The Installer - Issue 10 - Summer 2017

installer

Issue 10 - Summer 2017

the

magazine

MOORES UNVEILED AS LATEST ISP! WIN A GROHE SENSE & SENSE GUARD WORTH £500!

AQUALISA PLEDGES FULL SPONSORSHIP FOCUSING ON HOT TAPS & CONTINENTAL BATHROOMS The official magazine of The British Institute of KBB Installation

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Xxxxxxxx Contents

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BREAKING NEWS Moores become latest ISP

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EDITORS COMMENT

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BiKBBI NEWS

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INDUSTRY NEWS supplied by kbbdaily

24

EVEREST UPDATE

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EVENT NEWS

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AGEUK INITIATIVE

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

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PERSONAL PROFILE Akeem Campbell

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INDUSTRY NEWS on Rogue Builder

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PRODUCT FEATURE Hot Water Taps

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COMPANY NEWS

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EQUIPMENT ADVICE

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AQUALISA AGREE SPONSORSHIP

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CONTINENTAL BATHROOMS FEATURE

FRONT COVER STORY MOORES BECOMES ISP

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HOT TAPS FEATURE

OUR SPONSORS

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Welcome

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TRENDS

by Houzz

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Q&A with Ian Price

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PRODUCT FEATURE Continental Bathrooms

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COMPANY NEWS

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EQUIPMENT ADVICE

by Festool

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PRODUCT PORTFOLIO And much more ...

WIN! A GROHE SENSE AND SENSE GUARD

Welcome ...

Well, it’s certainly been a busy time for me since the last issue.

Aside from climbing a ruddy great hill in China (see page 24), BiKBBI has had a great summer so far. A new corporate sponsor in Aqualisa (see page 22), new Installation Standards Partner in Moores (see front cover and page 6) and more great developments to be shared over the next few weeks too.

Work on a BiKBBI approved Apprenticeship provider is also moving forward at great pace, with support from some familiar KBB brands including Blum, Bathstore, B&Q, John Lewis, Bunnings (Homebase), Wickes and now Moores. We also saw Howdens commit too as they now take seat on The Education Committee.

We have also completed our insurance review and will be detailing a new international provider over the next few weeks – all very exciting for the industry and indeed our members. Special thanks must be given to our Non-Exec Vince Linnane for his usual diligence and hard work.

We welcomed our latest member of staff, Jodi Reed, who joins the team to focus on legal compliance, supporting our members and partners to meet their responsibilities. Jodi is an incredibly experienced new addition to the team, so welcome Jodi!

Finally, we received some sad news – our condolences go out to our mag Editor Rob Nicholls for the recent loss of his mother. Rob is very much a key part of the BiKBBI family and a close personal friend of mine. Despite this, Rob and his wife Janine have put together yet another amazing issue of The Installer Magazine, which is not only testament to their character, but also admirable under the saddest of circumstances. I’m sure you’ll join me in thanking them for their continued support, this brilliant issue and indeed join me in thinking of them and their family at this time.

I hope you enjoy the mag… it’s another corker!

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COMPETITION!

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

OUR SPONSORS

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Breaking News

MOORES FURNITURE GROUP BECOMES BiKBBI INSTALLATION STANDARDS PARTNER In what has been an amazingly busy month for The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), the organisation has announced

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that Moores Furniture Group has become its latest blue-chip Installation Standards Partner, joining a fast growing network of high profile retailers and manufacturers. 

Breaking News

Moores, the kitchen and bathroom manufacturer based in West Yorkshire, provides K&B product to both the private and affordable housing market. Its parent company is the global Masco Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers of brand name products for the home improvement and new home construction markets, and parent to a number of leading KBB brands including the Bristan Group and Hansgrohe.

This exciting partnership will see the British manufacturers national network of installers become accredited by the BiKBBI over the coming weeks.

Importantly, Moores will be involved in the Education Committee which is supporting the development of the Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship as well as learning and development opportunities for existing tradesmen through its Blum sponsored CPD [Continual Professional Development] portal.

Speaking on behalf of Moores, National Operations Manager Andy Hedges (pictured right) said: “The team at Moores are delighted to be in partnership with the BiKBBI. The endorsement will give our

customers even more confidence in the Moores brand, product and quality service we offer our customers”.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters (left) added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Moores has added their support to BiKBBI and the exciting initiatives we’re working on.

They’re clearly one of the major players here in the UK and I’m confident there’ll be mutual benefit from the partnership for years to come.”

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Editor's comment

HEROES DON’T ALWAYS WEAR CAPES! Since the spring issue of The Installer magazine was published in April, one dreadful news story seems to follow another in the UK, it really is unprecedented. Back-to-back-to-back terrorist atrocities, the awful Grenfell Tower block inferno, and a little further afield; forest fires in Portugal and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Back in the UK we have had the debacle of the General Election, resulting in a minority government and the ongoing problems with Brexit negotiations. The latter is undoubtedly hurting us all economically as small businesses struggle with the resulting uncertainty.

With all this, it would be easy to become angry and disillusioned with humanity, especially in the wake of terrorism; however, what these events actually do is allow unsung heroes to come to the forefront of our minds. For the police to quell the sickening actions of three at Borough Market within just eight minutes of receiving an emergency call was a masterclass of bravery and efficiency.

Then what about those special folk who are employed by all the emergency services who run towards a bomb scene whilst everyone else runs away, putting their lives at risk to save others. Possibly the most remarkable were the amazing firefighters who went beyond adopted safety procedures to save as many folk from the Grenfell tower inferno as possible, going into the unknown and absolutely laying their lives on the line.

What truly amazes me is how members 8

Rob Nicholls, Editor, BiKBBI The Installer Magazine

of the general public step up to the plate in times of crises too, this was never highlighted more than at the Manchester and Borough market atrocities where ordinary people administered first aid and even tried to distract armed terrorists to prevent others being stabbed.

Bravery takes many forms and every day people around us demonstrate actions that many of us mere mortals are in awe of, whether it be someone battling a serious illness or even people who push human boundaries to the limit in a quest to achieve something special for someone else, or themselves or both, in fact we have one of these in Damian Walters who attempted to scale Mount Everest to raise money for charity and I for one applaud them all.

When we read and hear about these individual acts of bravery I’m sure that many of us ask ourselves how we would react in the same situation, especially in those headline making news stories of late. I’m sure, like me, you would like to think that you would demonstrate similar bravery given the same circumstances but hopefully we will never have an opportunity to find out.

So spare a thought for those brave guys and girls of the public and the emergency services as they truly prove that heroes don’t always where capes!

Wilsonart, the worktop specialists ‘..we are delighted to be part of the BiKBBI family’

When it comes to worktops we’ve got it covered, from versatile laminates to seamless solid surface, to our newest introduction Zenith, 100% waterproof ultra-thin solid laminate.

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Contact us: +44 (0)1388 774661

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BiKBBI News

A WARM WELCOME TO JODI BiKBBI were pleased to welcome new member of staff Jodi Reed (pictured) to the head office team in July.

Jodi, from Hornchurch Essex, joins BiKBBI to focus on member compliance whilst working closely with our retail Installation Standards Partners and members. Aside from the general day-

to-day operational delivery of member compliance, Jodi will work closely with the management team to further develop this incredibly important discipline, in particular the introduction of CPD (Continuous Product Development) to member criteria over the next 18 months.

Jodi said, “I’m thrilled to be

joining the BiKBBI as they are such a progressive organisation, better still, the team are really nice and have welcomed me into the fold.”

Damian Walters, CEO added, “This is an entirely new role for Jodi, necessitated through the institute’s incredible growth over the last few years. We really

do have the strongest of teams now and I hope she enjoys many successful years with us.”

NEW RULING FOR DEBT CLAIMS On 1 October 2017 a new Pre-Action Protocol, specifically for debt claims, must be used (the Protocol).

The Protocol applies to 'any business (including sole traders and public bodies) claiming payment of a debt from an individual (including a sole trader)'. It doesn’t apply to business-to-business debts, so will not apply where a creditor is seeking to recover liabilities from a company or LLP. However, it will apply where a creditor seeks to recover a debt due under a guarantee from an individual. A creditor must also allow a reasonable period of time for a debtor to seek legal advice.

If, following discussions, no agreement is reached, the creditor may give the debtor at least 14 days' notice of their intention to start proceedings, unless there are exceptional circumstances (like the expiry of a limitation period) which means the creditor cannot wait.

When the Protocol comes into force, parties will need to ensure that they are compliant. Failure to comply may well have cost consequences if proceedings are later 10

issued. The Protocol emphasises the need for parties to make every effort to resolve cases without the need for proceedings.

This is reflected in the Protocol's aims, the timescales for responses and the provision of information and documents.

However, the effect of the Protocol is that timescales before issuing proceedings will no doubt increase. There is a risk that debtors will use these extended timescales to delay meaning creditors could need to wait more than 30 days from the date of the Letter of Claim before proceedings are issued.

In situations where time is of the essence (for example the creditor is seeking to secure the debt before an insolvency situation arises) the creditor will need to consider the impact of the Protocol and weigh up the risks of not complying with it.

These details are intended for general guidance and represents our understanding of the relevant law and practice as at March 2017. Specific advice should be sought for specific cases.

BiKBBI News

BiKBBI UNVEILS AMBITIOUS EXPANSION PLANS The institute has announced that it is expanding its operations by opening two regional offices in the Midlands and North of England this summer. This exciting development not only reflects the organisations incredible growth but demonstrates its ambition for the years ahead.

The first office will be opened first in Cannock (West Midlands) and then soon after in Leeds.

The initiative will create a number of jobs as the organisation steps

up its member recruitment activity by employing a number of regional BiKBBI Ambassadors.

Each appointed Ambassador will be responsible for promoting the organisation to communities across the UK. BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters, "At times its been frustrating as the BiKBBI, was for many years, regarded as the industry's best kept secret; however, we have painstakingly built a much stronger infrastructure and are now better

equipped to control our growth. The appointment of several Regional Ambassadors is a really positive move allowing for the organisation to meaningfully increase its reach to communities across the UK." “With many of our members, sponsors and supporters based in the Midlands and North of England, it is a logical step to open new operating platforms to engage them better and so

the strategic location of the two new offices will not only facilitate this necessity but also represent a statement of our long term commitment to all members, wherever they are located,” Damian concluded.

The BiKBBI represents the largest independent network of KBB installation specialists and is supported by an impressive portfolio of national and international brands.

BIKBBI CONFIRMS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IDEAL HOME SHOW 2018 A calendar date in many households for over a century, The Ideal Home Show has agreed to partner with the BiKBBI in 2018, underlining the institute’s market acceptance and value to even the most established of events, businesses and organisations.

This high profile consumer exhibition, will take place 17th March – 2nd April (Olympia, London) and 14th – 17th June (Eventcity, Manchester) 2018.

The annual event(s) attracts thousands of consumers every year with some 55,000 attending across the two shows in 2016 with a collective spend of some 45 million euros!.

Each visitor is seeking inspiration for their home improvement projects and in 2017

the show features a dedicated kitchen and bathroom zone.

BiKBBI members and associates will receive exclusive offers to attend the exhibitions whilst the organisation will be engaging consumers at the shows, promoting its installer members and retail partners.

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THE EASY ASSEMBLY APP BY BLUM

The leading fittings supplier to the KBB sector in the UK, Blum, has implemented a variety of services for fitters, designers and manufacturers over the last few years, with the most recent being the EASY ASSEMBLY app by Blum. An essential digital tool for anyone working with Blum components.

The Easy Assembly app provides information, for example, on how to install fittings safely, how to quickly locate fixing positions and how to set Blum fittings precisely. Now that is practical! All relevant assembly information is immediately to hand and always up to date.

To find out more or to download the free app for iOS and Android please follow the below link.

www.blum.com/eaapp

BiKBBI News

BiKBBI ANNOUNCES LATEST MEMBER BENEFIT The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced yet another superb benefit for its members by forming a partnership with Diesel24, a fuel broker which will provide members with access to discounted vehicle fuel, nationally.

Established in 2013 and based in Scotland, Diesel24 is a family run business and is one of the fastest growing fuel distributors in the UK. Its customers range from SME’s operating single vehicles, to larger companies operating fleets. The company offers various fuel cards, tailored to the individual business and invite members to make contact for a free, no obligation fuel assessment with an objective to reduce fuel costs.

Diesel24 is offering BiKBBI members an easy-to-use online account, where all transactions and invoices can be viewed and downloaded. Members will have access to a dedicated Account Manager for ongoing support and regular review.

BiKBBI Communications Manager, Nicole Mercer said: “We are delighted to have negotiated yet another partnership that will have a tangible benefit for our members by saving them both time and money. With rising fuel prices, every penny counts and we see this specially negotiated deal as a real benefit as it helps our members to control an inherent business expense.”

THE KITCHEN, BEDROOM & BATHROOM SPECIALIST PR CONSULTANCY PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE BiKBBI

Public Relations •Advertising•Publishing•Marketing

Telephone: 01992 478 109 rob@publicityengineers.com celebrating 21 years

www.publicityengineers.com

FOR INSPIRING BATHROOMS www.croydex.com Tel: +44 (0) 1264 365881

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BiKBBI News

INSTITUTE TO JUDGE EK&BBUSINESS INSTALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD AGAIN The BiKBBI commits to acting as a judge for the Installer of The Year 2017 for a second consecutive year at the forthcoming ekb&bbusiness Awards & Review 2017 on November 30th.

The prestigious event is organised by marketleading Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine and KBBDaily. com, both big supporters of the BiKBBI, at the worldfamous Brewery, near Barbican, central London.

It celebrates excellence in our industry and we're pleased that installation excellence forms an integral part of the proceedings.

But you will have to be quick as entries are only open until the 25th August 2017.

Publisher of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine and organiser of the awards event, Darren Summerfield, explains just

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Darren Summerfield, Publisher of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business Magazine

what's required of those interested in entering: “As a key contact of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, we're inviting you to nominate a maximum of three installers for the accolade of Exceptional Installer of The Year 2017!”

“You can nominate any installer that represents your company, whether they're an employee or sub-contractor.” 

BiKBBI News

“As a key contact of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, we're inviting you to nominate a maximum of three installers for the accolade of Exceptional Installer of The Year 2017!”

Who can you nominate?

“You can nominate any installer that represents your company, whether they're an employee or sub-contractor.”

What happens after nomination?

“Based on the information you provide, our team will shortlist the nominations to a maximum of five finalists.

These five finalists will receive a site visit from a BiKBBI inspector and those shortlisted will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in London on Thursday 30th November

2017 (12pm - 5pm). The winner will be announced at the event.”

Is there any cost to nominate?

“Absolutely not! However, tickets to the event in London cost £225+VAT each, which includes entry, a four-course silver service lunch, Champagne reception, table wine and beer, and entertainment with a celebrity host. It's a first-class event!”

Is ticket purchase compulsory?

“No, but we'd love you to join us! Each finalist will be able to purchase two tickets, as will the company that makes the nomination (you). Should you wish to take up tickets, we'll provide information once the shortlist is made.”

How do you nominate?

You must nominate online by clicking here.

Final word goes to Damian Walters, CEO, BiKBBI: “We're delighted the awards producers have included installations as a category for the second year running.

Please get behind this by making a nomination / nominations. Your support is appreciated!”

Remember, closing date is Friday 25th August 2017.

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Industry News

supplied by

KitchenEx INVESTS IN NEW SHEFFIELD SHOWROOM Faber and ILVE supplier, KitchenEx, has invested in a new, larger premises in Sheffield following “impressive growth in sales of both ILVE and Faber over the last four years”; it has also appointed a new marketing executive.

According to KitchenEx, its turnover has increased from the £776,000 recorded in 2014 to more than £3m this year.

The company's new showroom

is located at the Meadowhall Business Park development in Sheffield, and is expected to create three new jobs this year focused on customer service management and sales.

“We are proud to announce the establishment of our first ever showroom for ILVE and Faber appliances,” said KitchenEx Director Vicky Harris. “It will allow trade buyers to view an extensive range of Faber and

ILVE appliances and will feature events, demos and training throughout the year.”

The company recently launched its new Faber UK website, featuring additional resources for consumers and installers, as well as

improved usability on mobile devices.

The site also has a new support section that provides expert advice on the installation of cooker hoods, as well as a showroom locator listing all Faber UK retailers.

ROPER RHODES UNVEILS MIRROR INSTALLATION VIDEO Bathroom company Roper Rhodes has published a new installation video for its Ultra Slim mirror collection, aimed at installers and bathroom fitters, alongside a consumer video for the product range.

The “handy, step-by-step” installation video shows two installers demonstrating how to correctly and safely fit the mirror, accompanied by 15 written steps to outline each part of the process.

“Our Ultra Slim mirrors are the thinnest LED illuminated mirrors available and are the result of significant investment in our design team, which has enabled us to develop the 16

unique and innovative construction that allows the mirror to be truly ultra slim,” said Roper Rhodes Marketing Manager Helen Shaw.

“As our new consumer video beautifully illustrates, our Ultra Slim mirrors look simply stunning when fitted and really do create that premium, boutique hotel look which so many people are looking to achieve.”

To watch the installation video, head to Roper Rhodes' YouTube channel.

Industry News

supplied by

MAXTOP EXPANDS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR 2017

Maxtop Quartz has expanded its training programme “to meet demand from installers across the UK”, having already given the training to more than 300 people in Manchester, Reading and Ireland since the programme launched in 2015.

From July to September, the company will be holding training days in Reading, Manchester, Glasgow, Gateshead, Northampton, Bournemouth, Birmingham and Ipswich. The half-day course is led by Ian Howarth, who has worked in construction and kitchen installation for 30 years.

Training sessions will cover the benefits and structure of Maxtop Quartz, including a live demonstration of the cutting equipment and diamond-brazed blades required for installation. Attendees will receive a free sample display box containing all 10 finishes alongside a cross-sectioned block of surface.

“We know how precious time is to installers and wanted to do as much as we can to make it easier for them to attend our training sessions,” said Managing Director Stephen Moss.“ Sessions showcase how quick and easy the surfaces are to install and give delegates a wealth of product knowledge, highlighting all of its unique characteristics.

“As a young business, we’re really pleased with take up of our training courses. They’re very interactive and encourage people to 'have a go' so they can see with their own eyes how easy it is to work with, so we’re delighted to have made it more accessible to installers across the UK.”

SHOWERWALL MARKS 500,000TH PANEL WITH GIVEAWAY Showerwall is celebrating the production of its 500,000th panel by holding a special giveaway, hiding a golden ticket inside the panel's packaging.

The merchant or retailer, installer and property owner who find the ticket will each win a £500 Love2Shop voucher. According to Showerwall, the panel containing the ticket was placed randomly into stock in May, so it “could now be anywhere in the UK”.

“In true Willy Wonka style, there is no way of knowing who will find the Golden Ticket,” said

Showerwall Assistant Production Manager Mark Litherland, who came up with the special giveaway and is pictured holding the golden ticket alongside staff from the Showerwall factory in Stoke-onTrent.

“Because we don’t know where our halfa-millionth panel will end up in the UK, or the size of the project it will be used for, we don’t know how soon it will be found,” he added. “We would therefore recommend everyone checks their Showerwall packaging very carefully over the coming weeks in case they have won!”

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Industry News

supplied by

MAXTOP REVEALS KITCHEN INSTALLERS' TOP BUGBEARS New research by Maxtop Quartz has uncovered the top five frustrations of UK kitchen installers, including “wonky walls, long lead times and heavy materials”, according to the company.

The survey found that 23% of kitchen fitters say the biggest problem they face on a daily basis is fitting worktops to wonky walls or tiled surfaces, while 19% said damaged goods, through water damage or transport, is one of the job's most frustrating aspects.

Installers also noted “long and unnecessary delays for

kitchen surfaces are a big bugbear, as well as poor quality materials and limited availability of both styles and lengths when it comes to worktops.”

Lastly, kitchen fitters said managing customer

expectations was a main frustration of the job. “Any situation where the customer changes their mind or is underwhelmed by the result is concerning for any installer,” Maxtop said.

MASTER SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS AT NEW EVENT KBBDIGICON The inaugural KBBdigicon is a day-long event that’s split into two distinct parts: the Digital Summit and the EKBB Influencer Awards.

The event will include some of the biggest names in the world of ‘blogging’, ‘vlogging’ and all other aspects of social media marketing. These include James Lawrence of ‘Plumber Parts' fame, Phil Crothers the SEO Guru, Chris Davis from Gleam who looks after the biggest names in ‘vlogging’, and Abbey Mills, one of the most respected leaders in social media marketing.

The event provides a unique opportunity to train visitors in how to make the 18

best of internet and social media by applying it to their businesses. This will be followed by the award show that recognises the best influencers of the KBB sector across these media routes.

If you are a manufacturer, installer or a retail outlet having to compete with bigger brands, kbbdigicon will help you compete on a more level playing field.

KBBdigicon will be held on the 28th of September at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London, close to Covent Garden.

Tickets are £195 + VAT per person and team discounts are available; however, a reduced rate of only £125.00

+ VAT is being offered to all BiKBBI members.

The special rate provides a unique opportunity for BiKBBI member installers to be part of this amazing day and network with those who can help get your businesses in front of the biggest audience of professional and consumer buyers.

For tickets or further information contact: matt@kingshill.com

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BiKBBI News

ACADEMY TO OPEN IN 2018 BiKBBI have announced the opening of a brand-new Installer Academy at Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT) in Essex in 2018.

The Academy, which will be based at PROCAT’s multi-million pound and stateof-the-art facility in Basildon, will offer the new style government Trailblazer Level 2 Apprenticeship for Fitted Interiors and is expected to be the first of many BiKBBI endorsed training facilities nationwide.

The Level 2 Apprenticeship, which was launched last year as a result of an industry collaboration, is being further developed by BiKBBI’s Education Committee, made up from leading KBB brands including B&Q, Bathstore, John Lewis, Homebase (Bunnings), Wickes, Wren Kitchens, Moores Furniture, Omega and Symphony.

The Committee met recently at PROCAT to collaboratively develop the apprenticeship and to explore ways in which the existing curriculum can be adapted to suit the needs of the KBB mass market.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters delivered a presentation on behalf of international construction giant Kier Group, a global business with a sub-contracted workforce that has successfully integrated apprenticeships into its organisation.

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At the Committee meeting Damian said: “Whilst the collaboration of these great industry businesses is a demonstrable step forward, we must now work together to lead, promote and support apprenticeships amongst our respective audiences. We have set up an online portal to gather expressions of interest from anyone in and around our industry, and it’s for us to now shout from the rooftops to make this happen.”

Click here to access the online portal.

Why ArtiCAD is a smart choice for your business Things are changing in the KBB software landscape as consumers become more tech savvy. Your customers expect to easily engage with you online, in-store and from any location. n. It’s It s time to embrace technologies that deliver an interactive customer mer journey.

ArtiCAD’s super-fast, ultra-high quality, easy to use and award winning CAD software is available to use online, offline, via outright purchase or low-cost monthly subscription.

Images produced using ArtiCAD-Pro HD

In addition to CAD, we provide integrated software solutions and services for every stage of your customer journey – helping your business stand out from the crowd. These include: Design, pricing and management tools Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Apps Consumer room planning and styling software for your website ArtiCAD Academy – training in design, sales, customer care and CAD www.articad.com

To partner with an award-winning software innovator, with an independent A1 customer service rating, contact our sales team on +44 (0)1923 888101 or email sales@articad.com.

BiKBBI News

AQUALISA EMBRACES BiKBBI ETHOS BY BECOMING A CORPORATE SPONSOR Yet another market leading manufacturer has demonstrated its faith in the BiKBBI by becoming a Corporate Sponsor.

Premium shower manufacturer Aqualisa has committed to a three-year agreement that will link the BiKBBI and its members to training opportunities offered by the British based shower specialist.

This includes new smartshower technology as well as learning and development within their existing portfolio of electric and mixer products.

The agreement will also connect the BiKBBI with Aqualisa’s national network of existing specialist installers as part of the institutes drive to grow its links with installation professionals.

Aqualisa Chief Executive Officer, David Hollander (pictured right with BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters), commented on the new sponsorship: “We have a continuing commitment to

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L to R, Damian Walters, David Hollander & Aqualisa Customer Experience Director, Wendy Bennett

installers, who have been key to our success to date.

We’re looking forward to collaborating with the BiKBBI on a range of initiatives with an emphasis on training and education, helping to shape the future for the benefit of all parties.”

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters added: “Aqualisa is a great, long-standing, British brand and I’m incredibly excited to be working with David and his team, especially on the subject of training and

development. Showering technology is moving at such a fast pace, and Aqualisa is clearly leading the innovation. It is therefore vital that those installers responsible for fitting the product are trained to the highest standard, enabling them to deliver a reliable, safe and professional service to their customers. I am extremely grateful for the company’s support.”

@BandKConf bandkconf@bathroom-association.org.uk

STEPHEN KAY

Facilitator NICK OWEN

CASPER BERRY

JANE BLAKEBOROUGH

DR PETER BONFIELD

THE BELFRY

HOTEL & RESORT PETER ADKINS

Lichfield Road, Wishaw

Sutton Coldfield B76 9PR

17 OCT 2017 ROB BROWN SIMON JACK

JOE LYNAM

Supporters

C

B&K Business

onference

Everest Update

SCALING THE HEIGHTS Severe weather halts climb just 700 feet from Everest summit but still raises an amazing £33,000 for charity.

Proving that heroes come in all walks of life, the Chief Executive Officer of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), Damian Walters, has returned to the UK after having to abandon his attempt to scale Mount Everest at 28,300 feet, just 700 feet from its summit!

Sadly, this incredible feat of endurance was aborted due to the severest of inclement weather conditions that included life threatening high winds and storms. However, despite having to make the gut-wrenching decision to call off his climb so near completion, he can be somewhat placated in the knowledge that his courage and fortitude raised an amazing £33,000 for charity!

In his pursuit for the summit, Damian endured a two month expedition that included extreme weather, severe altitude sickness, a two stone weight loss and conditions that prevented many fellow climbers from reaching the top.

“The past two months on Everest was harder than I could ever imagine, but an incredible expedition nevertheless.

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

Everest Update

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Everest Update

“When you are so close to the peak it’s easy to adopt a ‘summit at any cost’ mindset which many climbers do and sadly lose their lives but returning home from the mountain was always more important to me and of course my wonderful family.”

I’m immensely proud of getting so close to the summit and despite my initial disappointment, I now look back on the experience as a great personal victory both physically and mentally.” Said Damian: “When you are so close to the peak it’s easy to adopt a ‘summit at any cost’ mind-set which many climbers do and sadly lose their lives but returning home from the mountain was always 26

more important to me and of course my wonderful family.”

The money that Damian raised has been obtained by corporate sponsorship and donations from the industry, friends and family. Damian’s suit and flag sponsors included Cabinet Maker, Chimera Insurance, Classi Seal by Classic Marble, Designer Contracts, Geoflex Shield, HIPPO™, Furniture Village, Instant Print W1, KBB Review, NICEIC, The January Furniture Show, TradePoint and UK Special Risks. He commented: “The generosity of companies and folks around me has been truly amazing and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. I want to personally thank the sponsors for enabling me to raise £33,000 (to date), especially my main sponsor and long time BiKBBI supporter, Classic Marble.”

Damian added: “The Furniture Makers Company is a charity that is dear to my 

Everest Update

heart and is the BiKBBI’s chosen charity and so I feel very content that they are the benefactors of my efforts.” In response, Dr Tony Smart MBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “On behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company, I would like to congratulate Damian for achieving something truly special. This accomplishment needs to be recognised and celebrated, particularly as he has been raising money for our charity.”

Christopher Hackett, Classic Marble’s Managing Director, said: “Everyone at Classi would like to congratulate Damian for what has been a huge challenge and glad that he has returned home safe and sound. We are delighted to have been the main sponsor for his Everest expedition.”

It's not too late to help grow the £33,000, if you feel so inclined then just go to the link below or contact Richard Ainsworth, Fundraising Manager at The Furniture Makers’ Company. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DamianclimbsEverest

27

Event News

THE SCOTTISH HOME IMPROVEMENT AWARDS REVEAL SCOTLAND’S HOME HEROES FOR 2017!

The 3rd annual Scottish Home Improvement Awards, presented by Paramount Creative, was held at the Glasgow Marriott on June 16th with some 400 guests coming together to celebrate the best of the Scottish home improvement trade.

In excess of 20,000 votes were cast and over 1,000 businesses received nominations; the panel of industry specialists had a hugely difficult task as this year saw fierce competition between the 153 finalists. Winning a Scottish Home Improvement Award is a true reflection of the best of the industry thus making award recipients household favourite status!

TV personality and interior design guru, John Amabile returned to host the evening and hand out the night’s accolades to deserving businesses from across Scotland. He was joined by representatives from sponsors and supporters including Gerry Woods of The Scottish and Northern Irish Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), Scott Carter-Dowding of the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), Phil Ford of Skills Development Scotland and Damian Walters of the BiKBBI. Awards winners were announced to enthusiastic cheers with many receiving 28



Event News

standing ovations from a broad spectrum of industry personalities attending the event. ‘Scotland’s Best Kitchen Company’ was awarded to Silver Birch Interiors, while ‘Scotland’s Best Bedroom Company’ was won by DM Design with the award for ‘Scotland’s Best Bathroom Company’ going to BAGNODESIGN.

Home Improvement Awards Team on 0141 774 5272 to discuss opportunities.

Head to www.homeimprovementawards.co.uk to see a full list of 2017 winners!

Debuting at the 2017 Scottish Home Improvement Awards was a new accolade of ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’. This will truly prove to be a much coveted award and the inaugural winner was announced as CEO of the BiKBBI, Damian Walters. The award was decided upon after analysing independent, organic nominations from within the home improvement industry where the committee recognised Damian for his tireless work developing the institute, his work in the field of education, and his consistent charitable efforts.

Damian said of his award, “Whilst completely shocked by the award, I am incredibly grateful to receive such an accolade and delighted to have been involved with SHIA for the third year running. The awards are clearly growing in popularity and I’m confident we’ll continue our support for years to come.”

Scottish Home Improvement Awards CEO and Founder, Warren Paul, shared his appreciation for the commitment and engagement of supporters, “Establishing partnerships with agencies and businesses is vital to the success of these awards.

We need to continue to work together to ensure an industry environment we can all be proud to work in. I am thankful that we have the support of organisations such as BiKBBI to help us celebrate this fantastic trade. Here’s to 2018 being even bigger!”

Interested in joining our official partners for 2018? Get in touch with the Scottish 29

AgeUK Initiative

BiKBBI SUPPORTS THE ADAPTED LIVING MARKET The British Institute of KBB Installation announced earlier this year that it was working with the national charity AgeUK to support the adapted living market, by accrediting those installers responsible for installing kitchens and bathrooms on its behalf.

For the ultimate statement in style, without compromising on usability or safety, Age UK Easy Bathing have introduced the Ingleton easy access shower solution

The accreditation of installers working on behalf of Handicare, the sales business working with AgeUK, began this month and it’s expected to conclude in August.

Primary contractors Premier Installations and AHM are currently being assessed by BiKBBI. Care in Bathing, an established business based in the Midlands, also applied for BiKBBI Installation Standards Partner status, successfully passing the initial assessment in July. The next stage for their accreditation is to assess the company’s national network of installers over the coming weeks.

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BiKBBI Communication Manager Nicole Mercer said: “The adapted living market is an incredibly sensitive area considering the demographic of those customers investing in this sector. We are pleased to be working with the major players in this market by helping them to develop

their respective installation propositions, whilst also supporting their installer population enabling to meet their customers specialised needs.”

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Website Refresh

BiKBBI WEBSITE REFRESH

July saw the relaunch of the BiKBBI website, with a fresh new look and updated features.

The refreshed site now offers a much cleaner find-a-member search facility, allowing consumers to connect with members via a new email submission form. The member search tool also details credentials, including when the membership began.

The new home page provides a greater overview for visitors, with a focus on consumers and why they should use a BiKBBI member.

The members website has also received a refresh, with an improved online forum, and benefits section.

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Financial Advice

TAX & ACCOUNTANCY TIPS The General Election and the start of Brexit negotiations has in many cases meant that proposed changes to our tax system have been put on the ‘back-burner’. Beyond the topical changes to which I have previously referred, the tax world has been relatively quiet. It is therefore perhaps a good time to reflect on some issues that are important at this time of year.

July Tax Payments For those that are assessed for personal tax arising through the self-assessment system, the need for making one of your on-account tax payments is fast approaching. 31st July is the deadline for payment of your 2nd on account payment of tax for the 16/17 tax year. However, the value of that payment does not have to be dictated by the tax arising from your 15/16 assessment. Should you expect that your taxable profits for the 2016/17 period will be lower than the prior year, you are entitled to register an election with HMR&C to reduce your on-account payment to reflect the anticipated change in circumstances. However, be careful not to use this facility flippantly, as should tax liabilities ultimately exceed the on-account payments made, HMR&C will seek to charge daily interest for late settlement and could issue penalties if the facility is deemed to have been abused.

Well done if you have already prepared your 16/17 tax return, in which case you should already know the quantum of your July payment.

Bank Details for HMR&C! For those that may be expecting a personal tax refund please be aware that HMR&C are moving away from issuing hard copy cheques to personal taxpayers. As such they will be expecting you to provide personal or agent bank account details when completing your self-assessment return. Failure to co-operate could give rise to delays in repayment.

Dean Flood, Chartered Certified Accountant and Partner at Rowland Hall www.rowlandhall.co.uk Tel: 01375 373 828 / 01268 696 878

Summer Holidays If you are lucky enough to be escaping for some holiday this summer, don’t forget to plan around your absence for those matters where deadlines remain. Being away for holiday is not a viable excuse to HMR&C where late filing penalties are levied, so plan ahead to ensure your payroll returns and PAYE liabilities are filed and paid in accordance with RTI requirements.

Benefits in Kind Reporting benefits in kind for employees must be dealt with through the P11d system and the deadline for submitting that information was the 6th July. If you have overlooked that process you must attend to this as soon as possible to avoid the accumulation of penalties which will multiply with the passage of time.

Unused Personal Allowances For those taxpayers who are not higher rate payers and who have a partner who is not utilising their personal allowance, there is scope for 10% of the personal allowance to be transferred to the tax paying partner. This has to be dealt with online by the individual surrendering the allowance. This could result in a tax saving of up to £220 for the 16/17 tax year and can be backdated to the prior year.

See more details at: www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance-guide.

33

Profile

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECRUITING HIGH-QUALITY INSTALLERS The Installer Magazine talks to bathstore, Installations Recruitment and Compliance specialist Akeem Campbell.

How long have you been at bathstore and what attracted you to the company and the role in particular?

bathstore is one of the industry’s massive success stories, does this make recruiting installers any easier?

I have been working at bathstore for 11 months and the size of the company was a major attraction as I felt it would offer great opportunities for career progression; I also felt that my role would enable me to make a real difference to the company whilst developing my skills.

I would like to say that our continual success makes recruiting for bathstore easy but I can’t really because though we can offer constant work to our installers at very good rates, we have a very stringent recruitment process. This ensures we get the best installers on board, which makes it tougher to find the ideal candidate.

Your role appears quite varied as compliance disciplines are usually separate from recruitment, so how do you merge the two disciplines or do you see them as one of the same?

Yes, I agree, compliance and recruitment doesn’t often fall under the same umbrella but I felt it was important that we could merge the two as this helps ensure that our installers are kept up to date in all the most relevant areas, for example: documentation, installation knowledge and regulations etc.

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Are good installers easy to attract or do the better ones prefer to work on there own?

Good installers are never easy to attract as they are usually busy from recommendations alone which are generated by the quality of their work.

This means that we must add value to their current situation in order to build relationships where we grow and develop together. 

Profile

bathstore is a BiKBBI Installation Standards Partner is this something you and your colleagues promote?

Yes, this is definitely something that we promote as part of our installation program, as it provides reassurance for our customers.

to align myself with the best. bathstore is always looking for innovative ideas to provide exceptional customer service and a seamless installation experience; I would love to be a part of that journey.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t in the bathroom industry?

How has bathstore’s collaboration with the BiKBBI helped the business and you in particular in your role?

If I wasn’t in the bathroom industry I would most likely be developing a business of my own.

As previously stated it, the partnership allows us to vet each installer both internally and externally to ensure the highest quality of workmanship providing a further selling point; and bringing peace of mind to all our customers.

What’s been your biggest business challenge?

If you were a KBB installer why would you choose to work with bathstore?

I would want to work with bathstore as it’s the market leader and I would want

So far, my biggest business challenge has been developing the current recruitment and compliance processes in order to ensure things are water tight.

And your biggest personal challenge?

I am always wanting to know more, and learn as much as I can. I strive to always be 

35

Profile

the best I can be, which means I rarely stop thinking about work and what I can do next.

What do you most like about the industry?

I like the fast pace of this industry, it means that there are always new challenges to get stuck into, there are never two days the same!

What are your impressions of the BiKBBI? I enjoy working with everyone at the BiKBBI, I feel they are always looking for ways to impact the industry in a positive way, for both customers and installers. As we have very similar goals it makes our working relationship more enjoyable.

Tell us a little more about yourself, do you have a family?

I don’t have a family of my own, just yet! I spend most weekends watching/playing football with my brother. Recently I’ve been hosting weekly barbeques in the garden with our friends and family!

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What’s your favourite sports team or sportsperson?

My favourite sports team would be Manchester United (of course!) and my favourite sportsperson is Ronaldinho!

How would you spend a perfect weekend?

My perfect weekend would be a combination of playing and watching football on holiday in LA, with some time spent on a beach, with a few jet ski breaks every now and again, then partying in the night with a few mates.

Do you have a funny industry or company story?

My favourite was sticking Marie’s (my manager) phone underneath her desk, so she could hear it ringing but couldn’t find it!

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

CAKE, CAKE, AND MORE CAKE!!!!!

Finally, in a perfect world where would you like your life to be in 10 years?

In a perfect world in 10 years’ time I’d be retired, married with twin sons and own several holiday homes around the world.

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Industry News

ROGUE BUILDER IN HOT WATER AS HE IS PROSECUTED FOR MIS-USING NICEIC LOGO Rogue builder, Umran Suleman, from Blackburn, has pleaded guilty to 17 charges under trading standards regulations, some in his own name and some in the name of U & A Drylining Limited for falsely claiming to be NICEIC registered, he now faces a possible jail sentence after deceiving customers out of thousands of pounds.

District Judge Michael Hopkinson, who heard the case at Preston Crown Court committed Suleman on bail for sentencing, said that he was in no doubt that the offences merited a custodial sentence.

He said: "The public deserve protection from people like you. You used the logos of regulatory bodies to mislead the public about the validity of the tradesmen working for you.”  38

Industry News

Prosecuting for Lancashire Trading Standards, Nick McNamara said: “Addur Rokib had asked Suleman to price a job after seeing him working on the street where he lives in Rawtenstall; a price was agreed and Suleman later went to collect a deposit of £1,650. An invoice was given for the job which contained the NICEIC and Gas Safe logos and a business address in Leyland."

Subsequent inquiries showed that neither of the regulatory authorities had ever heard of Suleman or his company.

A second victim, Julie O'Brien, paid for electrical and plumbing work in cash which turned out to be defective. When she complained and tried to get her money back, she was assured a refund by Suleman, but he never kept his promise of returning the cash.

Suleman was tracked

by Trading Standards investigators to his Blackburn address where they found a van on the drive advertising Right Choice Contractors, which also bore the Gas Safe and NICEIC logos, as well as the Lancashire County Council

Trader Standards scheme logo, the court heard.

Emma Clancy, CEO of Certsure which operates the NICEIC brand commented: “The NICEIC name is associated with quality and we will work with the appropriate authorities to protect those contractors who are legitimately registered with us and have the quality of their work assessed on a regular basis.”

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|jobs kbbdaily.com 39

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

Franke’s easy-to-install 4-in-1 Omni hot tap range delivers filtered boiling water at a full 100°C, filtered cold water and standard mains hot and cold, all from a single tap mixer for the ultimate in lifestyle convenience.

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Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

SOME LIKE IT HOT The value of the UK water heating market has reported a modest increase of 1% in 2016, with a predicted market growth of 10% over the next 5 years: according to a new 2017 report by AMA Research.

The core products that make up the water heating market include hot water storage systems which account for an estimated 67%, followed by instantaneous water heaters and boiling hot water taps.

As functionality continues to dominate kitchen design, it’s time we recognise the UK homeowner expects these addedvalue products as verbatim: a fact widely validated by many premium suppliers which are now offering instant hot taps as an integral part of their brassware portfolio.

Consequently, this style of tap is being used to revolutionize food preparation, cooking and cleaning, as well as create an instant hot drinks station at the push of a button. Now considered by many as an essential technology in the modernday kitchen, make sure you evaluate the manufacturer guarantee before installation, as these types of advanced  41

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

brassware solutions will inevitably require servicing, filter maintenance and perhaps in some cases, recalibration.

“Hot water boiling taps have become a coveted item for today’s kitchens, so it’s good to get on board by working with a brand you can trust. We believe our Seraphina boiling water tap competes with the best on the market as it combines premium features, competitive pricing and a five year guarantee.”

Jeanette Ward, Communications Manager for Carron Phoenix agrees and says “Hot water boiling taps have become a coveted item for today’s kitchens, so it’s good to get on board by working with a brand you can trust.

We believe our Seraphina boiling water tap competes with the best on the market as it combines premium features, competitive pricing and a five year guarantee.”  42

The InSinkErator® 3N1 L shape steaming hot water tap with cold, hot and filtered, steaming hot water, encased within a stylish Italian design.

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

Ward continues “Two thirds of consumers admit to overfilling their kettles, wasting water and electricity. The Seraphina boiling water tap from Carron Phoenix avoids doing either, as it delivers instant boiling water at 100˚C at the point of delivery – a benefit over many other models.”

In fact, trends in the market confirm a strong move towards more energy efficient systems, with a number of pre-plumbed unvented systems being used in the new build sector.

Likewise, over the last 3 years it has been IoT products (inter-networking of physical devices) which have made their mark, seeing smart heating controls rapidly gain popularity. Embedded realtime software, sensors and network connectivity are all helping to grow market desire and by advancing the technology of instant hot taps, it has resulted in more opportunities for commercial application too (offices, staff canteens and factories) which is bolstering the mainstream residential sectors.

Franke’s Omni leveroperated 4-in-1 kitchen mixer tap range delivers filtered boiling water at a full 100°C, filtered  43

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

cold water and standard mains hot and cold, all from a single tap mixer for the ultimate in lifestyle convenience.

The PRONTEAU 3 IN 1 steaming hot water taps are the latest innovation from Abode. These new PRONTEAU 3 IN 1 mixertaps offer all the benefits of a standard kitchen mixer with the addition of instant steaming hot filtered water.

Safe, super easy to operate, and fully reversible, one lever is for mains hot and cold, while the other lever dispenses the filtered boiling and filtered cold water. The timeless swan-neck design in hi-shine solid stainless steel marries impeccable looks and long-lasting performance thanks to several features including premium filtration and the cool-touch chassis.

Changing the filter is as easy as changing a light bulb.

Omni has been designed for fast and easy installation, in as little as two hours. It features colour coded plug-and-play assembly in conjunction with existing plumbing and the ‘no tool’ Nutrunna® technology on the hoses allows for hand-tightening so minimal plumbing and tools are required. The patented filter housing has two flow outlets built-in, cutting down complexity and plumbing time. Omni can be fitted with low pressure water systems producing better than average water flow and is suitable for most gravity fed supplies. See how easy it is to fit by watching the  44

The Carron Phoenix Seraphina boiling water tap combines 3-in-1 technology for user convenience and features a safety button preventing accidental boiling water activation

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

installation video here.

Redring’s new ‘3 in 1’ boiling water tap, Reditap

With a compact 2 litre boiling water tank, Reditap offers a greater capacity than domestic kettles and still leaves plenty of cupboard space under the sink

“Nowadays people are constantly looking for ways to save time and that even applies to the time it takes to boil a kettle!

Instant boiling water taps have become phenomenally popular over the last couple of years and are challenging sales of traditional electric kettles across the retail channel."

Speaking on behalf of Franke, Marketing Manager Fiona Bowyer comments; “With more and more brands entering the boiling water tap market and the choice of models multiplying rapidly, we know how important it is to make consumers aware of the variations in terms of design, materials and functionality at the different price points available.

“Installers play a key role in this, and indeed across the kitchen industry as a whole, which is why we

 45

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

have developed an online facility for them called Fit Franke First. The dedicated Fit Franke First website provides a number of key resources to help enhance installers’ skills and knowledge, while aiming to save them time and money."

With specialist hot, cold and filtered tap models clearly adding value to the kitchen sector, it is no surprise that Richard Braid, Head of Water Heating & Showers at Redring says “Nowadays people are constantly looking for ways to save time and that even applies to the time it takes to boil a kettle! Instant boiling water taps have become phenomenally popular over the last couple of years and are challenging sales of traditional electric kettles across the retail channel. The relatively high price tag of the tap units and installation process has meant that the technology has been somewhat considered as a luxury purchase.

That is until now. We have just launched Reditap, Redring’s new ‘3 in 1’ boiling water tap, which has allowed this type of technology to become more readily available to the mass market and that’s good news for our customers!”

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As an installer, you must ensure you’re equipped with how to answer any questions your customer might have, i.e. risks, running costs, space requirements, maintenance and so on. With this in mind we asked Zip Water UK what it does to help with these issues and Russell Owens, Marketing Director at Zip Water UK had this to say: “We ensure installers have the right answers for their customers through various mediums; we have a fully trained in-house technical team, website with full specification and installation manuals available to download 

“With more and more brands entering the boiling water tap market and the choice of models multiplying rapidly, we know how important it is to make consumers aware of the variations in terms of design, materials and functionality at the different price points available."

Franke’s easy-to-install Omni lever-operated 4-in1 kitchen mixer tap range delivers filtered boiling water at a full 100°C, filtered cold water and standard mains hot and cold, all from a single tap mixer for the ultimate in lifestyle convenience.

WATER THE WAY YOU WANT IT

The PROBOIL2 boiler is a compact and innovative 2 litre displacement boiler, allowing you to hold and call off steaming hot water at 98 degrees on demand.

Handily, the boiler can be floor or wall mounted within the kitchen base unit under the sink, maximising your available storage space.

TWO STYLES IN FIVE FINISHES

www.pronteau.co.uk

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps Zip Hydrotap Arc in brushed gold, from the Platinum Design

is important – Zip has a range of external scale filters to address this. For customers that would like a hassle-free maintenance service, we make sure installers are aware of our Zip HydroCare package. Eliminating the stress that maintenance typically carries, HydroCare ensures your HydroTap not only remains in perfect condition, but operates at peak performance.”

“Installers can also be confident that Zip products are made to the highest standard, carrying WRAS approvals across the entire range” concludes Owens.

and dedicated trainers to assist with any training requirements.”

Owens continues “By using these resources, installers are made aware that at Zip, safety is key.

Our HydroTaps have boiling isolation modes, the tap itself is cool to the touch and it has unique safety buttons. We also make installers aware that ensuring that there is adequate ventilation around the HydroTap will keep it running smoothly.”

“The maintenance for HydroTaps should include filter changes at the relevant intervals and prevention against scale 48

“By using these resources, installers are made aware that at Zip, safety is key.

Our HydroTaps have boiling isolation modes, the tap itself is cool to the touch tap and it has unique safety buttons."

Abode agrees in a high level of installer support too and is also able to boast quick and simple installation for its brassware. Each product has been specifically designed for easy home installation as once you place the order; the hot tap will be delivered to you in one box that has all of the components and parts you need to complete the installation.

So, where has this sudden desire for technologically advanced brassware stemmed from? Luke Shipway, Product Manager at Caple, gives us his thoughts “Hot water taps are increasingly being seen on high-profile cooking

Evolution 200

Product Feature, Hot Water Taps

shows, which add to their desirability. Consumers are also becoming more aware of their many benefits.

Providing a sleek, spacesaving alternative to a kettle, they help to keep the worktop clutter-free, which is particularly helpful in smaller or open-plan kitchens where consumers are looking to create a streamlined, cohesive design. Models such as our Vapos, which has waterconditioning technology, provide exceptional accuracy for scale and acidity control for increased boiler protection, which means outstanding food and beverage quality.”

In order to compete across the hot tap market, premium manufacturers also need to be more creative in terms of materials, style and finishes being offered: who says a hot tap should only be chrome and with a contemporary design?

Abode has answered this call for variety and has just launched its PRONTEAU 3 IN 1 steaming hot water tap. Providing your customers with more choice, this new model is available in two styles – PROSTEAM and PROSTYLE - are made of solid brass construction and feature an insulated spout with 360º rotation. If that’s not enough, each new 50

100°c three in one instant hot tap by CDA

“Hot water taps are increasingly being seen on high-profile cooking shows, which add to their desirability.

Consumers are also becoming more aware of their many benefits. Providing a sleek, space-saving alternative to a kettle, they help to keep the worktop clutter-free."

model is available in five exciting finishes, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Graphite, Matt Black and Urban Copper for the height of coordination.

It is only a matter of time before we see kitchen designs integrating hot tap technology from initial concept. Therefore, if this is an area of the market you’re relatively new too, make sure you do a little market research on the latest brassware technologies to hit the industry as realistically, it may be your next customer that raises the question of an instant hot tap needing to be installed in their kitchen.

Wonderfully integrated The Mythos Hob Extractor fits perfectly into today’s modern and stylish kitchens. Integrating seamlessly into the hob the Mythos Hob extractor uses a high capacity fan to discreetly reduce condensation and unwanted odours, keeping the kitchen smelling fresh. The stylish digital touch display makes it easy to control and the high energy efficiency and low noise levels make it perfect for open plan living.

Discover the Mythos hob extractor at franke.co.uk

Company News

SIRIUS LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM TO DRIVE SALES Sirius Buying Group, one of the industry’s major buying groups of electrical appliance and kitchen retail has created a new online platform to optimise its digital route to market and drive more sales to its network of UK Sirius suppliers and members.

With precise business objectives and goals, Sirius Buying Group enlisted the expertise of leading digital agency and one of ‘Google's Leading UK Channel Premier Partners’, Digital NRG, who recognised the emphasis SBG puts on creating new and additional revenues

52

for its network, as well as sustaining existing returns.

Independent research carried out by Digital NRG discovered that over 70% of all appliance purchases begin with extensive online research.

Having communicated this information at Sirius’ Annual International Conference, many member websites have already gone live under the new Sirius digital programme initiated, with 10 more currently under construction and members signing up on a weekly basis. Collectively, members are seeing over 100,000 unique visitors per month to their websites!

Steve Jones, Commercial Director

“If there were in excess of 150 Sirius websites across the country, all working towards the same objective, namely uniformity, then a BIG BRAND can be born.

Company News

Key benefits: 

A ready-loaded online package which offers you a website with all current promotional banners, brands and over 7000+ products at your disposal



Complete product management so you can avoid the laborious task of managing and updating your product lists



Automatic updates where your living product lists will be updated monthly removing the worry



Flixmedia – integrated system transforming your website into a fully interactive product experience: increased product specifications, images and videos

Steve Jones, Commercial Director at Sirius Buying Group comments “If there were in excess of 150 Sirius websites across the country, all working towards the same objective, namely uniformity, then a BIG BRAND can be born.

Recognitions, trust indicators about the group and how our members operate can all be used to translate powerful

messages to the end user, with unique selling points easily conveyed like ‘Local, Independent, Price-match promises, Local engineers’ to help independents maintain profitable market share.”

Sirius is providing its members with an opportunity to build an online platform that would otherwise cost in excess of £100,000 require full time

management and incur potential cost for future works and design changes.

Furthermore, the latest manufacturer’s offers and promotions are collated and shared amongst Sirius members, enabling dedicated support lines and by the end of 2017, Sirius member sites will have over 350,000 visits a month: an example of Sirius Group Power hard at work!

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• Secure renewable lease on favourable rental terms • Outstanding acquisition for expanding allied operator Annual turnover: £800,000 | Asking Price: Offers Invited Reference Number: R2481 For more information call 0161 432 8181 today Call 0161 432 8181 Email enquires@rtabusinessesforsale.com

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The Combi-Steam makes cooking a pleasure.

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

Swiss perfection for your home

Trends by Houzz

MARKET INSIGHT

BY HOUZZ The team at The Installer magazine has got together with acclaimed home renovation and design platform Houzz to bring you regular trends and market information. So just what is Houzz?

With more than 40 million users visiting the platform each month, Houzz is the world’s leading platform for home renovation and design, bringing together homeowners, design professionals and design enthusiasts in one powerful online and mobile community.

Houzz launched its UK platform in July 2014, with over one million monthly unique users. Today, more than two million people visit the site and app every month to hire professionals, find inspiration, get advice, engage with the community, source products, and effectively manage a project from start to finish.

There are more than 55,000 home renovation and design professionals, across 60 different trades, using Houzz UK to build their brands via a free professional profile. The profile works like an online portfolio and showcases projects alongside customer reviews, business descriptions and trade associations. It takes less than five minutes to create a profile that can potentially be seen by millions of homeowners, not only in the UK, but all over the world.

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Trends by Houzz

Kitchen Trends Study Houzz regularly surveys its community to understand which type of home improvement projects homeowners are prioritising, what they are investing in, and what the current trends are. Here’s their latest Kitchen Trends Study that reveals what the 2017 kitchen looks like.

Houzz regularly surveys its community to understand which type of home improvement projects homeowners are prioritising, what they are investing in, and what the current trends are.

For many, a new kitchen means a healthier lifestyle, according to the 2017 Houzz UK Kitchen Trends Survey. The survey of over 3,100 UK homeowners using Houzz, who are in the midst of 

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Trends by Houzz

Open-plan living remains popular, with over half of kitchens more open to nearby rooms following renovations (59%). Nearly two thirds of kitchens also gain square footage during updates (63%). With these larger spaces, homeowners spend more time with their families (69%) and entertain more frequently (51%).

planning or recently completed a kitchen renovation project revealed that more than a third of kitchen updaters report a healthier lifestyle post-renovation (35%).

Houzz found that 43% of those surveyed, cook more meals at home as a result of their kitchen upgrade, with nine in ten enjoying five or more home-cooked meals per week (91%). Other significant habit changes post-renovation includes eating more fruit and vegetables (23%) and reducing the amount of takeaway and delivery meals, as a third boast that they are ordering in less (36%).

Open-plan living remains popular, with over half of kitchens more open to nearby rooms following renovations (59%). Nearly  57

Trends by Houzz

two thirds of kitchens also gain square footage during updates (63%). With these larger spaces, homeowners spend more time with their families (69%) and entertain more frequently (51%).

Along with these positive lifestyle impacts, most kitchen updates also include a style change (88%). Contemporary tops the kitchen style list for UK homeowners (56%), with traditional and country styles trailing behind (10% and 7%, respectively).

Neutral colour schemes are preferred in the majority of kitchen upgrades, with white (50%), grey (18%) and beige (12%) the top three wall colour choices. Green and blue, however, only make modest appearances on new kitchen walls (5% and 4%, respectively).

Professional hiring remains high: Most homeowners hire professionals for their kitchen renovations (93%), including tradesmen (70%), kitchen fitters (49%) and kitchen designers (47%).

The most popular features to replace or upgrade in a kitchen renovation are cabinets (93%), worktops (93%) and taps (90%). Of the 89% investing in appliances, more than four fifths opt for a dishwasher (82%) and fridge/freezers (78%).

Among the more unusual appliances, homeowners are choosing boiling water taps (24%) warming drawers (18%) and drink fridges (16%). Many who are upgrading their appliances also opt for hitech features such as colour touch-screen displays (17%) and wireless controls via smartphone or tablet (12%). With such substantial investments, it’s unsurprising 58

that kitchens command big budgets; more than one in 10 homeowners spent over £50K on their kitchen renovation in 2016 (16%) and another 22% spent between £25k and £50k.

Popular pantries: When it comes to built-in features, 40% of kitchen updaters are installing pantry cabinets.

Additional findings include: • Popular pantries: When it comes to builtin features, 40% of kitchen updaters are installing pantry cabinets and nearly one in 10 make space for a walk-in pantry (9%). More than a quarter of homeowners purchase a built-in wine fridge for their renovated kitchens (29%).

• Professional hiring remains high: Most homeowners hire professionals for their kitchen renovations (93%), including tradesmen (70%), kitchen fitters (49%) and kitchen designers (47%).

• Warming up to wood: Among those updating flooring in kitchen renovations, engineered wood is the preferred flooring choice in 16% of updated kitchens, behind porcelain or ceramic tiles (30%).

Of those upgrading worktops in kitchen renovations, 16% opt for a butcher’s block or wood slab and 15% of new worktops sport a medium wood hue.

• Classic colours: Colours that stand the test of time continue to be popular including stainless steel appliances (47%) and white cabinets (31%). Black stainless steel is having a moment and will be included in nearly one in ten of updated kitchens (9%).

Everyone of your customers welcomes one of our brands Business success today depends on appealing to a wider, more varied mix of people than ever before.

Will your next customers be a young couple moving into their first home, a busy growing family or an urban professional?

The good news is that a single supplier can now meet all your appliance requirements.

Call 01189 311 110 to talk to us about our Hoover, Candy and Baumatic ranges or email built-in-sales@hoovercandy.com

Q & A with Ian Price

Q& A

WITH IAN PRICE

‘Victim’ of our summer issue’s Q&A is BiKBBI inspector, Ian Price.

Married to Heather and father to Russ and Fi, Ian is the only ‘Villan’ (Aston Villa supporter) in a family of Blues supporters (Birmingham) and once ran a bar in the Algarve (Portugal), he also wants to live in Hawaii one day and even take Gordon Ramsey on holiday with him! Hmmm, should be interesting …

How long have you been working with the BiKBBI?

What interests you most about your roll?

I completed my first inspection in April 2016, it was an audit for a kitchen outlet in the Black Country called Aristocraft, I have to say I am still impressed by their showroom and professionalism.

Seeing how the BiKBBI pans out, its an ever evolving entity and I’m interested in being a part of it.

What satisfies you most in your role as an inspector?

As cheesy as it sounds, it’s the justice that is being done. It can be a sad world we live in where sometimes people can be less that straight. This role gives the opportunity to right some of those wrongs in an open and unbiased manner.

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You spent many years in the industry, give us a brief history?

I started out in the industry by accident really, I bought a dilapidated house and by renovating it taught 

Q & A with Ian Price

have and then record the recipe for future reference, you never know, I may think about publishing my own book one day, it’ll be called Cooking from the cupboard, recipes you don’t need to shop for!

myself the anatomy of its construction. That lead on to many more and some courses taken cemented myself into the industry.

If you could change one thing in the industry what would it be?

Price before quality, it goes back to the justice thing and I always ask myself “would my mum know what she was buying?”

Too many retailers buy low cost material and sell it in glossy mags and sparkly showrooms as fantastic quality when actually its price is inflated to cover overheads.

On the lighter side, who or what makes you laugh?

I laugh all the time but I'd have to say Del Boy falling through the bar still kills me.

Name 3 people you’d most like to share a few beers with?

Favourite movie?

The Bourne movies.

Name one possession you could never do without?

Favourite sport and team or sports person?

My Gordon Ramsey food blender. I take it on holiday!

Sadly I’m a Villa fan but they will go up next season and then looking at top half in season one in the Premier division and top four in ten years…at least that’s what our owner says!

Favourite book?

My recipe book; I like to cook and create meals from ingredients I already

Clarkson, Hammond and May. Name 3 you’d least like to share a beer with?

Trump, the Pope and Andy Murray.

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Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms

THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL… According to the 'Bathroom Market Report, UK 2015-2019 Analysis' conducted by AMA Research, bathroom products are estimated to have grown already by 5%, which reflects the UK’s recovering home economy.

By 2019, AMA Research predict the market value is forecast to have increased by 14% compared to 2015 with a significant number of imports from low cost countries, particularly China, Egypt and Eastern Europe. 

VitrA's remote control V-Care WC

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VitrA V-care Comfort WC, M-Line Infinit tall unit, M-Line Bowl, M-Line Infinit Washbasin Unit & Select flush plate in glass black.

Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms

"The Japanese were the first to appreciate the benefits of a shower toilet, whilst the adoption of this in Europe has taken time but it is now becoming more popular.”

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager at VitrA UK

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Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms

Imports continue to account for a sizeable proportion of bathroom products sold in the UK, exposing the market to a high level of price competition and host of new products and technologies for the bathroom.

Reports show that minimalist styles remain the most popular in the UK, with a clear focus on the overall finish.

For example, hugely practical invisible storage solutions and wall-hung products continue to dictate international bathroom schemes, universally creating a clutter-free aesthetic with luxury feel.

Popular for decades in continental Europe and now becoming more prevalent in the UK; wall mounted taps are a European bathroom design trend we’re seeing more and more of here at Victorian Plumbing. Wall mounted taps have become popular for their stylish minimalist design and also the fact it frees up space on your basin or bath.”

MGS (MB516) Floorstanding R Spout Bathtub Column and Handshower – Grange Design

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

Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms Almada Spanish Tiles by Victoria Plumbing

Helen Shaw, Marketing Manager at Roper Rhodes agrees and says “There is a notable influence from the European market with contemporary ranges, which feature designer appeal and wall-hung basins in a variety of sizes leading the way. These are complemented with the most recent wall-hung, back-towall and close-coupled WC options.”

Edward Potter, Interior Designer at Victorian Plumbing agrees with Shaw and explains “Popular for decades in continental Europe and now becoming more prevalent in the UK; wall mounted taps are a European bathroom design trend we’re seeing more and more of here

at Victorian Plumbing. Wall mounted taps have become popular for their stylish minimalist design and also the fact it frees up space on your basin or bath.”

International bathroom manufacturers are creating greater product differentiation through more distinctive designs, comparable materials often with a natural or textured appearance, along with a subtle use of colour: typically soft, neutral tones. This demonstrates that your potential customers are making increasing investment in coordinating designs, so do bare this in mind when providing your initial quotation for a new bathroom project.  65

Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms Scandinavian design influence featured in Aruba fitted furniture (with Driftwood finish) by Roper Rhodes

Edward Potter, Interior Designer at Victorian Plumbing, gives us his thoughts on the latest upcoming styles and trends to hit the UK bathroom market where continental design influences are now almost commonplace. He explains “European interior design has always influenced how the British choose to style their homes and this is certainly true in the bathroom. Design features first seen on the continent can be found in bathrooms up and down the British Isles. Scandinavian design in particular has proven really popular with UK homeowners. The minimalist styling and clean lines associated with Scandinavian bathroom design are popular with anyone

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European interior design has always influenced how the British choose to style their homes and this is certainly true in the bathroom.

Design features first seen on the continent can be found in bathrooms up and down the British Isles. Scandinavian design in particular has proven really popular with UK homeowners." 

Harmonique MD060

Sequel V TM006

UK TOWEL WARMERS & RADIATORS Vogue (UK) Ltd Strawberry Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3RS United Kingdom T: +44(0) 1902 387000 F: +44(0) 1902 387001 E: info@vogueuk.co.uk W: www.vogueuk.co.uk

Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms Aestus Camba Design Radiator, Contemporary Collection

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Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms

designing a modern bathroom in the UK. Other standout Nordic design features like the clever use of space and wall hung bathroom cabinets have also been incorporated into British bathrooms. This year has also seen the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ become the buzzword around UK bathroom design. The idea behind this interior design style is the creation of an atmosphere of cosiness and comfort in your bathroom. Natural bathroom products like wood and stone are strongly associated with this style and as a result there are more natural bathroom products on the UK market today.”

Furniture and sanitaryware are not the only points of discussion when designing

and installing a continental bathroom scheme, as the finishing touches also play their part in completing the look. Clive Griffiths, Operations Manager of Grange Design says “Our representation of quality European brands has created a perfect synergy with the products that we actually design and/or manufacture. In fact, it has also allowed us to bring a wealth of luxury artisan brassware to the UK. Our most successful brand to date is MGS Milano, a great example of a ‘Swiss watchmaking’ approach to manufacturing. This brand demonstrates great attention to detail and combines constant re-evaluation, refinement and expansion across its already comprehensive range of bathroom taps and showers which is what  GROHE, Spa AquaSymphony Shower

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Product Feature, Continental Bathrooms

we need to compete in such a heavily saturated UK market – as do you!”

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager at VitrA UK agrees with Grange Design and explains “Whilst design trends are pretty consistent around the world, the way people use the bathroom can be different.

The Japanese were the first to appreciate the benefits of a shower toilet, whilst the adoption of this in Europe has taken time but it is now becoming more popular.”

She added, “We have launched V-Care in the UK, which has all the functionality of a toilet and the cleaning properties of a bidet, plus the quality manufacture and design credentials that VitrA is renowned and is already proving a success, so much so that we anticipate that we feel that is has huge sales growth potential.”

Last but by no means least; we take a quick look at how the continental bathroom market will be affected by Brexit. Is it going to instigate change in terms of product choice, availability, retail and installer support along with market confidence?

Victorian Plumbing’s Edward Potter summarises “It's too early to say what the ultimate effect of Brexit on the UK bathroom market will be, but market confidence in the UK is still as high as ever and it will be really interesting to see how Brexit influences the market in the future. One thing that we can be certain of however, is that European bathroom design will always have a major influence on how we design bathrooms here in the UK.”

Burgbad Coco Mineral Cast Washbasin with Vanity Unit, Natural Oak

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V- CARE REDEFINING HYGIENE AND COMFORT STANDARDS

Contemporary Design Contemporary, comfortable and complementing any bathroom, this stylish and modern WC is setting the standard for design in shower toilets. The ergonomically designed seat and ceramic shower toilet with its concealed, integrated electronics provides the perfect blend of design and functionality.

Remote Control V-care can be used via the remote control for optimum hygiene, comfort and convenience.

Personal Cleansing

Redefining Hygiene

Specially designed nozzle enables the user to adjust the water spray for the perfect cleansing experience.

Water temperatures and nozzle position can also be adjusted by the user via the remote control.

A rimless (Rim-Ex™) wall-hung design offers effortless cleaning. Airpurification is automatically activated when the toilet is in use, ensuring optimum bathroom hygiene.

vitra-vcare.co.uk vitra.co.uk

Company News

FRAMES BY FRANKE OFFER AN ENHANCED COOKING EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CUSTOMER Every kitchen installer wants their customer to get the very best out of their kitchen and Frames by Franke will deliver every time.

Frames by Franke ovens feature DCT technology which provides a more flexible distribution of heat allowing the cooking of four separate dishes in the oven simultaneously without taste or odour transfer.

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Company News

The six multifunction, pyrolytic, steam and microwave ovens combine feature-rich performance with sleek design.

They are part of a comprehensive thirty six strong Frames collection, a unique concept that integrates Franke ovens, hoods, hobs, sinks and taps into a 24-hour kitchen system. The company claim that it is the first product range of its kind developed with absolute design synergy.

The benefits of the 24-hour holistic kitchen system are aesthetically streamlined looks, uniformity of sizes and an ergonomic workflow throughout the kitchen creating a heightened experience for the homeowner by day or night.

Oven models in the Frames collection include a multifunction touch control pyrolytic single oven, a multifunction touch control single oven, a multifunction rotary control single oven, a compact combi steam oven, a compact combi microwave oven and a compact pyrolytic oven. There is also a warming drawer.

The ovens are available in either classic black glass or champagne glass, a new colour option designed to blend in with the popular brown tones in work surfaces and cabinetry. The touch control panel can darken when not in use, helping it blend away in the kitchen.

True to its reputation for innovation, the sleek minimalist

exteriors of Frames ovens hide a wealth of clever features and cutting-edge technology. A sophisticated yet highly practical array of oven settings include pre-programmed recipes, multicook, complete menu, eco and wellness modes.

Franke claims that it was first to market with A++ rated multifunction ovens thanks to the energy efficient Dynamic Cooking Technology (DCT) it has developed. DCT uses new heating elements which enhance the thermal exchange in the cavity, providing a time, energy and power saving of up to 50%!

The Dynamic Cooking Technology in Frames by Franke ovens uses new heating elements which enhance the thermal exchange in the cavity, providing a time, energy and power saving of up to 50%. They all have an A++ energy rating.

In ‘automatic’ mode, DCT delivers failsafe cooking by automatically selecting the appropriate cooking method, heating up to the required temperature, setting the length of cooking time and the correct shelf for the dish.  73

Company News

The Frames steam oven includes a condenser, rather than a water tray commonly featured on other models, so there’s no residue in the oven after cooking.

With cleaning the oven identified as one of the least favourite chores in the kitchen, the Frames pyrolytic ovens benefit from a self-cleaning function which reduces food residue in the oven to ash at high temperatures. The door remains cool to the touch while the pyrolysis is in progress.

Frames by Franke is a total kitchen systems concept that is designed to transition the kitchen effortlessly through day and night for cooking, dining, 74

entertaining and relaxing, turning the kitchen into an extension of the living space, rather than simply a work area. By day, the products take centre stage offering maximum performance, while at night their sleek design means they blend elegantly into the background.

The unified holistic design and corresponding dimensions of the appliances and sinks allow Frames products to be mixed and matched, so they work together both functionally and aesthetically as a complete kitchen system. www.franke.co.uk

Pictured are Frames

by Franke compact combi microwave oven, warming drawer and multifunction touch control pyrolytic single oven, all in champagne glass.

Keep a clean sheet.

Festool dust extractors. For healthier work. For better results.

You´ll never work alone.

A clean job is more than a perfect result. The Festool mobile dust extractors work discreetly in the background, but are immediately

Tools for the toughest demands

on site when they are needed. Sawing, sanding, routing. Perfectly matched to the tools, they extract the dust where it is generated.

They thus guarantee not only health-friendly work, but also save you time and effort on time-consuming cleaning.

For more information please visit www.festool.co.uk/dustfree or your retailer. www.festool.co.uk

Tools, Power Tools & Equipment Advice

GOING CORDLESS We have all been in the annoying position when on site, when the power supply drops out! So what do you do if this happens at the time you are sanding something? Invariably, you would go backwards (in time perhaps) by using a cork block or a lump of timber that may be lying around and finish the task manually just to make sure your labour time is being used but accept the drop in overall work output.

The above scenario is now a thing of the past as Festool has launched the next generation of ‘hybrid’ sanders which mean that conveniently, the same machine will work with a high performance 18v battery and also an adaptor for running on 240v.

The ‘hybrid’ sanders are available in three variants each with a specific application; ETSC 125mm diameter, RTSC 400 and DTSC 400.

The ETSC eccentric sander it has a 2mm orbit, this is ideal for working on panels or frame work to ensure a high quality finish and an even cut rate even when cutting back finishes. The RTSC can cut right up to an edge and with the ‘edge protector’ fitted no scuff marks will be made on the side of the rebate or damage the pad of the sander. The DTSC with comes with a delta pad which is ideal for getting in to a 76

corner to leave a perfect surface.

All of the machines use a brushless motor and the major benefit of this is that in combination with the Festool 18v ERGO 3.1 Ah battery the brushless motor uses the limited power supply very efficiently and so the run-time is ahead of any competitor machine. Of course the runtime is the important part, as you can work for longer and with a charge time of 25 minutes and a run-time of 30 minutes with two batteries it means one will be charging while the other is effectively earning you money.

Swapping from the battery to the adaptor for corded power is simple meaning each model can be used in any environment to produce high quality work. When 

Tools, Power Tools & Equipment Advice

using the battery, the important part of dust collection is addressed with a dust collection bag. A fan at the base of the brushless motor directs the dust in to bag so clean surface is left but also a clean environment to work in and it also protects the user’s health of course. If the adaptor for corded power is used then it is a simple case of plugging directly into one of the extractors from the range supplied

by Festool.

Ergonomics is a key part of all Festool machines and these sanders are specifically designed to fit snuggly into the hand perfectly, vibration is considered as well by adding a soft grip and as

each sander is well-balanced, machine vibration is kept to an absolute minimum so you can work longer comfortably and efficiently.

Renowned for its innovation, Festool has once again created an adaptable machine for the professional that addresses the big challenge of power supply. The company have made the solution easy with one machine but with two options for power supply. All machines are covered for three years with the service policy from Festool Service all Inclusive. www.festool.co.uk/products/sanding-and-brushing

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Product Portfolio Daval launches NEW Langham Basalt Kitchen Furniture Daval, leaders in the design and manufacture of quality fitted furniture launch a brand new contemporary kitchen furniture collection, Langham, seen here in the new Basalt stone effect finish.

This handleless kitchen design with its linear façade naturally accentuates the sleek horizontal woodgrain of Varenna to give a pure, unbroken aesthetic ideal for an open plan kitchen living space.

Built from sustainable materials and precision engineered in the UK. www.daval-furniture.co.uk

InSinkErator® introduce its 3N1 steaming hot water taps InSinkErator® 3N1 steaming hot water taps instantly dispense filtered steaming hot water, alongside regular hot and cold water.

The 3N1 eliminates the time lost waiting for the kettle to boil, saves valuable worktop space and is available in a variety of finishes. The innovative NeoTank, supplied with an InSinkErator® 3N1, features a precise and adjustable thermostat, enabling users to set the desired temperature of the water between 88 and 98°C. The range of InSinkErator® 3N1 steaming hot water taps, the NeoTank and filter unit have all gained approval from WRAS1. www.insinkerator.co.uk

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Product Portfolio HAMLET Towel Warmer by Vogue (UK) Vogue (UK), launches its wall-mounted HAMLET Towel Warmer: a petite wallmounted heated towel rail with traditional and stylish looks.

HAMLET Towel Warmer is ideal for an ensuite bathroom, shower room, or downstairs cloakroom where traditional design and compactness is essential. It measures just 235mm high by 575mm wide with a depth from 125mm depending on choice of ball joint design.

HAMLET is made from high quality Brass which is chromed to a mirror-finish. Suitable for all hot water, dual fuel or sealed electric systems, it has a maximum heat output of 270 Btu/hr or 79 Watts and is supplied with a 30 year manufacturer’s guarantee. www.vogueuk.co.uk NEW Side Extractor by V-ZUG V-ZUG, brings yet another innovation to market with the launch of its brand new Side Extractor which is designed to fit flush to the hob and thanks to its exclusive ventilation technology, can economically extract, purify and refresh the air and humidity of a room: ideal for open-plan kitchen environments.

Concealed in a floor unit, V-ZUG’s ventilation technology does not impact on storage space as it is designed to ensure all free space is left available in the unit itself.

Cleaning is also made simple due to a fitted collection tray which guarantees absolutely no spillages. www.vzug.com

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Social Scene

Gone Fishing!

e ...

n l sce y a i c n So fun w m A fe ets fro p snip orld of w the edia m l a soci

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A flexible plumber!

Social Scene

Great use of Lego!

. ne .. e c s al y Soci funn w e m Af s fro t e p snip rld of wo the edia m l a soci

Public toilets for a close knit community

Duck!!

Always handy to have a socket in the shower!!

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