the capital quickly vanished once we opened the doors on the first day,” says Chris Cunliffe, Managing Director of Selco. “Nobody had really heard of Selco in London before we opened the Walthamstow branch and, despite our most optimistic expectations, we were stunned by the amount of customers that came through our doors that first morning. Now we’re on the brink of opening up a further three branches in London this year, including in Hanworth, Old Kent Road and Tottenham, which will bring us up to 17 Selco branches across the capital. We are committed to continuing our expansion and providing the complete service offer to all builders and tradesmen in the South East, and we’re looking forward to serving the London builders for many years to come.”

To mark Walthamstow’s tenth anniversary on Monday 19th March, the branch hosted a number of activities and celebrations, including serving a free bacon buttie or sausage sandwich and a hot drink to all customers visiting the warehouse between 6.30am and 12 noon. www.selcobw.com 10

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JOSS THOMAS “I’m finding that we’re getting more and more requests for stone for installation outside.

One particular look customers are wanting to achieve is a seamless surface indoors and out, separated only by bifold doors. This look gives a great feeling of space and removes visual barriers. There’s huge appetite for it and, as a trend, I see it becoming even more popular over the next few years.

Like any new application method, the seamless look brings its own considerations. Both inside and out, substrates must be properly prepared, adhesive compatible and correct allowances made for expansion joints. But, there are other specific considerations in terms of the stone exposed to the elements.

It’s imperative that the stone chosen is fit for purpose, both internally and externally; not all tiles are but many can be supplied in a thicker format to allow application outdoors. The stone itself must be strong enough to withstand frost and the freeze thaw action. Careful consideration also needs to be given to the finish of the stone. If a honed finish is used internally, the stone may benefit from a light sandblasting or brushing for use outside, to offer better slip resistance.

During installation, stone should be laid at a sufficient angle to ensure that any surface water drains away, rather than collecting and pooling on the tiles. Similarly, adhesives need to be checked for compatibility, as do finishing treatments. In particular, the application of the correct sealant is important, as this will help prevent water penetration and algae growth, etc.

As well as technical considerations, aesthetics and plain up keep should also be born in mind. Whilst many customers like the idea of using a pale stone, there is a degree of maintenance involved. A seamless look can very quickly become compromised if the tiles on either side of the threshold aren’t cleaned correctly or to the same degree. Sometimes opting for a slightly darker or more rustic finish can make the look a lot easier to achieve in the long run!”

For more information, call 01993 824200 or email enquiries@indigenousltd.com.

TSJApr12p 4-16_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:09 Page 12

NEWS & COMMENT ALAN REYNOLDS “When you have no employees to lay off, no premises to downsize or cash tied up in unnecessary stock and prices have been trimmed to the proverbial bone there’s very little left for a self-employed fixer to make further economies.

Italian ceramics displays its design potential Between 17th and 22nd April 2012 the best of Italian ceramic design will be on display in Milan during the Fuorisalone Milano Design Week.

Ceramics of Italy is participating this year with an extra event: the Ceramic Design Tour Milan. Prestigious locations will form the backdrop for a variety of initiatives by seven companies in the Italian tile industry showcasing the best that ceramics bearing the Made in Italy label have to offer.

Ceramiche Coem is sponsoring a project by Sergio Bizzarro who will be presenting the DayDreamSpa room by Axis (above), in which porcelain stoneware is transformed into parquet. The event will be held at the Home Spa Design 2012 in via Tortona 15.

Ceramica del Conca will run two events. The first is Sense is Simple: The Spa by Simone Micheli at the Spazio Impluvium. The second event, called The Fiction Hotel, will be set up at via Tortona 26. It will include various settings alternating between different film sets. As in a real hotel, at the entrance the public have to register and check in before following a route which reconstruct the atmospheres of famous films including Casino Royale, 'Il Gattopardo', Stargate, Pulp Fiction, Fitzcarraldo, Matrix and Ran. Ceramica Sant'Agostino’s exhibition called Surfing The Future will be held at the Magna Pars convention centre, in via Tortona 15. Surfing The Future proposes a new living solution, a cross between a home and a floating home that has been created with a mix of natural, synthetic and recycled materials.

Florim will present its innovative product Reverse from the Floor Gres brand, together with a renovation of the exhibition space inside the Florim showroom of Milan.

Laminam will present Qui serve un piano (We need a plan) at Laminam's Milan showroom in via Mercato 3 which has been completely revamped by architect Nicola De Ponti. Here a Modena housewife will put the Assunta new kitchen tops to the test by preparing hand-rolled pasta.

Lea Ceramiche and Kravitz Design Inc have collaborated on Goccia, a new wall tile collection that offers a new interpretation of 3D decoration.

Finally, Tagina Contract is the name given to an exhibition specially created for Milan by Tagina Ceramiche that will be located at the Temporary museum for new design 2012, in via Tortona 27. Emphasising continuity between outdoors and indoors, Tagina will be exhibiting its Compact range in two formats: 12mm thick which is ideal for indoor use and 20mm thick which can be used outdoors, creating perfect harmony between internal and external spaces.

For information please visit: www.laceramicaitaliana.it/designtour 12

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Actually that’s not entirely true.

There is one area where savings can be made but it involves compromising long held traditions and beliefs which I’ve been struggling to maintain by absorbing the relentless increases in costs until I am practically giving the stuff away. I’m talking of course about fixing materials: the ancillary products on which we hang our reputations.

When I first took up tiling, choice was rarely an option when it came to adhesive and grout and tile showrooms weren’t always the trade friendly places they have to be today. You literally got what they stocked and that was it. Fortunately I was trained by a seasoned veteran during a time of plenty when costs weren’t the issue they are today and as a result I’ve remained faithful to the brand of adhesive with which I learned my craft.

Nowadays it’s not unusual for tile stockists to carry alternative or own brands of fixing materials alongside their principal range. For the most part these are aimed at the trade and when they were first introduced I wouldn’t give them the time of day no matter what the savings. But pride, as they say, goes before a fall and in the current economic maelstrom I’ve been forced into a major rethink.

As previously mentioned my prices have been squeezed to the point where I’m actually making a loss on fixing materials. This cannot go on. The choice is simple: remain loyal to the brand I’ve used for years and continue haemorrhaging money or swallow my pride and fully embrace the profits that are going begging with more competitively priced products.

Despite my declarations of fidelity I saw the writing on the wall some time back and starting flirting with other brands such as Granfix and Topps Tiles ‘Toppfix range’ and I have to say I’m very impressed. They offer outstanding value for money and more than meet my requirements when it comes to specifications and performance.

To date, my philandering has been restricted to cement based adhesives as I’ve been unable to identify a suitably alternative to the ready-mixed products I’ve used from day one. This is largely due to burgeoning fuel costs limiting the area in which I operate and as a result my ability to access other stockists.

True, once I had identified my product I could buy in bulk and have it delivered but that would put even further pressure on my fragile finances in the face of an uncertain economic future.

When it comes to the food chain, self-employed fixers are right down at the bottom. We have no way of combating spiralling material prices other than questioning costly loyalties when faced with so many high quality, money saving alternatives.”

Alan Reynolds is the proprietor of Wilmslow Ceramic Tiling.

01625 434093 alan.reynolds23@ntlworld.com.

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NEWS & COMMENT Topps Tiles predicts 2.5% fall in half year revenue Topps Tiles has reported that muted consumer spending and a sluggish UK housing market, has hurt revenue in the first half of the financial year. The tiles and flooring retailer, which operates 319 stores, said revenue for the 26 weeks to 31 March is expected to fall 2.5% to £86.9m, initially sending the company’s shares down 4%. Like-for-like sales in the first quarter of 2012 are predicted to have decreased 4.5% compared with a 1.8% increase a year ago, while adjusted sales for the second quarter are expected to fall by 4%.

“It doesn’t seem to me housing transactions will fall below current levels,” stated Chief Executive, Matthew Williams (left). He said the company was in the fourth year of all-time lows with 800,000 housing transactions per year, compared with 2006 when transactions peaked at 1.7m.

Despite the drop in sales, Topps said it continued to boost its market share to 26% and expects to end the financial year with 325 stores, in line with previous guidance.

Analysts at Peel Hunt said Topps remains one of the leading potential recovery stocks in the sector. However, other analysts are more wary, voicing concerns that other retailers improving their home offers could start to provide tougher competition for Topps.

Fila unveils Green Line surface care range at Ecobuild Exhibiting for the first time at Ecobuild 2012, Fila unveiled its new Green Line product range. Part of Fila’s Green Action brand, Green Line includes 17 surface care products, from pre-grouting protectors and surface cleaners, to protection and stain removal solutions.

Each eco-friendly formulation has been developed to provide high performance whilst protecting the individual natural surface and ensuring safe application. New LEED-compliant, water-based products include pregrouting protector Fila PRW 200, stain-proofing Fila W68 and water-proofer, Fila HP98.

Designed to protect absorbent surfaces before and during grout application, Fila PRW 200 is ideal for terracotta, quarry tiles, natural stone and agglomerates. The VOC-free formulation can be applied manually or using an airless spray pump and provides surface protection and easy cleaning, without altering appearance or affecting grout adhesion.

For application on porous surfaces after installation, new Fila W68 is a stainproofing protector designed for both internal and external surfaces. The non film-forming, water-based product seals and protects without altering appearance. It can be applied, using a brush, fleece or airless pump, to surfaces with residual moisture and can also be used as a protective basecoat before the application of wax.

Meanwhile, Fila HP98 provides protection against water both internally and externally. Designed for spray or brush application, the clear water-proofer penetrates natural stone and terracotta without forming a film or altering appearance.

Outdoors, Fila HP98 prevents efflorescence and wear caused by atmospheric agents and is suitable for use on frost-resistant tiles. Its water-based composition is fast drying and it can be applied to damp surfaces. As well as providing protection against moisture, Fila HP98 also prevents chewing gum adhesion.

T: 01584 877286 E: filaUK@filachim.com W: www.filachim.com 14

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LISA BREAKSPEAR “Available in a spectrum of patterns and finishes, agglomerates can be resin or cement-based and can contain various materials, including natural stone, glass, quartz and stone dust. Whilst quarried stone is chosen for its natural appearance, agglomerates give a more uniform look, with little or no variation between tiles. Most agglomerates will have characteristics of certain materials, but it can sometimes be difficult to determine which stones have been used. With this in mind, it’s always wise to test all treatment products on a small surface area first – and manufacturer’s recommendations should always be carefully followed. In particular, care should be taken to ensure that products won’t damage the resin content during all treatment stages.

Across all surface types, the importance of a thorough ‘initial clean’ is still so under-rated. More often than not, a newly laid surface is given a quick wash with water, and if an impregnator is required and an insufficient initial wash is carried out, residues are effectively sealed beneath the impregnator. This can cause the floor to look dull and will render the impregnator ineffective, as the residues prevent it from being able to enter the porosity.

Worse still, if a newly laid floor is cleaned with an unsuitable detergent, it will not only fail to remove residues sufficiently but could damage the untreated surface permanently.

Cleaning thoroughly, with a correct solution, really is essential.

To thoroughly clean agglomerates, this initial wash should always be carried out using a pH neutral cleaner, like Fila Cleaner. This type of product can be safely used on all natural surfaces.

In terms of sealing, this will depend upon the type of agglomerate. Unlike other stone surfaces, the porosity of stone resin agglomerates is very low, so water molecules aren’t able to sufficiently penetrate the surface; solvent molecules are much smaller, so they’re able to penetrate and provide the protection needed. With regard to Fila’s treatment range, specifically, marble cement and marble resin should be treated with Fila MP90 and quartz cement with Fila MP90 or Filafob. No protective treatment is required for glass or quartz resin.

As with the initial clean, pH neutral products should always be used to maintain agglomerates, to ensure that the resin isn’t damaged. The use of excessive water should also be avoided, as this could also compromise the surface.”

Lisa Breakspear is Sales & Technical Director of Fila UK. For more information on Fila’s range of surface care products, please contact Fila UK on 01584 877286 or visit www.filachim.com.

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NEWS & COMMENT NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS Kirkstone has ceased trading and entered into administration under accountants and financial advisers Armstrong and Watson. Established in 1949, the family run business operates a main quarry on Kirkstone Pass, has a head office and trade showroom located at Skelwith Bridge near Ambleside, and a second quarry, large warehouse and despatch facility close by. The company also has a showroom in Fulham. The company had a workforce of around 40, ranging from rockhands, sawyers, polishers and masons to technical, sales and administrative staff. These employees, who it is understood were given no prior notice, were said to be in shock .A spokesman for Carlisle-based administrators Armstrong Watson said: “The company ceased trading on Thursday, March 15th, and all 39 employees have been made redundant. We are assessing various options for the future of the company and its assets. Our investigations into the company’s affairs and the events leading up to the administration appointment are at an early stage. We are currently unable to comment on the likely outcome for the company or its creditors.” The Joint Administrators are Daryl Warwick and Michael Christian Kienlen, Armstrong Watson, Fairview House, Victoria Place, Carlisle CA1 1HP. T: 01228 690200.

TSJ is sad to report that Marm Ali,well known to many in the tile industry, has died suddenly following a short illness. Marm, aged 57, had worked in the tile industry for over 30 years beginning his working life in the sector as a van driver with Pentagon Tile Distributors. He rose through the ranks to become a Director and whilst there developed their Crowborough site. He went on to join Colchester Tile as Contract Sales Manager for the Thames South area. Marm's funeral was held on 16th March and donations should be made to British Heart Foundation.

Nicholls & Clarke has announced that it has acquired Tile Shapes trading activities. The company will continue to trade from its existing site in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Tile Shapes is a tile and bathroom retailer and distributor with a quality tile fixing service. All members of staff will be joining the Nicholls & Clarke Group in their existing posts and customers will benefit from access to the wider range of products within the Nicholls & Clarke Group.

Following the integration of the two businesses, British Ceramic Tile and Ceramic Prints have announced that Darryl Shaw, Philip Cefai and Adrian Dufton have left the company, while Neil Anderton and Caryn Clarke have been appointed to new roles. British Ceramic Tile’s Chief Executive, Tony Taylor, commented: "I would like to take the opportunity to thank Darryl, Philip and Adrian for their hard work and support and wish them well in the future. As part of the review process I am pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Anderton as UK Sales Director and Caryn Clarke as Marketing Manager of British Ceramic Tile, both of whom have been with their respective businesses for some while."

Dune has signed a collaboration agreement with Architonic, whose website www.architonic.com - the specialist search engine for architects and interior designers worldwide. The company has added a selection of its most striking products to the site with a view to gradually expanding the portfolio of products featured on the website. Readers can access the website by clicking on the following link http://www.architonic.com/pmcol/dune-cermica/3103461/1.

Laticrete has appointed Jason P. Smith as International Manager, Europe. A seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience within the ceramic tile adhesive industry in the UK, Smith will be working out of the Laticrete UK’s headquarters in London. Prior to joining Laticrete, Smith's roles included Southern Regional Manager for BAL, National Brand Development Manager for Dunlop Adhesives and National Business Development Manager for Nicholls & Clarke Group. He will be reporting directly to Faisal Saleem, Laticrete’s Senior Director, International Business Development. According to Smith, "Our European division has a strong agenda to address. In particular, we intend to increase market share in areas where we have ongoing work…and, create new business opportunities where Laticrete has yet to have presence."

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SEAN MCPHEAT “The root word of 'decision' comes from the Latin, meaning 'to cut off from'. When we make a decision, we effectively cut off from any other alternative. No wonder it can be scary!

For a prospect, making a decision to buy means that they run the risk of a competitor coming by soon after with a better, neater proposal that is a better fit to the prospect's situation.

So how do we convince the prospect they are making a good decision, even if they are feeling indecisive?

Here are some ideas: Set deadlines. One of our clients only makes decisions if we set a deadline. We recognised early on that they were a very reactive organisation, with little planning going on. We came up with extra services, upgrades, more coaching ... but only if they made the decision by a certain date. And it works. Just the fact that you offer something that expires soon may well drive prospects to making a decision.

Make it simple for your prospect to buy by putting an easy system in place. This takes the drama out of making a decision, and helps the prospect define a successful decision earlier and easier. All they have to do is sign the order and everything else is taken care of for them. They can be indecisive for the rest of the day ... but now they have to make a decision that is right for them and their company.

Make the risks of the decision as low as possible. Give guarantees, warranties, money-back offers ... anything that provides a feeling of security. I ordered four shirts from a mail order company. They offer a three-month returns policy. It's a risk-free offer. Not the cheapest shirts, but ones I can feel safe in trying out and returning if I want to.

Give the prospect a long lead-time to make the decision. If they normally choose stock in the summer, start talking to them in the winter, so they can build up their trust in you as a supplier.

Determine what their buying process is. If the decision-maker can order up to a certain amount on their own, maybe you can convince them to increase their order, which would mean getting other people involved to help them make the decision.

Create such an offer that it's much more sensible for them to say yes than no. Build the uniqueness of your company in their eyes so that they see the offer you are making, and the back-up you are giving, as too good to refuse.

Be aware of what the buyer may get from your competition. You can then go through what the needs of her organisation are and compare your solution with what they would get if they went somewhere else. It makes it easier for them to make the decision, because you've done all the homework for them.

By identifying what would make the buying decision easier, safer, quicker, neater, or cheaper for the prospect, you remove all the barriers to them making a decision, and make it easier to see the best decision for them and their company.

Happy selling!”

Sean McPheat is Managing Director of MTD Training. For further information please contact: 0800 849 6732 www.mtdsalestraining.com

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TTA NEWSLETTER

TTA Awards: the event of the year “Welcome to the latest edition of The Tile Association (TTA) Newsletter. Following the recent announcement of the finalist for the prestigious Tile Association Awards, this month we take a look at the shortlisted nominees who will be hoping to take home the coveted TTA Award trophies at the Gala Dinner taking place on 21st April 2012 at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole.

To be amongst the first to find out all the winners on the night, visit tiles.org.uk and book your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on the most prestigious event in the tile industry calendar.”

Les Rolt PR & Marketing Co-ordinator The Tile Association

TTA Awards shortlist announced On 21st April, The Tile Association Awards will honour the best of the wall and floor tile industry, and celebrate excellence throughout the past year.

The Las Vegas themed awards ceremony promises to be an exhilarating night of entertainment and excitement, but the legacy of the Awards runs far deeper than that. Winning a TTA award is a statement of excellence unparalleled in the wall and floor tiling industry. It is an achievement that provides a platform for further success, elevating the winners standing within the industry, providing not only media coverage and the opportunity to proudly display the TTA award-winners logo, but also recognition from their own peers.

To be named on the shortlist for the premier night in the tile industry calendar is an accomplishment to be proud of.

Following an exceptional high standard of

Above: La Dolce Vita by Elios Ceramics.

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entries this year, the following shortlisted nominees await the announcement of the winning entry in each of the 22 categories at The Tile Association Awards Gala Dinner, taking place on Saturday 21st April 2012 at the Birmingham Hilton Hotel, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. An evening not to be missed – you can book your tickets by visiting the ‘Awards 2012’ section of The Tile Association website: www.tiles.org.uk

La Dolce Vita range Elios Ceramica Inspired by the sober and delicate trends of the fifties, La Dolce Vita challenges assumptions and revisits, in a contemporary key, some timeless designs. It is offered as a single field tile, alongside eight decorated shades. The rectified edge and single thickness makes it clean cut, while the patterns are designed to fit into traditional, as well as ultra-modern, design concepts.

Wall Tile of the Year

Tones, Neutrals range Johnson Tiles In 2011 Johnson Tiles introduced the company’s first decal product decorated on one of the mainline inkjet machines. The product, named Tones Forest, forms part of the Neutrals range and complements the field tiles and floor tiles in the range, forming a decorative interface between two complementary field tiles and ideally suiting living areas within the home.

The winner of the Wall Tile of the Year award is a manufactured tile that is original in design and will stand out in the crowded arena of a tile showroom as the wall tile to buy.

Hinton range, Laura Ashley Collection British Ceramic Tile The Hinton range adds a modern shine to the popular Laura Ashley tile collection. The contemporary mosaic effect tiles have sparkling highlights which reflect the light and add interest to any scheme.

Hinton is an innovative tile using the latest in ceramic print effects combined on a glossy tile within a mosaic pattern.

Impact range, Cookhouse Collection CP Group The new impact range from the CP Group’s Cookhouse Collection is an inspiring collection of glass wall tiles. Created to make a real style statement, these glass wall tiles bring something completely new and fresh to the market, with on trend designs and borders sitting side by side with an extensive colour palette and a variety of size formats for maximum choice and flexibility.

WeeKend range by Marazzi Italy Craven Dunnill & Co WeeKend, a new series from the Italian manufacturer Marazzi, is a modern styled 300 by 100mm wall tile with two surface finishes, both available in seven contemporary colours.

The WeeKend range is versatile and stunning effects can be created by combining both texture and colour.

Floor Tile of the Year With the market for floor tiles continuing to grow in the UK, it has never been more important for manufacturers in this sector to produce a tile that is cutting edge in design, yet with all the practical characteristics required in today’s market.

Above: Hinton Range by British Ceramic Tile.

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TTA NEWSLETTER The Loft Collection Peronda Ceramicas The Loft Collection is designed to satisfy the needs of a broad sector of the market for those with a penchant for simplicity and minimalism, a trend that is easy to understand. The collection is produced in three formats and available in three finishes, semi-polished, matt and structured, making the collection viable for all areas residential and commercial.

Nicobond Steelker N&C Nicobond Nicobond Steelker is the sleek, ultra-thin porcelain tile collection from N&C Nicobond. It can be used over existing floors using a dry fit, selfadhesive underlay system. This innovation uses patented technology with a tile that fuses steel, porcelain and resin fibre together to present the industry with the strongest, slimmest (5mm), lightweight porcelain tile with a high impact resistance and great efficiency in installation.

Slaty by Edimax Craven Dunnill & Co The Slaty range is inspired by the natural metamorphic stone slate and is characterised by photo realistic variation created by the Edimax design team. Available in three colours the most striking is the Multicolor which has the appearance of an Indian Slate. The surface has a gentle riven texture and there are several different structures which when combined with the random ink jet patterning result in a highly varied and realistic slate effect.

Woodker by Edimax Craven Dunnill & Co Woodker by Edimax is an interpretation of a natural wood produced on a rectified 1,000 by 144 by 10mm glazed porcelain tile. This stun-

Above: McLaren Production Centre by Avantgarde Tiling.

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ning design combines cross grain and end grain patterning on a slightly textured surface.

The surface has a realistic machined and sawn texture which when combined with the random patterning results in a series which is indistinguishable from the real thing.

Best Innovation The winner of this award will be an innovative product or service capable of making a lasting impact on the tile industry.

Taptile Bathroom Taptile Taptile Bathroom is an innovative touch-sensitive bathroom lighting system that allows the user to control three different lighting circuits, plus appliances such as extractor fans and sound systems. It is 100% waterproof – effectively allowing users to ‘ditch the switch’ and is unique within the bathroom sector; its technology having been patented.

Tile Fixer of the Year Aluminator range Genesis APS International In addition to the function of step edge protection the Aluminator range offers an easy, energy efficient solution to illuminate steps. The system require no electrical connection, is simple to install, highly durable and slip-resistant – making it ideal for both commercial and domestic application where public safety is paramount.

Mapelastic AquaDefense Mapei UK In 2011 Mapei launched the innovative waterproofing product Mapelastic AquaDefense to the UK market. Mapelastic AquaDefense is a one-component, ultra rapid drying, ready-touse liquid membrane for waterproofing substrates prior to the installation of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles and mosaics.

NicobondGypfix N&C Nicobond NicobondGypfix is a rapid setting, white, gypsum based tile adhesive specially designed for fixing ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles to Anhydrite/Calcium Sulphate floors. The product performs exceptionally well with under-tile heating and other forms of UFH (under floor heating).

The award for Tile Fixer of the Year recognises either a sole trader or employee within the tile fixing sector who has stood out as the best tile fixer in the business.

Ian Harrison Harrisons of Hull Ian Harrison is known for his high standard of work and friendly, professional tiling service.

The quality of his workmanship is acknowledged by customers and trade press alike.

Receiving glowing customer testimonials and winning TilerWorld ‘Tiler of the Month’ several times is tribute to his skills, with existing customers returning time and again for his service.

Nick Carrier The Natural Tiler Nick Carrier has been in the tiling industry for the last 19 years, working hard to stay ahead in a competitive market and set up a successful company in doing so. Passionate about his work, he prides himself on the experience he has gained and the outstanding service he provides to his customers.

Leon Allen Tilings Finest!

Since leaving school Leon Allen always knew his future lay in the tiling industry. Having

Above: WoodKer by Edimax from Craven Dunnill.

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TTA NEWSLETTER worked with his father for ten years he established a company of his own, dealing with both commercial and domestic contracts, and establishing a reputation for reliability and hard work.

Employee of the Year The Award for Employee of the Year recognises an employee of a business, operating in any sector of the wall and floor tile industry, who has made an outstanding contribution to their employers.

Ann Moult Johnson Tiles Ann Moult is the Procurement and Administration Director of Johnson Tiles, having joined the company in 1977. Ann has had a significant influence on all sections of the industry and additionally, under her guidance, Johnson Tiles has gained a positive and effective training and development framework.

Paul Salmon Colchester Tile Paul Salmon has worked in the tile industry for 10 years, nine of which were with Pentagon Tiles before moving to Colchester Tiles as Contracts Manager in London and East Anglia.

Paul is dedicated to excellence in the tiling industry; he prides himself on an outstanding level of customer service and is always available to help his customers.

Excellence in Independent Retailing The Winner of the Award for Excellence in Independent Retailing will have shown that their showroom is not only an ideal place to choose tiles for customer’s projects, but also have ensured that the shopping experience is a pleasure not a chore.

Above: Tile Choice.

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Creative Stone & Tile With design at the very heart of their business, and exquisite collections, both contemporary and traditional; Creative Stone and Tile have established a reputation for original designs, highly desirable tiles and excellent customer service. Their hard work in sourcing and showcasing products never to be seen under one roof anywhere in the world is an achievement of which they are proud.

East Midlands Ceramics East Midlands Ceramics has an outstanding record of delivering excellent retail service to domestic, trade and commercial customers for more than 30 years. The cornerstone of EMC‘s appeal is the way domestic customer showrooms, trade facilities and warehousing are designed and integrated on the same site.

Tile Mart Tile Mart endeavoured to create something dynamic by designing a flowing ceiling with a life of its own across a space that spans , sq. m.

The architectural finesses achieved with the interior design at Tile mart opens the flood gates of inspiration with over 1000 tile displays being exhibited through the largest tile showroom in the UK, drawing the attention of interior designers and architects.

TileStyle At 52,0002 ft and located just off Dublin’s main ring road, TileStyle features Ireland’s largest collection of tiles & natural stone. With a stylish and elegant showroom offering a vast product range at excellent value for money, combined with a highly trained sales team and an excellent customer service ethos, TileStyle offers customers a truly unique retail experience.

Above: Minoli.

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Excellence in Multiple Retailing The Award for Excellence in Multiple Retailing is open to a business with four or more retail outlets. The winner will have demonstrated excellent customer service and showroom design across all retail premises.

Armatile From humble beginnings Armatile has become the one of the largest tile & natural stone retailers in Ireland. Their long established experience in the tile industry, along with a focus on the provision of innovative design and accurate technical information, has ensured that they remain at the head of the tile industry in Ireland.

Tile Choice Tile Choice prides itself on selling the highest quality products. With a hard earned and enviable reputation for quality and diversity in its product range along with the highest levels of customer service, Tile Choice is convinced that its stores and website will continue to meet the requirements of both the general public and local trade.

Excellence in Tile Distribution The award for Excellence in Tile Distribution recognises outstanding service to customers in the area covered by the business, be it regional or national.

Craven Dunnill & Co The Craven Dunnill mission during 2011 has been to stand out from its competitors by constantly exceeding their customer’s expectations and ever changing needs. They continue to achieve this by maintaining high levels of stock, excellent levels of customer service and a long standing team of highly experienced staff.

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TTA NEWSLETTER Minoli Established in 1960, as one of the UK’s original tile distributors, Minoli remains steadfastly focussed on excelling in that field. Unlike many other industry competitors, Minoli has resisted diversifying into retailing, purposefully choosing to supply and support a network of resellers and corporate clients as their preferred route to market.

Excellence in Tile Contracting Tiling contractors see themselves as the coal face of the industry, dealing with clients and customers and fixing a myriad of tile sizes and types to different backgrounds in their project work.

Arrow Tiling Arrow Tiling is a specialist tiling contractors based in London. A high turnover of successfully completed jobs helps spread the name and reputation for excellence in the installation of all tiling related materials. Offering commercial and residential, free expert advice; the motto of previous TTA award winners Arrow Tiling is simple: 'Do it once, do it right'.

market presence, they are able to offer professional, high quality workmanship, with the ability to undertake any project from standard domestic installations to carrying out the most intricate and unique commercial applications and design.

P Plunkett Tiling Contractors P Plunkett Tiling Contractors Ltd is a name synonymous with quality in our industry. By continuing to retain, resource and cultivate their workforce, P Plunkett Tiling Contractors Ltd intends to maintain its position at the forefront of the wall and floor tile industry, providing excellence to a long line of loyal and satisfied clients.

Excellence in Manufacturing This award recognises the manufacturing sector, without which the industry could not operate. The award is open to manufacturers of tiles, adhesives, grouts, tools, accessories and other tile related products, who are based in the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Avantgarde Tiling Avantgarde Tiling was formed in 2005 by the current Directors to consolidate their collective experiences within the industry over many years, and in response to its clients who were looking for a different approach to tiling and stone works. Their key objective is simple: provide uncompromised quality with value for money.

Craven Dunnill Jackfield Driven by their passion for the product, the Craven Dunnill Jackfield manufacturing team are committed to the use of traditional craftsman skills. No project is deemed too large or too small and if a project requires a particular method of production or an application to a tile has not previously done by the Jackfield team they then research and develop a method to ensure the product can be matched and the project successfully restored.

N&C Moderna N&C Moderna offer the complete tiling solution for all clients within all industries. With a strong

Mapei UK Mapei takes great pride in its manufacturing operation. With continued improvement and

Above: James Cook University Hospital by P Plunkett Tiling Contractors.

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investment being made during 2011, production efficiency in combination with product quality & consistency has impressively improved. Mapei has reached a level of excellence that is not only market leading in its respective sector but also comparably outstanding against some of the world’s most prestigious and well known manufacturers.

N&C Nicobond The Nicholls & Clarke Group of Companies is a business dedicated to the manufacture and supply of the finest building materials.

Achieving best practice at every level of production is a fundamental and integral part of their operations. Having over 135 years’ experience of creating policies, quality products come as standard.

Ultra Tile Ultra Tile has the capability to produce a 20kg bag of cementitious adhesive every 3.6 seconds using a fully automated process. Their facilities represent the cutting edge of cementitious manufacturing and their expertise spans over 30 years. Overall they offer the tile industry the ultimate package that of products manufactured to the highest standards, with a secondto-none performance, that are fully stocked at all times with guaranteed delivery.

Best use of Tile in the Public Sector The award for Best use of Tile in the Public Sector demonstrates the choice of tile, quality of fixing and excellence in design for a tiling project in the public sector.

James Cook University Hospital, Oncology Unit P Plunkett Tiling Contractors The new Oncology Unit at James Cook

Above: Blackpool Winter Gardens by Mapei UK - Lancashire Tiling.

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TTA NEWSLETTER University Hospital is a perfect example of what can be achieved with outstanding planning, coordination and attention to design detail.

Incorporating more tiled finishes than are usually found in new buildings of this type and function, the design and installation demonstrates that tiling does indeed have a future in healthcare environments.

Blackpool Winter Gardens Mapei UK - Lancashire Tiling The Winter Gardens complex in Blackpool is one of Britain’s oldest buildings. Steeped in history the complex has seen many changes. As part of the Grade II Listed buildings latest refurbishment Lancashire Tiling installed 1,500 sq. m of porcelain tiles to create its new floor, using a complete system of Mapei products, restoring the Gardens to their former glory.

St. Andrews Cathedral Mapei UK - Tilecraft Paisley Tilecraft Paisley undertook the challenge of creating the new floor for St. Andrews Cathedral in Glasgow during its recent renovation. A professional installation and use of a complete system of Mapei products ensured Tilecraft were able to create a high spec floor that the project required.

St Rafael’s Church, Kingston, Surrey Castelnau Tiles.

St Rafael’s Church, Kingston is a Grade II listed building and one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in Britain today.

Open throughout the entire works, Castelnau Tiles successfully ensured that the installation of over 50,000 individual tiles caused no disruptions to the Church’s daily operations.

Subsequently Castelnau Tiles received glowing

Above: St. Peter’s Church, Lurgan by Armatile.

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reviews for their efficient, professional and firstclass work.

Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne Craven Dunnill Jackfield One of only seven Grade I listed theatres in the country, The Newcastle Theatre Royal has recently re-opened following a £4.5 million renovation project, which has seen the theatre restored to the original 1901 Frank Matcham interior complete with rich burgundy and embossed decorative wall tiles and a geometric and encaustic tiled floor manufactured by Craven Dunnill Jackfield.

Best use of Tile in the Private Sector The award for Best use of Tile in the Private Sector demonstrates the choice of tile, quality of fixing and excellence in design for a tiling project in the private sector.

Gatwick South Terminal Mapei UK - Dyson Briggs & Sons On behalf of main contractors Vinci Construction, Dyson Briggs were responsible for installing over 5,000 sq. m of tiling within the South Terminal. The project included both new build and refurbishment elements. A system of Mapei products were used to install porcelain and conglomerate stone tiles throughout the new facility.

Magheralin Parish Church Trainor Contracts This job was carried out by Trainor Contracts working closely with fellow TTA member Armatile Ltd. The original cross, which is 169 years old, was restored and great care was taken to ensure its final resting place was that off Magheralin Parish Church. The main floor

was laid with Armatile’s Cathedral Range, perfectly fitted by Trainor Contracts it is one of the highlights of the church.

McLaren Production Centre Avantgarde Tiling The McLaren Production Centre is a quantum leap in car manufacturing facilities, custombuilt to produce a quantifiably better kind of car: lean, efficient, dynamic and innovative – but above all, committed to excellence.

Avantgarde shares McLarens belief that attention to detail is vital to delivering a high quality product.

St. Peter’s Church, Lurgan Armatile The design, complexity and technical detail involved in all aspects of this renovation, meant Armatile had to use all aspects of the company’s manufacturing and contracting expertise.

Throughout the process of this innovative tile installation Armatile brought together all aspects of their capabilities resulting in a floor covering with character and technical excellence for future generations to enjoy.

Best use of Tile by a House Developer In this category judges were looking at the amount of tiling used in a development of multiple homes or apartments. Design, of course, was paramount and clever use of tile gained extra marks.

Friary Road, Ascot Minoli The Style range of Italian porcelain tiles was officially launched in the spring of 2011, having been very well received when previewed at Minoli’s 50th Anniversary event at the

Above: London Syon Park Hotel by Stone & Ceramics.

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TTA NEWSLETTER Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The range proved an immediate success with the developer clients who recognised both its beauty and practicality. One of these was the leading luxury developer Richard Finlay Homes, who has specified the Minoli Style series in several prestige developments but mostly notably at the Friary Road site in Ascot.

7-5 Whitfield Street, London Stone & Ceramic Built on the site of an old EDF electrical sub-station, this mixed-development of Penthouses and Social Housing units over Commercial space has evolved into a fantastic project in a highly desirable location.

Stone & Ceramic Ltd undertook the installation of natural stone throughout various areas within the flats and townhouses including the bathrooms, living space floors and balconies.

The quality of the finished project is a testament to both the original concept and to those that implemented it.

Best Technical use of Tile in a Contract This Award recognises projects which demand specialist tiles or tile fixing skills. The tiles used may not always be pretty; it is the functionality and fixing technique that really matter.

The Beamish Fish and Chip Shop John Foley & Sons (Tilers) The Beamish Fish and Chip Shop tiled by John Foley & Sons, is an outstanding example of tile fixing at its finest. This traditional-style fish and chip shop, located on the grounds of The Beamish Museum, was completed using reclaimed tiles and modern building techniques to create a building that looked, at face value, like it was from the Edwardian era.

Above: Private House County Tyrone.

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Gatwick South Terminal Mapei UK - Dyson Briggs & Sons On behalf of main contractors Vinci Construction, Dyson Briggs were responsible for installing over 5,000 sq. metres of tiling within the South Terminal. T he project included both new build and refurbishment elements to it. A system of Mapei products was used to install porcelain and conglomerate stone tiles throughout the new facility.

Magheralin Parish Church Trainor Contracts This job was carried out by Trainor Contracts working closely with fellow TTA member Armatile Ltd. The original cross, which is 169 years old, was restored and great care was taken to ensure its final resting place was that off Magheralin Parish Church. The main floor was laid with Armatile’s Cathedral Range, perfectly fitted by Trainor Contracts it is one of the highlights of the church.

St. Peter’s Church, Lurgan Armatile The design, complexity and technical detail involved in all aspects of this renovation, meant Armatile had to use all aspects of the company’s manufacturing and contracting expertise.

Throughout the process of this innovative tile installation Armatile brought together all aspects of their capabilities resulting in a floor covering with character and technical excellence for future generations to enjoy.

Best use of Tile within the Leisure or Hospitality Industries This award recognises the use of wall and floor tiles in the leisure or hospitality industries, including sporting and recreational areas such

as swimming pools and leisure centres, hotels, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The Beamish Fish and Chip Shop John Foley & Sons (Tilers).

The Beamish Fish and Chip Shop, tiled by John Foley & Sons, is an outstanding example of tile fixing at its finest. The traditional fish and chip shop on the grounds of The Beamish Museum was completed using reclaimed tiles and modern building techniques to create a building that looked, at face value, like it was from the Edwardian era.

London Olympic Aquatic Centre Ardex UK - W B Simpson & Sons.

WB Simpson Specialist Contractors are a specialist tiling contractor in the supply and installation of hard wall and floor tiling on commercial, industrial, leisure, retail and residential projects. They teamed up with Ardex UK, the manufacturer of premium quality specialist tiling products and construction materials, to provide the perfect finish to the 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre pools and surround.

London Syon Park Hotel Stone & Ceramic The brand new five-star Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the grounds of Syon House, is designed in a contemporary style using natural stones supplied by Stone & Ceramic Ltd., who then installed them to a standard befitting such a prestige venue.

Nando’s Restaurant Parkside Tiles Parkside Tiles were approached by Nando’s to supply tiles for their flagship store at Westfield Retail Park at Stratford City. The result was a

Above: David Bowie - Pin Up (detail).

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TTA NEWSLETTER stunning, eye-popping array of colour, shape and texture that truly showcases the tiles through a design that challenges the breadth and depth of use of the humble ceramic, its design and application.

St Pancras, London Trevor Caley Associates The completion of the extensive Victorian geometric and encaustic tiles works at St. Pancras, which was completed in February 2012, took 30 months to complete, and was carried out by Trevor Caley Associates Ltd for Galliford Try Construction using hand-made geometric and encaustic tiles specially manufactured by Craven Dunnill Jackfield.

Best use of Tile in a Private House The use of tile in the home can make the difference between an average and an aspirational home. This award recognises the impact that a well-designed tiling project can have in a private house.

6 Old Pond Place Ian Harrison The brief was to create and open plan multipurpose living area which would give the feel of embracing the gardens through panoramic bi-folding glass doors. The floor was a key part of the design brief of creating a minimalist style, high-gloss kitchen with entertaining and relaxation areas.

Private House, Keyworth East Midlands Ceramics Beautiful polished porcelain tiles feature strongly in a home built for himself by a prominent East Midlands building contractor. The property features hard-wearing, resilient and wonderfully attractive ceramic tiles in all key areas cre-

Above: The CoppaFeel! Garden by Mapei UK.

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ates a firm foundation for the ultra-modern décor and is a showpiece of contemporary design.

Private House, County Tyrone Creative Tile & Stone Creative Tile & Stone’s nominated County Tyrone private home is a spectacular stage of original style with beautiful colours, shapes and decorations. The daring combinations excite, delight and create a talking point; showing that this house is truly in a league of its own and reflecting the strong, bright and energetic personality of its owners.

Private Pond Installation, Surrey The Mosaic Restoration Co Instructed by Barry Holdsworth Design, East Sussex, to design, fabricate and install a handmade bespoke Romanesque mosaic. The work included the hand-cutting of all un-glazed ceramic tesserae to create a 4 square metre new external pond feature for a private home in Surrey.

78 Hayburn Avenue Ian Harrison The brief was to create a large, integrated, luxurious feeling, spacious wet room incorporating a toilet, basin and double shower. The floor and wall coverings played a key part in the design brief of creating a minimalist modern style wet room using natural stone products where heating, lighting and fittings compliment the whole design.

Most Innovative Tile Installation This award applauds innovation in the design or use of a tile in a tiling project of any size. This award is judged particularly on the originality and design of the project.

David Bowie Mosaic Portrait Ed Chapman David Bowie became a pensioner on January 8, 2012. To mark this event, UK mosaic artist Ed Chapman created a mosaic portrait of Bowie from stone floor tiles. The portrait is made from hundreds of pieces of hand-cut tile fragments and measures 920 by 620mm and took four weeks to make. It garnered worldwide media attention when it was unveiled on January 7, 2012.

McLaren Product ion Centre Avantgarde Tiling The McLaren Production Centre is a quantum leap in car manufacturing facilities, custombuilt to produce a quantifiably better kind of car: lean, efficient, dynamic and innovative – but above all, committed to excellence. The scale and the grandeur of the project shares Avantgarde’s vision in achieving something truly exceptional and inspiring.

The CoppaFeel! Garden Mapei UK The CoppaFeel! Garden featured in Hampton Court Flower Show in July 2011. It saw the collaboration of 2010 RHS Young Designer of the Year; Hugo Bugg with the breast cancer awareness charity; CoppaFeel! The garden was conceived to provoke thought, captivate, educate, unsettle visitors, change attitudes, and heighten awareness.

St. Peter’s Church, Lurgan Armatile The design, complexity and technical detail involved in all aspects of this renovation, meant Armatile had to use all aspects of the company’s manufacturing and contracting expertise.

Throughout the process of this innovative tile installation Armatile brought together all aspects of their capabilities resulting in a floor

Above: Screen shot of the Love Weber campaign.

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TTA NEWSLETTER covering with character and technical excellence for future generations to enjoy.

range. The entire launch was developed within budget and generated an above target return.

Excellence in Marketing

Tile Choice Marketing Strategy Tile Choice Tile Choice is a privately owned company, with no outside investors, but still maintained its commitment to advertising and marketing throughout 2011, planning an advertising campaign, with a combination of television, radio, press, outdoor and in-store, plus online, to ensure an excellent marketing strategy.

Marketing is a key feature of any business and this award recognises those that have gone the extra mile in their marketing initiatives.

The Enki Collection CP Group The Enki Collection from the CP Group offers the ultimate range of designer glass splashbacks. Thanks to a dedicated marketing campaign that covers the full remit from advertising through to retailer support and PR, the CP Group has created a cool and contemporary brand for this product collection.

LoveWeber Marketing Campaign Weber The Loveweber marketing campaign is the start of something special, and is already turning heads. The campaign is primarily aimed at tile fixers with the purpose being to promote Weber’s leading tile fixing range and the longterm relationship they will build with fixers once they have tried the Weber brand.

New-look Grout Range Launch Campaign Ultra Tile Ultra Tile nominated the launch campaign for their new-look grout range and their improved FlexJoint formula. A combination of innovative marketing activities was used to promote the

Integrated Management System Mapei UK Mapei’s short and long term business plan has placed much emphasis on sustainable development. Mapei has set a high standard of objectives through an Integrated Management System (IMS) that encompasses a variety of industry Standards. The IMS strategy has proved to be a methodical and proficient approach towards sustainability – reflected in Mapei’s performance in both meeting sustainability objectives whilst also being a commercial success.

Best Environmental Initiative Over the past few years the tile industry has made great strides in ensuring that materials are recycled, that their procedures are pollution-neutral, and many Tile Association members have implemented highly successful green initiatives. This award recognises the importance of the environment and sustainability within the tile industry.

Saving the rainforests Building Adhesives Ltd partnering Cool Earth Building Adhesives Limited is the first tiling industry company to become a Partner of Cool Earth, which protects threatened rainforests by working with indigenous communities to prevent deforestation. A donation for every pack sold from the BAL ‘Go Greener’ range of environmentally responsible tile adhesives helps to fight climate change by preventing rainforest clearance.

Reducing waste to landfill Ultra Tile By utilising Kaizen techniques Ultra Tile have reviewed, defined, implemented, controlled and reduced their landfill waste by a staggering 51%. The Kaizen team comprised of employees from various levels working together - a clear demonstration of company-wide responsibility.

Being shortlisted for this award recognises their real long-term commitment to the issue of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Company Recycling Policies Johnson Tiles After establishing a formal Environmental Strategy in 1994, Johnson Tiles developed a fired ceramic waste recycling scheme which incorporates fired waste from other North Staffordshire potteries and saves over 20,000 tonnes of waste material from being sent to landfill every year.

To Be Announced Finalists in the following categories will be announced at The Tile Association Awards Dinner in April.

Outstanding Achievement Best Natural Product Trainee of the Year

Above: 7-5 Whitfield Street, London by Stone & Ceramic.

The Tile Association Forum Court 83 Copers Cope Road Beckenham Kent BR3 1NR T: 020 8663 0946 F: 020 8663 0949 E: info@tiles.org.uk W: www.tiles.org.uk

If you are in the tile industry, you need to be in The Tile Association.

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

ON INSTALLATION

Here comes the summer!

Martin Cummins looks at tiling in conservatories. t is that time of year again when those of us who have a conservatory will no doubt be spending considerably more time sitting in it than we did throughout the winter.

Surveying a well-manicured lawn, watching the kids on the trampoline or generally enjoying the view, I can certainly vouch for the benefits having made the decision many years ago to invest in one.

Many of you may also be considering whether a conservatory is for you and, if so, what will it look like, how will it be Martin Cummins: ”The trend towards heated and what type of floor it will have. large format tiles and particularly for the The options for a floor covering may ultra thin large format tiles also creates a degree of concern when in such a testing include laminate, carpet or in some cases environment as a conservatory. ” vinyl, but by far the most practical and widespread option seems to be tiled floors. Whether porcelain, natural stone or ceramic there is such a wide array of tiles available that almost any effect can be achieved. The benefits of a cool floor in summer are obvious. Having a cold floor in winter can now be minimised if the tiling installation is used in conjunction with either underfloor heating (UFH) or under tile heating (UTH). Not only does this free up the limited wall space by removing the need for radiators, it also utilises the energy far more effectively.

The climate in conservatories generally mimics that of the outside to some degree.

Summer daytime temperatures can soar in a conservatory, giving a much higher internal temperature than outside. It is in effect a ‘greenhouse’. Humidity levels will also vary dramatically even throughout a single day giving very dry daytime heat and then very humid air as the temperature cools in the evening. Some floor coverings will be prone to problems if these conditions are not controlled properly, whereas tiled products generally give no cause for concern. Vinyl for instance will try to expand as it is heated up, whilst timber may dry out and crack or warp. Condensation developed at night can cause dampness on textile materials and can cause wood to expand. The exposure to direct sunlight through the glass can also have an impact causing discolouration of textile or timber flooring. Blinds can be used to minimise this issue but that seems to defeat the object of being in a brightly lit open room, which is why most of us want a conservatory in the first place. The use of tiles does eliminate these problems somewhat.

I am not for one minute suggesting that tiling is the only floor covering to be used in a conservatory and am fully aware of engineered timber, vinyl flooring with high temperature adhesives and colour stable carpets all being a real option but this is after all a tiling journal…

The client has considered the options and finally selected a tiled floor as the finish.

What criteria needs to be met to ensure these tiles look good and perform well in the testing conditions?

On the assumption that UFH or UTH is being utilised then an important consideration is that the design of the floor is correct prior to any tiling being carried out. Although you may not have been involved in this, it is wise to have an understanding of what to expect.

You can then ensure you carry out the project with full knowledge, and advise the customer of any additional considerations. If the conservatory is an isolated part of the house and has its own heating system (as should be the case under building regulations) then we need to ensure that the heating has been fully commissioned and tested.

We also need to ensure that the subfloor itself is fit to bond to. A sand/cement or concrete floor laid onto a polythene (visqueen) DPM with or without insulation is an ideal

I

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base. Similarly a calcium sulphate screed can be used, often this will be in conjunction with a UFH system. These screeds need to fully dry before appropriate priming is carried out.

A more common practice observed nowadays is a floating chipboard substrate over an insulation board, which is not really an appropriate system to tile directly onto. I would advise you to consult with a supplier of uncoupling membranes in this situation.

Sometimes a material such as asphalt may be used. This will not normally be designed in conjunction with UFH or UTH as it tends to have a degree of softening under heat. If you can have input into tile selection on these substrates recommend the whitest tiles possible to minimise heat transfer to the subfloor.

The floor design with UFH should incorporate expansion/movement joints around all edges, changes in substrates and also around any pillars or other interruptions to the floor span. In larger conservatories there may be multiple heating zones; again each one should be isolated from its neighbour with an expansion/movement joint. All expansion/movement and expansion joints must be followed through to the tile surface. Even when UFH is not incorporated the conservatory should be treated in the same manner. UTH may be zoned so when tiling onto these it is necessary to separate them with an expansion/movement joint - even if the client insists it is not needed.

When the installation is being carried out all the advice that we, as manufacturers give regarding product selection and use should be closely followed. Any shorts cuts that may have been taken on standard fit outs become far more risky in a conservatory. This is simply because conditions will be at the most severe with regard to movement in particular. Always choose a flexible adhesive, if UTH is being used, as this will give sudden heat to a potentially very cold floor, select the highest specification with regard to flexibility that you can get. Flexibility in this instance equates to an improved bond. I would never advise the use of a ready mixed adhesive on a conservatory floor and would always go for a cementitious single part.

What else will help improve the bond between tile and substrate?

Don’t go too far ahead with the adhesive or mix too much up as often the actual site conditions you will be working under are also very testing and the adhesive can be going off a lot quicker than normal. Ensure tiles are being fixed to a wet adhesive to provide maximum adhesion. Similarly when grouting, limit the area of grout applied and cleaned down to ensure full attention can be given. A flexible grout is also recommended to ensure strong adhesion to the tile edges and minimise the potential for cracking of the grout line.

The trend towards large format tiles and particularly for the ultra thin large format tiles also creates a degree of concern when in such a testing environment as a conservatory.

It will be very important for the fixer to get an even, level surface before trying to bed such tiles. Any hollows or dips or slight changes in subfloor angle will be much more of a problem as larger tiles will try to bridge across and result in a see saw situation. Full bed bonding here is extremely critical and we would also recommend getting the floor levelled in the first instance.

With regard to achieving a full bed fix between adhesive and substrate it is something which manufacturers will always recommend on flooring installations primarily to avoid hollow spots and potential tile cracking. With the large heat fluctuations expected in a conservatory the need for a full bed is even more important. To help achieve this we recommend buttering the tile backs and also using a slightly larger trowel than usual to give a greater contact area. Remember voids underneath a tile will be more likely to result in cracks in a conservatory.

Finally, using paler coloured products has to be the best option as this will minimise heat uptake and therefore any movement. A cooler subfloor in summer is one of the delights of a conservatory and you can always put a rug down in winter if you want to.

So crack open a beer, sit back and relax in the knowledge that your beautiful tiled floor is the perfect choice. .

Martin Cummins is Technical Sales Manager, Ultra Tile T: 01827 871871 W: www.ultratileadhesives.co.uk

 

REVIEW: CEVISAMA

Quality rather than quantity Left: The entrance to Cevisama.

Matthijs and Renée Pronker, provide their personal views of the current state of the Spanish tile market, and present a carefully considered selection of ceramic tile design highlights from Cevisama 2011.

T

he 30th annual Cevisama tile exhibition in Valencia, which ran from the 7th to 10th February 2012, had fewer exhibitors than in recent years, due in no small part to the current financial climate.

However, those who were there made up for any lack of quantity with some excellent high quality designs beautifully presented.

The most obvious ‘missing persons’ were some of the big players in the Spanish market such as Roca and the king of listellos and posh decors Dune. From Portugal only Cinca and Pavigres took part, pinning their faith on the quality of their products and looking to the future.

Visitors could see the exhibition in less time than ever before, but came home with plenty of new ideas.

Certain parts of the Spanish tile market are still doing well. These are the forward-looking companies who invested in new tooling and machinery at the right time and within their means; backed by marketing expertise, loyal staff and good international contacts. If you add in the courage to bring in new, large ranges, or at least present what you have in an eye catching manner, then customers are attracted like bees round a honey pot.

For instance, the Aparici, Marazzi Spain, Apavisa, Colorker, Grespania, Keraben, Peronda, Saloni, Tau and Azteca stands were all busy throughout the fair.

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The urge to make tiles look like anything but tiles carries on unabated, with ceramics this year looking like Persian carpet in new and colourful designs. In the past, Spain was famous for its wall tiles, while the Italians were the floor specialists, but the pressure of the minimalism movement saw interest in decor tiles decline as demand moved towards plain walls, plasterwork or concrete finishes.

As the market for rich ceramic walls slowed down, a number of Spanish factories changed their focus towards floor tiles with the advantage that, in many cases, the same range can be used on both walls and floors, such as the wood collections or the cement look.

Variety is stimulated by cutting large tiles into different sizes and the introduction of décor tiles in long strips, often shown laid horizontally.

Reduced stockholding and improved manufacturing efficiency have helped to increase profitability and make Spanish tiles more competitive in the marketplace. This is the bread and butter business of the more successful companies but, at the same time, we noticed a completely different development; a return to the cosy look with tiles in strong floral designs, romantic colours, elegant stripes and borders, all aimed at the emerging export markets.

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REVIEW: CEVISAMA Relief

Above: Chesterfield and flowers English style - The Alheri range from Cifre.

Ten years ago the industry tried to introduce bas relief in wall tiles, but the move was unsuccessful as they were perceived to be unhygienic and difficult to keep clean. For 2012, with improved manufacturing techniques and with natural stone in irregular strips for walls, the market seems to be taking off. Why this should be no one seems to know, but at least it offers timeless, beautiful settings; maybe influenced by the increasing interest in natural materials and the back to nature feel of the green movement.

In private homes relief tiles find their place mainly for fire surrounds or outdoors. With the new products, it can even be laid in irregular designs to emphasise the miracle of nature and stone. In the same way the pebble formats of yesteryear are getting a new airing, even for flooring. They are used to create interesting patterns in concrete, which requires skilled installation or as decors between brick or tile. The move seems to be to bring the outdoor world inside; even using pebbles as slip-resistant surfaces for shower bases that must provide a most unusual sensation for the bather’s feet.

Tiles laid over one another also becomes an option, as Porcelanicos showed with a form of small horse saddles put together in 200 by 800mm with floral and silver decorations. We have also seen the development of exotic tile finishes like snakeskin. Those who demand smooth finishes can still get these effects with inkjet printed pressed tiles in any 3D effect desired.

Form and decor

Above: Floral forms - Mapisa’s Josephine and Romance ranges.

Above: The details of design - The Tailor range from Aparici.

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With the increasing popularity of river stone, round tiles get a new opportunity in a wide range of colours and settings. Circular designs on plain or square tiles have been quite common since the 1970s. Today, ceramic rounds in fine aggregate lead to new thinking and greater freedom in tile design. In the same movement, octagon, hexagon or honeycomb tiles bring new life to the ever neutral cream and beige - now called cappuccino - that is still a firm favourite over here, to the despair of many in our industry.

But with nature back on the agenda, flowers and butterflies get a chance to grow on ceramic walls. This has been a minor trend for some years, but the urge to make real paintings has been stimulated by the possibilities now available with inkjet printing - a sea view through a sunny window can brighten up our lives, despite the British weather. For the kitchen there is still a wide choice of coffee cups or food impressions. It seems that designers and manufactories are fed up with minimalism and the option of white or white.

The gold finishes proposed five years ago for the luxury markets of the Far East and the Russia were not our cup of tea. But it seems now that traditional English taste has been upgraded to become the tops in decorative interior design. Victorian patterns, with maybe lip service to William Morris, plus Arts & Crafts designs in wallpaper and cloth are now offered in tiles. Mapisa refers to the Laura Ashley style, including a wainscoting

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REVIEW: CEVISAMA with a golden belt listello. The linen wallpaper finished with a border of ceramic leather is called Tailor at Aparici. Cifre combined floral walls with a Chesterfield sofa, to underpin the English roots.

For the hallway hand-made encaustic floor elements are transformed by good imitations from Vives who knows how to promote them in different designs and prices, so almost everyone can afford to live in a ‘British’ style. A British sense of humour was also possible to acquire at Undefasa with tiles showing six amusing cartoons.

Formats and sizes As architects prefer to have the horizon as a fixed point, so the tile world thinks tiles should be laid horizontally on walls. It emphasises the width of a room and gives harmony to the eye, with lines parallel to the ceiling and floor. The booming ceramic wood possibilities are also set in long lines. The format of long planks seems to be favoured by many producers, combined with different sized elements as illustrated by the Livewood range from Azulev.

Mosaics remain in both small and larger sizes as the ideal option to introduce a decorative element. Aparici brings it all together with wooden strips laid in mosaic braid with relief. There are mosaics from a variety of materials, prices and sizes, with pre-cut large ‘mosaic’ as a fast lay option. One of the best bargains is offered

by Magna, in honeycomb mosaics or small flowers in black and grey in a series called Star that is priced to succeed.

Stone often demands a more traditional square or rectangular format. Ceramic imitations of bluestone or limestone often look dull across a big area. The more we open up living spaces, the more we see the same tile being used on every floor. To give a more lively touch the customer can play with different sized tiles from the same range, such as the Palace range from Grespania.

Every factory seems to be introducing specific sizes for their brand, so you need to buy the whole range for floor and wall from one manufacturer, a sly way of getting customers hooked.

On the other hand these clients produce very special

aesthetic effects, with exact measurements for a classic or very modern ambiance. Some producers have reinvented the floor size of 333 by 333mm, while others offer huge 1,200 by 1,200mm. The fear that very narrow and long tiles will break easily seems to be discounted, at least on the show stands; tile layers may have a different opinion.

Above: Drawing on tile’s long traditions - Today’s encaustic floor tiles from Vives.

Back to basics Cevisama showed the start of a new trend for going back to basic clay. Refin suggested this with tiles that looked to have the back on both sides and there was a very raw version with pits in the surface at Mutina. The Spanish factories also have versions of this. Inalco offered this idea with Handcraft designed by Sara de la

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REVIEW: CEVISAMA Mata; big 1,000 by 1,300mm ceramic tiles in clay colours; with small surface pits called Betton that looks a little like soft chipboard.

This development opens a new direction for exterior works with paving that looks as if it has been there for ever, ceramic wood platforms, plank bridges or sandstone, fitting naturally into any garden or swimming area. This evolution of bringing outside in and vice versa, gives a hand to help the revival of Cotto. Elias has the latest colours in this field, with new hand formed wall tiles in pink, white, cream and stone.

Pallets and barrels

Above: Ceramic wood cargo crates - Fragile range by Peronda.

There appears to be a lot of competition to produce the most natural ceramic wood resulting in incredible parquets made by Aparici and Porcelanosa; rough planks at Marazzi and beech bridges designed for Vives. In addition to this, what you might call a pallet culture has started. There are ceramics like the ends of old wine barrels as décor items. In tandem with this retro move has come ceramic wood with industrial writing as if these are parts of pallets from romantic destinations across the world. The latest one is called Voyage in the Nature collection from Colorker.

Peronda goes for it with Fragile, also a marvellous wall finish for youngsters. The same company showed the most peculiar imitation of the fair. This is called Museum, with tiles like old books behind glass in a library. Beautifully made, these come in six combinations and perfect for a bar, hallway or even a real library. It makes one want to find the time to take a novel out of the 'cupboard'. This ‘novelty’ was so well done that it was impossible to photograph due to the reflection in the 'glass'!

Nostalgia

Above: Ceramic wood - Lander by Marazzi.

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As in other markets, the tile world clings to the old days just before or after the war, when life seemed simpler.

Together with all the options of inkjet printing, these images of a yesteryear that maybe never was are here to stay. Some factories, like Venus, use this emotional manipulation of the past simply for decoration. This brand loves to explore a boudoir atmosphere with a lot of fluff and shine. The beautifully dressed children on the posters raise the image of the products giving a quality feel.

The skyline of New York, as well as stars of the silver screen like Monroe and Hepburn, featured on Keraben’s stand. A reflection of the glory days of cinema, they add glamour to even the dullest tile with just one panel of these decors. Even London Bridge becomes a worldwide icon, as Tau showed in its new series Mayfair, which offers six different ways of presenting their new colours, shapes and decors from all over the world. This move ties in well with trends for both the kitchen & bathroom markets where a number of manufacturers have introduced retro ranges with an emphasis on luxury, so a touch of Hollywood in the bathroom may not come amiss in 2012.

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REVIEW: CEVISAMA Stagnation On the other hand, there were exhibitors with nothing new to show and customers only visited through habit.

Rumour about companies that are here for the last time, did not do the show’s reputation any good.

Stands like Mayor with the same ceramic bamboo we saw last year; Vilar Albaro showing the same colour range. Gres d'Aragon, usually a trend setter for outdoor tiles and swimming pools, had nothing to present but a different size of 590 by 333mm. Zirconio managed to disguise its modest rerun of wood and marble ceramics with a mini golf course which helped to keep people on the stand, trying to get a good score.

Some producers have turned the economic situation in their favour. The kilns had to be filled with something, so Cevica started to produce simple 100 by 100mm and later 75 by 150mm tiles in white tones with decors of tea, coffee and sugar. For the UK, this has become their top series and soon it will be offered in 75 by 300mm. In flooring Pamesa has chosen an economic version of their cement and sandstone lookalikes in a new 250 by 850mm format. It seems to be a commercial success, but doesn't really offer anything new.

Stagnation may be the logical consequence after years of technical innovation which has seen many new advances in ceramics. After promoting tiles with properties that are anti-bacterial, take CO2 out of the air, are self cleaning, absorb light for emergency signage or store heat, even Ceracasa had nothing new to offer. It leads us to the sad conclusion that after years of major investment, survival has to be the name of the game for the foreseeable future.

Above: Old labels on ceramic wood by Colorker (serie Nature, decor Voyage).

Conclusion Cevisama may have lost some of its excitement, but not having been there is no good either. Those that made the effort experienced a cross over of different themes and ideas. Originally the Spanish manufacturers produced solely for their own market and tastes.

Later, the demands of North European markets became paramount, together with flirting with the old eastern block states and other big spenders in the world. This Cevisama showed a mix in all those flavours, with tapestry, cement, marble and wood in classic or modern designs. The manufacturers who can offer product across those different markets are the ones who will succeed.. The fair itself remains a nice and peaceful intermezzo but maybe it would be better to give all manufactures and the organisation a break and make the event biennial.

The next Cevisama will run from 5th to the 8th February 2013.

Above: Hollywood glamour - Marilyn Monroe seen through the eyes of Keraben.

http://cevisama.feriavalencia.com You can contact the authors at: renee.pronker@gmail.com matthijs.pronker@gmail.com

Above: Unreal Madrid - Spanish footballers as featured on tiles from Azteca.

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CASE STUDY

TV tunes in to ceramic tile art This page: Original Style’s tiles, display stands and marketing material were chosen as the back drop for the fictional Knutsford-based tile retailer Tile Your Life in ITV’s recent drama series.

Is this a dream come true? A tile retailer featuring on TV. It had to happen! ITV1’s Spring schedule included a new show, Love Life, staring comedy hero Alexander Armstrong, located around an up-market fictional tile shop in Knutsford.

Original Style’s tiles, display stands and marketing material were chosen as the back drop to this high-end tile retail store , with glass pieces from Morpheus. riginal Style was delighted to be selected by Red Productions, the company behind the ITV1 prime time, three part series ‘Love Life’ to be the sole supplier of all of the tiling products featured in the series, which aired in three consecutive weekly slots in March 2012.

The series, positioned as one of the highlight’s of ITV1’s Spring schedule, focused on the trials and tribulations of the lives of the main characters played by Alexander Armstrong and Sophie Thompson.

Original Style’s tiles, display stands and marketing material were chosen as the back drop to the Knutsford-based tile retailer ‘Tile Your Life’, which was featured in all three episodes. The premises used for the filming was an actual kitchen and bathroom retailer that was transformed into an interior designer’s paradise specifically for this series.

The collection that commanded the most attention from the show’s production team was the Odyssey range of 151 by 151mm decorative tiles. A number of different patterns were chosen and supplied for installation within specially created bathroom displays in ‘Tile Your Life’, and also for bespoke wall panels installed within the bathroom in the main character’s residence.

Other Original Style products chosen to make an appearance on the big screen included mosaics, field tiles and mouldings from the Artworks range.Also seen were natural stone from the Earthworks collection and striking glass tiles from the Glassworks range.

David Butterworth, Production Designer at Red Productions commented: "We undertook considerable research into the style of tiles which would be

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best suited to the characters and their upmarket surroundings and Original Style was the ideal match for us. The Odyssey collection, with its blend of Moorish inspired designs enabled us to seamlessly create the Artisan environment we looked to achieve".

Miles Jennings, Director of Original Style explains: "We were thrilled to be the tiling manufacturer specifically chosen for this project, as we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our tiles".

Love Life follows the faltering relationship of Joe and Lucy. Once an average couple, Lucy’s decision to come off the pill triggers Joe’s fear of settling down and sends him packing to the nearest airport to travel the world. 12 months later, Joe returns from his adventures and is ready to rekindle his love for Lucy, but there’s one problem. Lucy is having another man’s baby.

Joe faces his biggest test yet. Is he finally prepared to grow up, stop running away, and confront his feelings? Staring Rob James-Collier, Andrea Lowe, and Alexander Armstrong. Love Life is billed as a tender and funny story about grown-ups who refuse to grow up.

During the show Joe and Lucy realise the errors they’d made, and half in flashback, as we see them making these errors. Her child’s father turned out to be her boss, Dominic (Alexander Armstrong), a man with a tile shop - Tile Your Life - and an unhappily infertile wife.

For the tiling afficionado, Love Life also features Morpheus glass panels and specially commissioned pieces for the show. www.originalstyle.com www.morpheusglass.co.uk

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PORTFOLIO

Clean, protect and refresh with Fila At the recent Surface Design Show, Fila showcased Fila CR10; a high performance epoxy remover and FilaRefresh; a ready-to-use, waterbased cleaning and protection product, for internal stone surfaces.

Designed for use after tile installation, Fila CR10 is a concentrated ready-to-use cleaner that removes epoxy grout residues, stains and streaks. It’s suitable for non-absorbent surfaces, including glazed ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware and glass mosaics, and can be applied to both walls and floors, inside and out. Fila CR10 is also effective in the removal of old, stubborn epoxy residues.

FilaRefresh is a ready-to-use, water-based spray cleaner developed for treated, natural stone surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. Citrusscented and certified for contact with food stuffs, the double-action formulation both cleans and protects, giving a streak-free finish. It is suitable for marble, granite, treated stone, resin and quartz resin.

In addition to new products, Fila also launched its new green brand – Fila Green Action – to the UK market. The brand will encompass all environmental developments, including processes, industry initiatives and the company’s Green Line range, which currently includes 17 products.

T: 01584 877286 E: filaUK@filachim.com W: www.filachim.com

The latest addition to Lapicida’s exclusive stone collection is New Montpellier; a characterful grey limestone full of subtle colour variations and fossils. This is a newly quarried stone that Lapicida puts through a gentle antiquing process; flaming, tumbling and brushing the surface to create an aged patina. These antiqueeffect flagstones are large (500mm wide) and supplied in random lengths to provide an authentic laying pattern. Just 20mm thick, this stone is ideal for refurbishing existing spaces and also works well with underfloor heating.

01423 400 500 www.lapicida.com

Weber’s new mould-resistant, water-repellent, flexible tile grout

New radio and torch combo from Makita The super-convenient, robust and multi-purpose BMR050 radio and torch combo from Makita affords both sound and vision on site: one tool, two functions.

The 1.4V triple LED flashlight is powered by either a 14.4 or 18V Lithium-ion battery to provide wide and bright illumination of 1,600 lx or more. The six-position light head provides positive stops at -60, -30, 0, +30, +60 and +90°.

The push-button operated AM/FM digital tuner has an LCD digital display and includes a three-stage battery indicator. Positioned beneath the flashlight, a large single speaker is forward facing and provides clear sound transmission, even at full volume.

The BMR050 has a rubberised, ergonomic soft grip handle and comes complete with shoulder strap for comfort, convenience and easy carrying to site.

W: www.makitauk.com

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Saint-Gobain Weber has introduced Weber.Joint Pro to its extensive range of tile preparation, fixing and finishing products. This water-repellent, flexible tile grout benefits from Mould Stop Technology which offers lasting protection from unsightly and unhygienic mould growth. Designed for grouting joints up to 10mm between floor and wall tiles, it is suitable for interior and exterior use and performs well in both dry and wet conditions.

Weber.Joint Pro is flexible enough for use with most substrates where some movement or vibration is expected and is particularly recommended for wooden floors and floors with underfloor or

undertile heating. This high performance, professional grade grout has a scratch-resistant formulation ideal for soft-faced stone, such as marble, and can be safely used when grouting ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, quarry, natural stone, terrazzo and terracotta tiles.

The grout is available in 11 colours, including Jasmine, Ivory, Silver Grey, Charcoal and Black, and supplied in 5kg bags. The complementary range of weber.joint silicone, available in the same colour range, provides a sealant designed for use in showers, domestic kitchens and bathrooms and is resistant to fungus and mildew.

T: 08703 330 070 W: www.netweber.co.uk

TSJApr12p48-51_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:26 Page 3

PORTFOLIO Seven colour Sky Line is inspired by natural marble

New floor tile offer introduced by ESL ESL Ceramics & Stone has launched a range of new floor tiles including both ceramic and porcelain tiles. In polished porcelain, new colours and sizes have been added to some of the most popular existing ranges: Brilliant Grey in both 600 by 600 and 300 by 600mm; plus 300 by 600mm Granito Bone and Delta Super White. A new monochrome stone effect range with a sparkle effect, St Moritz, is being introduced in white, grey and black in both 300 by 600 and 600 by 600mm.

Santorini, an entry level polished porcelain launched at the end of 2011, is already proving to be a hit.

A new range has also been included in the through-body porcelain collection. Kuala is a beautiful rustic slate effect tile on a structured body. It is available in three colours in 300 by 600mm.

A new size modular collection is also being launched: Geo Tech Gold, a frost-proof, anti-slip porcelain and Geo Chrome, a slate effect porcelain are available in 250 by 250, 250 by 500 and 500 by 500mm.

250 by 400mm is now probably the most popular size in the UK, and ESL Ceramics & Stone has just introduced four new ranges in this size: Parthenon and Tramonto are both produced using the latest inkjet technology making them both very realistic representations of polished stone: Parthenon is a travertine look alike and Tramonto a marble. Iris is a smart black and white combination range with a stripy detail for added interest and Adesa is another gloss stone effect ceramic tile in a beige colour.

Add to these a 200 by 250mm gloss marble with matching floor called Universal and Nova, a 250 by 333mm beige marble effect also in gloss and ESL can also provide an affordable collection for the more conservative customer. Matching floor tiles are available.

The kitchen offering has also been strengthened with Provence, an attractive bumpy gloss range in the popular 100 by 200mm size.

T: 020 8744 1122 E: eslceramics@euroserviceslimited.co.uk W: www.euroserviceslimited.co.uk

Sky Line by Naxos was inspired by precious marbles, and manufactured using the latest digital decoration. Its is available in seven different colours, each inspired by a natural marble: Museum, King, Venus, Marble Arch, Cult, Rider, Escape and Land.

Each colour version truly reproduces the depth of large and clear veins, as well as the thin and unexpected crosses that offer decorative complexity. Sky Line is available for floors and walls and is matched with several decorative options, such as bands, mosaics, strips and frames. This single fired, white body, porcelain tile is offered in 325 by 325, 325 by 650 and 325 by 977mm, complemented by an unusually wide range of decorative pieces in many different sizes. www.naxos-ceramica.it info@naxos-ceramica.it

Concrete effect comes in two distinct surface finishes

New 600 by 600mm value range from QPC In response to continued pressure on retailers to meet the low price expectations of their clients, QPC Ceramics has launched a new 600 by 600mm format tile.

The new tile enables retailers to meet the demand for low price and still make a healthy profit, without compromising on quality.

Ivory Marble is an ivory/grey polished porcelain, with a light vein pattern and rectified edges. As well as being free from wax or oil coatings, it is also pre-sealed.

At a pallet price of ÂŁ10.70 plus vat per sq. metre, the new tile can be retailed at ÂŁ29.99 including vat and still give a 57% return. Stocks are high and delivery of pallet quantities is FOC. T 0118 959 4066 E: info@qpc.co.uk

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Urban Concrete from Flaviker-Pi.sa is a reinterpretation of concrete. A product with outstanding technical and aesthetic qualities, Urban Concrete comes in four sizes, all rectified (400 by 800, 600 by 600, 300 by 600 and 150 by 600mm), and in two surface finishes: Natural and Frame - the latter being the formwork effect shown above in white. www.flavikerpisa.it

TSJApr12p48-51_News and comment 10/04/2012 16:27 Page 4

PORTFOLIO 3D texture gives Millennium a timeless versatility Aimed squarely at the top end of the tiling market, Canakkale Seramic’s new Millennium range is offered in Lux White, Cream, Brown and Black.

This 300 by 600mm mosaic-textured wall tile range is designed for use in modern homes, hotels, offices and restaurants The Millennium Series perfectly adapts to retro spaces with its 3D mosaictextured tiles. Providing ease of application with a 300 by 600mm format, Millennium provides spaces with a sophisticated atmosphere, with both matt and gloss options. www.kale.com.tr

Accurate rotating laser has a range of features

Offering a beam that is said to be up to five times more visible than standard red line lasers, the new LAR120G Green Line Rotational Laser from Stabila, is perfect for working at long distances and in bright conditions.

With a green beam that enables internal measurements of up to 40 metres, this innovative laser from the market leading brand is ideal for applications such as suspended ceiling installation, layout, levelling and alignment of interior walls, and all kinds of finishing work including tiling, levelling sockets and cabinets.

As well as a whole range of internal applications, the LAR120G is also the laser of choice for external work, thanks to a new REC100G receiver which extends the working range by as much as 300 metres.

Ideal for construction workers, tilers, carpenters, window installers, electricians, plumbers and fitters, Stabila’s LAR120G enables fast, precise work through an electronic self-levelling feature that offers guaranteed accuracy to within 0.1mm/m. Simple to operate via remote control, the LAR120G ensures comfortable working at the reference plane due to its integrated height adjustment. The LAR120G offers eight laser functions including point, right angle, plumb, horizontal and vertical scan or rotation and inclination on two axes.

Perfect for use on the busy building site, the LAR120G is fitted with a height of tool alert function and automatic re-levelling to enable the vibrations and shaking typical of building sites to be automatically counterbalanced.

The LAR120G Laser from Stabila is available from Brian Hyde in a handy set providing everything needed to get started and comprises the LAR120G itself, a remote control, the new REC100G receiver and bracket for external work, a target plate and the NK100 wall mounting bracket for ceiling suspensions.

0121 705 7987 www.brianhyde.co.uk

Virtual Worlds 5.8 supports AutoCAD and Sketch Colour and material merge in ABK’s Docks range ABK’s new Docks range is an architectural and decorative collection of tiles in which colour and material merge to create a highly contemporary range of surfaces. Docks, including Bone shown above, is inspired by concrete. It is a versatile design with a distinctive texture, consisting of interior and exterior floor tiles and wall tiles ideal for both residential and retail applications.

Also from ABK, the Love Me wall tile collection is a new and original bathroom range.

Available in two different versions, Chic and Lux, the Love Me collection combines original, sophisticated colours with neutral and elegant field tiles, with decorations inspired by floral designs, the art of calligraphy and traditional goldsmith's techniques.

Another new collection from ABK is Fossil Stone, a range of large-format porcelain tiles inspired by natural fossil wood. www.abk.it/en

Virtual Worlds has introduced its latest 5.8 version of Virtual Worlds Professional; the widely used design software for the KBB sector. Well known for photo-realistic renders, real-time interactive fly-through and a comprehensive library of manufacturer catalogues, the new 5.8 version now supports enhanced control over the production and display of dimensioned 2D plans and elevations, plus integration with other design software.

The latest version of Virtual Worlds Professional also provides improved hard copy reports for 2D plans and elevations and a handy automated update system for licence users, to ensure designers always have access to the latest supplier product catalogues and design innovations.

Users can now download plans and drawings developed in AutoCAD or Google Sketch Up into Virtual Worlds Professional, such as architects’ or builders’ plans, create their own KBB designs and then export the final plans back, in a compatible file format. The latest new product catalogues include Symphony Kitchens, Crosswater and Hansgrohe, with more in the pipeline.

T: 01908 663848 E:sales@virtualworlds.co.uk W: www.virtualworlds.co.uk APRIL 2012 TSJ

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