The Installer - Issue 17 - Spring 2019

First of all, can you actually believe that it’s May already!

This year has most definitely flown, and I suspect is less about fun and more about the fact that there’s so much on! I genuinely can’t remember a time when I’ve been busier.

As BiKBBI continues to grow, we’re knee deep in a wave of positive initiatives, none more important than our continuing work on apprenticeships and indeed our new and exciting ‘Protected’ product.

It’s also been a challenging time in terms of our infrastructure. Our new and vastly improved CAMS system has been launched since the last edition of The Installer Magazine, delivering great efficiency, which (touch wood) has gone fairly smoothly! In fact, the only issues that have arisen are as a result of the new system highlighting how inefficient the old system really was.

I was once told by an IT developer that the scale of success when integrating new IT into an existing business is measured on the ‘pain-ometer’ – It’s going to be painful either way, it just depends by how much – I can now fully relate to his comment!

In other news, whatever side of the fence you sit, Brexit is most definitely unsettling for the economy, this said, I’m confident that whether we leave (or not), the sun will still rise and we’ll carry on… I mean, what’s the alternative right?

Anyway, I think we’re probably bored of the Brexit debate now, so I’ll leave you to enjoy the fruits of our Editors labour. Once again, another corker of an issue –so well done to the team for a great edition.

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

DON’T DELAY!

BE AMONG THE FIRST TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN THE BiKBBI’S GROUND-BREAKING ‘PROTECTED’ INITIATIVE

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

This is the message from the BiKBBI following the launch of its pioneering ‘Protected’ initiative at The Houses of Parliament in January. The organisation is pleased to confirm that it is now ready to accept expressions of interest from those retailers wanting to find out more.

The BiKBBI plans a number of regional events to present the scheme to interested parties, following extremely encouraging initial interest shown by the industry.

Communications Manager Nicole Mercer (pictured) confirmed that the organisation has received interest from 267 independent retailers, 4 regional retailers and 3 nationals, saying: “It’s a great start to the ‘Protected' initiative”.

BiKBBI Protected is a new and innovative platform that connects consumers and installers via the retailer, reducing cost and risk to all stakeholders. The scheme is underpinned by ESCROW powered payment protection, insurance backed warranties and leading compliance management.

Nicole Mercer, Communications Officer, BiKBBI

“A great start, but more to do. This is a revolutionary product for our market and one that has received significant interest. We know it won’t fit all retail models for various reasons, but it is a great option for those retailers who want to offer their customers a robust installation solution, but without the risk, cost and complication usually associated with it.”

Commented BiKBBI, CEO, Damian Walters, “Any retailer or installer wanting to find out more is encouraged to visit our website for more information and to register their interest online.” www.bikbbi.org.uk/protected

NOTE FROM EDITOR:

“It is extremely rare for a genuinely game-changing

effectively revolutionise the industry. BiKBBI ‘Protected’ is just that. It will

the way both installers and retailers do

peace of mind too.

Sam Cooke once famously sung “It’s been a long time coming” and so has this, but it’s worth the wait, believe me. You have absolutely nothing to lose by

so don’t hang about, contact the BiKBBI team and let's all collectively make

change the industry for the better, for good!”

BiKBBI REINFORCES ITS POSITION BY APPOINTING 2 NEW BOARD POSITIONS

Market acceptance, growing influence and huge ambition are just three of the factors why the BiKBBI has announced the appointment of two board members.

Entirely new positions have been created to fulfil the needs of an organisation that’s now in its 15th year and at its peak.

First to join, was experienced Finance Director Karen Stanley who has joined as the organisation further developed its Advisory Board, during times of significant growth.

Karen qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PWC in the Business Services Division, which supported and audited developing companies. Shortly after qualifying Karen moved into a company finance role. Karen has spent most of her career working in the construction, manufacturing and retail sectors as Finance Director, developing finance teams to support the needs of a growing business and working with the senior management teams to develop business strategies, forecasts and reporting.

Next to join, only by a few days was Jon Thelwell. Jon has joined the Advisory Board, and his remit is to develop the organisations commercial strategy.

Jon can make good use of his 20 plus years of strategic experience, working with some of the industry’s leading manufacturers and retailers of KBB product, including being Showroom Director at Jewson, MD at Crestwood, Head of Marketing & Development at

Moores Furniture Group and Sales Director at Knauf.

Commenting on the appointment, BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: “It is really exciting to announce these new appointments as it underpins the heady status that the institute now has within the market. These are two very senior and well respected individuals and will increase our kudos and our industry reach.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: “In less than a week we’ve managed to secure the support of two highly experienced professionals who will help steer our organisation through this period of exciting and significant growth”.

Damian added: “We are now working with some of the industry’s biggest and most respected brands, a growing

number of great independent retailers and thousands of installation specialists across the UK. Our organisation is growing rapidly, both in terms of membership and profile. We’ve already welcomed over 500 new installation businesses so far this year, we’re about to announce further developments with our Retail Installation Standards Partnership initiative too. It’s therefore important that we develop the senior team to meet these exciting demands.”

The BiKBBI has confirmed that its planned launch of its ‘Protected’ product is on track and that it is working with 2 national retailers, 4 regional retailers and has expressions of interest from over 240 independent retailers since launching the initiative at The Houses of Parliament in January.

We’ve managed to secure the support of two highly experienced professionals who will help steer our organisation through this period of exciting and significant growth.”

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

As B&Q continues to evolve as a business, the team across the hallway at Tradepoint have been busy evaluating the model, focusing on supporting BiKBBI and its members with a compelling proposition.

It’s fair to say the changes that Tradepoint introduced last year, a percentage discount based on minimum spend, whilst fairly wholesome in its ethos, turned off members from using the card. It seems some saw it as less attractive versus the previous flat discount on a range of products held in store.

Whilst the old deal was restricted on product lines and the latter deal opened it up to products across the store, it seemed that the minimum monthly spend requirement simply turned members off.

However, as a result of great feedback, it seems the new flat 10% discount, without a minimum monthly spend requirement, is going down well with our members. Spend is up, both in volume and value, and members are requesting cards in record numbers! It seems the new offer, which is currently on trial, is proving compelling for our members.

What do members need to do?

Well, that’s simple; keep spending and saving. The more members that use Tradepoint as the place to go for tools and materials, the more likely Tradepoint is to extend or even permanently offer the discount without a minimum spend.

Know the difference

So here’s the deal: It’s possible that members are using the wrong card and are not benefitting from their BiKBBI member status. The cards in your wallet may look the same, but one gives members an instant 10% discount across all products in store, whilst other cards in your wallet will not.

If you’re unsure about whether you’re using the right card, simply visit your local Tradepoint counter (within B&Q) and ask the question,

“Does this card provide me with a 10% discount without minimum spend?” If the answer is yes, off you go (and start saving money instantly), however, if the answer is no, then log into the BiKBBI members website, head for the ‘Cost Savers’ page and apply for your new BiKBBI Tradepoint card.

We’re unique

Fact: Combined spend means that BiKBBI members are in the top 10 percent of Tradepoint customers. Our members combined spend increases our importance and strengthens our buying power.

At the point of publication, no other trade association is afforded the 10% discount, without a minimum spend, It’s therefore a unique deal to our members.

www.bikbbi.org.uk

SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR

BiKBBI Inspector Roger Groves was awarded Sport Supporter of the Year at the EFL Awards in London on Sunday 14th April. A lifelong Shrewsbury Town supporter, Roger has been handed this prestigious accolade for his tireless work with the ‘Supporters Parliament’ in recent years. This progressive initiative acts as a conduit between club and fans where dialogue and feedback is encouraged to the

benefit of all.

In addition to his work with the ‘Supporters Parliament,’ Roger has also helped build awareness of the clubs new Fanzone, funded by the ‘Football Foundation,’ the Fanzone was instrumental in the introduction of the safe-standing area to Montgomery Waters Meadow (Shrewsbury Town FC’s stadium).

Speaking about his award Roger said, “It’s fantastic to

receive this award because as lower league football fans we never expected to be recognised like this. It would be prudent to mention every Shrewsbury fan across the world as we couldn’t have done this without the support of the people around us. We love our club and we do what we do because we want to make life better for our fellow fans”

Congratulations Roger!

Roger Groves

RETURN TO FORM

After a dip in form in February, Charlton Athletic Women have bounced back with strong performances in March.

The month began with a visit from local rival’s Millwall Lionesses. The game was staged at Charlton Athletics’ stadium, The Valley, with over 600 fans cheering on a 3-0 victory for the Addicks. The supporters were in fine spirit with an excellent turnout especially, when considering that it was the third match played at The Valley in a space of just five days.

The game marked an emotional occasion for the club as it celebrated the life of former keeper Jordan Dawes who lost her life to cancer aged just 18. A range of tributes took place including both sets of teams walking out the tunnel in commemorative shirts to celebrate the life of the brave keeper. Goals from Kit Graham, Charlotte Gurr and Liz Ejupi secured maximum points for the reds under the floodlights.

League leaders Manchester United were the next visitors. Despite a 2-1 defeat the players can be proud of their performance as they showed why they are competing for the top positions in the league. The Premier League giants have invested a lot of money into the women’s team being the only full-time side in the FA Women’s Championship. Initiatives like this will be great for sport long-term as more fans try out Women’s football for the first time.

March ended with another three points gained on the road.

The game marked an emotional occasion for the club as it celebrated the life of former keeper Jordan Dawes who lost her life to cancer aged just 18. A range of tributes took place including both sets of teams walking out the tunnel in commemorative shirts to celebrate the life of the brave keeper ♥

Victory over London Bees at Barnet’s Hive Stadium has left the Addicks four points off second place, with three games left.

The final games for Charlton Athletic Women will be Tottenham Hotspur (Home - April 21st), Crystal Palace (Away – April 28th) and Leicester City (Home –May 11th (5:30pm).

Preparation has already begun for next season as the Charlton Athletic Women look to expand on its ever growing digital reach. In January and February the

club left an impression of over 2.5 million fans on Twitter alone, and the club is now looking to increase its Instagram coverage. Long term we hope to bring in more fans into the game with crowds up more than 200% this season compared to previous years. You can follow Charlton Athletic Women on all social media accounts by following @ CAFCWomen.

Turn to page 68 for an in-depth interview with Riteesh Mishra, First Team Manager, CAFCWomen.

BiKBBI APPRENTICESHIPS, THE STORY SO FAR …

Despite the fact that the BiKBBI’s is rapidly growing as an organisation, Apprenticeships remain at the core of its activity. Things are moving at a pace and The Installer Magazine is also attracting new readers with every issue, and so we thought that it would be prudent to give a brief resume on just where the BiKBBI is at with apprenticeships and how we arrived at this point since 2018.

The BiKBBI began 2018 by recruiting Stephanie Gray as Education Officer to act as liaison between the college, government departments, students and employers. Stephanie’s immediately set to work with PROCAT to complete curriculum development and engage both pupils of school leaving age, as well as potential employers. The institute updated the industry on its progress throughout this process and beyond, both via its social media platforms and The Installer magazine of course.

Since January 2018, the BiKBBI team have personally engaged over 2,000 students, introducing the KBB industry to a completely untapped demographic.

In July 2018, a real milestone was achieved when the UK’s first BiKBBI Approved Training Facility at PROCAT was opened, this was a demonstrable step forward for the Apprenticeship programme. Around this time things moved at apace and in August 2018, the BiKBBI formed a strategic partnership with Charlton Athletic Women’s

to open the UK’s first Apprenticeship scheme for females and this should be realised this coming September with the support and backing of the club.

The following month, n September 2018, the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Programme officially began and 16 school leavers embarked on the foundation learning for a career in KBB installation. This was an historic moment for the organisation and indeed the industry and it was hoped that this Apprenticeship will become the blueprint and forebearer to roll out the initiative nationally.

Football Club, with the objective

Stephanie Gray, Education Officer, BiKBBI

Michael Burke Apprenticeship Ambassador, BiKBBI

In November 2018, Michael Burke was appointed as Apprenticeship Ambassador with responsibility to create relationships with colleges across the country, with an objective of opening a number of Approved Training Centres nationally over the following 3 years. BiKBBI is currently in discussions with 11 colleges across the UK and is confident that talks will progress to open at least 6 more centres in time for the 2020 academic year.

In January 2019, it was announced at the BiKBBI Annual Conference, held at The Houses of Parliament, that the institute planned to accelerate its Apprenticeship programme with a vision to ‘annually’ drive 300 students through the programme within the next 3 years! Ambitious and exciting!

The following month, in February 2019 BiKBBI commissioned a short series of films to be made that would be distributed to schools and colleges nationally. These films, together with the tireless effort and commitment of the BiKBBI team through applying strategic activity including personal engagement, will ensure that the Apprenticeship programme’s reach will be hugely extended and therefore shared with a much wider audience.

Last month (March 2019) the BiKBBI took part in National Apprentice Week, working with South Essex College and PROCAT in the promotion of its 2019 intake. The target is to attract 25 new apprentices for a September start.

The team here at The Installer Magazine will be regularly following the progress of the BiKBBI Apprenticeship scheme, so watch this space … www.bikbbi.org.uk

BiKBBI’S CAMS SYSTEM IS NOW LIVE!

March saw the launch of the much anticipated BiKBBI’s Compliance & Administrative Management System (CAMS).

In development for some nine months, the new CAMS IT system will fully automate the compliance function which underpins the institute’s proposition, thus ensuring that the needs of its rapidly growing membership are met.

Notably, the new system will take the organisations administrative function to a completely paperless and digital process, which will not only improve efficiency and speed of process, but will further increase the security of processed information,

exceeding GDPR minimum requirement.

“The new system will bring a number of benefits to the organisation, our members and our retail partners” according to BiKBBI Data Manager Shayne O’Brien, “Digitalisation of our processes is long overdue, but it has only come with substantial investment in time and finance, which has only been made possible as a result of our sustained growth”.

CAMS is being be phased in over 8 weeks, with membership numbers being replaced with ‘Business ID’s’ and Installer ‘Licences. ‘ Members will be contacted when the changeover is complete.

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EVOLVED PRODUCTS FEATURED AT IDEAL STANDARD’S NEW £1M CLERKENWELL SHOWROOM

Ideal Standard, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bathroom solutions, is opening a new £1 million showroom in London’s design hub, Clerkenwell. The new four-storey specification hub, covering 4,000 square feet, has been created to bring architects and designers together to experience the group’s evolving family of design-driven bathroom products.

Ideal Standard’s evolution comes as part of its work to

positively shape the future of modern living with intelligent solutions. The company recently announced its exclusive longterm partnership with renowned design studio Palomba Serafini Associati. The first ranges from this collaboration were showcased at ISH 2019, including an inspirational collection of new colourful basins. The basins take inspiration from previous iconic products to create new, contemporary solutions. They will

be on display at Ideal Standard’s new design hub, alongside innovative products from the group’s family of UK brands: Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard and Sottini.

Visitors to the Clerkenwell Road showroom will be able to get their first glimpse of the new showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week (21st - 23rd May 2019). Attendees will also be able to learn more about the ethos behind the showroom, which

will provide specifiers with an inspirational space to research, collaborate and innovate.

The showroom’s official launch will take place during June 2019, where Stephen Ewer, Ideal Standard’s UK Managing Director will welcome customers and partners to the design space and introduce the group’s new design collaboration to the UK market.

Ideal Standard’s UK Marketing Director, Katie Cope, said: “World-leading design has always been part of Ideal Standard’s DNA. Our investment in the new showroom has given us an ideal gallery to showcase our industry leading knowledge, skills and experience as well as a unique space for industry professionals to come together and collaborate.

“It was essential for us to approach the creation of the showroom from a designer’s perspective. We know that they not only need practical information about products but also somewhere to meet, network and research their projects. This space has been designed with openness and innovation in mind to encourage this.

“Visitors will also benefit from the insight and skills of our in-house design team. They will be available to offer practical advice on the planning and designing of bathrooms for a vast range of projects including luxury hotels, offices, hospitals and residential properties.”

For more information about Ideal Standard and its UK brands visit: www.idealstandard.com.

WILSONART CREATE THE VERVE COLLECTION FOR ARNOLD LAVER

Specially created for Arnold Laver by Wilsonart, the new Verve collection of laminate tops and colourful Vista splashbacks gives retailers, installers, architects and specifiers a complete selection of classic and contemporary designs to suit every kitchen.

Family owned since 1920, Arnold Laver is one of the UK's most successful distributors of timber products with depots across the country. The new Verve worktop collection which is supported by a full-colour brochure includes a choice of 22 decors across 28 and 38mm thickness. There are nine surface texture options, and square or post-formed edge finishes.

Upstands can be added for a smart finishing touch while colour and pattern can be introduced with statement splashbacks in an exciting collection of 20 classic and contemporary designs.

Tom Andrews, sales director for Arnold Laver, says “Arnold Laver’s strength is in our depth and breadth of stock that allows us to offer nationwide next day delivery. Wilsonart’s all-inone design, manufacture and supply service has enabled us to add an exceptional laminate worktop collection to our ranges of sheet materials, softwoods, hardwoods, decorative and joinery products seamlessly.”

“We have created a strategic range of laminate worktops and splashbacks by working hard with Arnold Lavers to bring together a strong mix of on-trend decors. The Verve Collection makes the company a one-click, one-trip source for laminate worktops,” commented Dale Miller, business development manager for Wilsonart. “The choice of designs and the top quality of the product combined with the service offered by Arnold Laver makes the Verve range the perfect choice for any kitchen project.”

www.laveronline.co.uk www.wilsonart.co.uk

NEW PATENT AND SHOWROOM FOR NUANCE BATHROOM PANELLING

Bushboard has secured a patent for its innovative trim free waterproof bathroom panelling system Nuance. Invented by the Bushboard team the Nuance brand led the way as a more aesthetically pleasing and easier to install alternative to tiling.

Nuance is a 100% waterproof, trim-less wall panelling system available in a range of innovative decors. It’s cleverly designed to look virtually seamless thanks to its smart jointing and preformed edges.

No ugly trims are necessary which gives Nuance the look and feel of more expensive or tricky to fix materials. In timed trials Nuance is six times faster to install than ceramic tiling and to demonstrate this Bushboard offers a trial-room installation service for larger contract customers; a service that has produced 100 per cent take-up rate with specifiers.

To celebrate the new Nuance patent, Bushboard has invested in a dedicated Nuance showroom, at the company’s head office and British manufacturing site in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Located alongside Bushboard’s worksurface display space, the Nuance showroom includes displays demonstrating innovative designs in a variety of shower, bath and wet-room settings.

Neil Horton, Sales Director for Bushboard explains “Developers and contractors appreciate the speed of installation making it ideal for projects like hotel refurbishment, new home build and renovations. Nuance has quickly become the first choice for new bathrooms designs – it offers many advantages over other types of wall covering and looks incredible.”

www.bushboard.co.uk

WALL HUNG WCS

MADE EASY WITH STRIKING GLASS CASING VITRUS FROM VitrA

VitrA has pioneered easy, fuss-free installation for wall hung sanitaryware with its extensive range of in wall frames and has now taken another step forward with the introduction of Vitrus, an elegant glass casing-control panel combination that means wall hung, or back to wall WC’s can be retro fitted and new installations can be made without the need for a false wall.

Available in all VitrA collections, Vitrus comprises an in-wall-frame and cistern within a slimline glass case that seamlessly combines a modern dual-flush plate. The pan is attached to the casing which can be fixed to any type of wall. Available in either opaque white or opaque black, in shatterproof glass, Vitrus has been designed with a large cover opening so that the cistern is easily accessible for maintenance.

“Vitrus solves a lot of installation problems, not just for those who want to upgrade to a wall hung WC or shower WC but also in new installations,” says Marketing Manager Margaret Talbot.

www.vitra.co.uk

INSTALLED WITH CONFIDENCE

No bathroom collection is complete without VitrA’s high quality wall-hung frames and flush plates. Discover more at www.vitra-fitandforget.co.uk

“ASK THE EVOLVE EXPERTS” BUSHBOARD PUBLISH FAQ GUIDE TO SOLID CORE WORKSURFACES

Solid core laminate worksurfaces are fairly new to the UK market but with their slim lines and robust qualities are quickly proving to be a top choice for kitchens. To help installers, retailers and the consumer Bushboard has published a helpful e-zine packed with information on its Evolve slimline solid core laminate surfaces.

“Solid core laminate is a novel thing for many retailers and installers so we have covered all aspects of Evolve in this new brochure,” says Hannah Abbott, PR and Graphics Manager for

BiKBBI sponsor, Wilsonart UK, has recently enjoyed three days at Inspire – the supplier event hosted by Benchmarx, the kitchen and joinery arm of Travis Perkins.

The Benchmarx Inspire Event, held at ANEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire from 5th – 8th March, showcases products, services and innovation from is catalogue of suppliers of which Wilsonart and its worktop brands is one. The Wilsonart display (pictured) launched two new 22mm laminate decors exclusive to Benchmarx as well as Wilsonart’s first-to-market 12.5mm solid-core laminate Zenith to over 1000 Benchmarx staff, from its 160 branches nationwide, that visited the show over the three days.

Gemma Barratt, National Account Manager for the Travis Perkins Group said “Inspire has

Bushboard, the UK’s leading manufacturer of the new type of worksurface. “Everything is clearly explained in nontechnical language and there are inspiring pictures to show how the material can be used to create innovative kitchen design, slab ends, open shelves, splashbacks and upstands. Evolve is very easy to cut and shape, impervious to liquids, heat resistant and comes in a choice of finishes inspired by natural materials.”

www.bushboard.co.uk

WILSONART INSPIRED BY BENCHMARX SUPPLIER EVENT

been a fantastic show, really busy and the Benchmarx team are really excited about the great new product launches. It was a fantastic opportunity to inform, interact and of course inspire the full Benchmarx team for a successful year ahead.”

www.wilsonart.co.uk

NEW CONTRACT FOR CLEARABEE

Wren Kitchens, which operates 78 state-of-the-art showrooms and employs over 4,000 people, has chosen Clearabee to support its kitchen installers nationwide following a successful nationwide trial of its ondemand waste removal services the on-demand waste removal business, will operate as the sole waste removal supplier to Wren’s kitchen installers in the UK.

undertake hundreds of on-demand waste removal jobs a week for Wren across the UK.

A Wren Kitchens spokesperson said, “Becoming partners with Clearabee means we can offer our customers an efficient and stress-free waste removal service with same day collections in most areas of the UK. We deliver and install around two thousand kitchens a week including Clearabee is a BiKBBI sponsor and provides an on-demand rubbish removal service operating nationwide using only its own fully trained and vetted employees.

Clearabee’s in-house team and fleet of over 100 vehicles will handle the removal of waste generated by Wren when fitting kitchens for domestic customers who have chosen the waste removal option. It will

Daniel Long, Founder & Managing Director, Clearabee

all doors, drawers, wirework and baskets and this new waste removal service will support our green ethos by minimising waste to landfill where possible.”

Speaking on behalf of Clearabee, Daniel Long, Managing Director, comments, “Clearabee has reinvented the rubbish removal business with improved speed, reliability and a cost-effective carbon neutral collection service and we are delighted to have been chosen by Wren. It recognises our ability to remove waste quickly and conveniently on-demand and continues the trends of big national brands choosing to work with us.”

Birmingham based, Clearabee is a BiKBBI sponsor and provides an on-demand rubbish removal service operating nationwide using only its own fully trained and vetted employees. It employs over 250 people, operates a fleet of 100 vehicles, and provides junk clearance and rubbish removal services to thousands of domestic and commercial customers across the UK each week.

Clearabee is licensed by the Environment Agency and accredited by the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme. More than 95 percent of the waste collected by Clearabee is recycled or reused and Clearabee actively chooses zero-to-landfill waste processing partners wherever possible.

www.clearabee.co.uk

Becoming partners with Clearabee means we can offer our customers an efficient and stress-free waste removal service with same day collections in most areas of the UK."

CINDY CRAWFORD PAYS VISIT TO COSENTINO’S LA SHOWROOM

Fashion icon and Silestone brand ambassador Cindy Crawford recently attended the grand opening of Cosentino’s new “interactive” showroom in Los Angeles, which is one of just four for the company in the US.

Cosentino invested $1.7m in the new showroom, which spans 400sqᵐ of indoor and outdoor space on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood. More than 300 people attended the opening event, including Cosentino Group marketing director Santiago Alfonso and Cosentino North America CEO and global sales EVP Eduardo Martinez-Cosentino. “With the new Cosentino Los

Angeles City showroom, we’ll ensure the city’s pre-eminent architects and designers have access in a convenient location to our latest products and expertise that underscores our firm commitment to Los Angeles and Southern California,” said Martinez-Cosentino.

Crawford added: “From the

very beginning of our alliance two years ago, I felt an instant connection with the Cosentino family. It goes beyond the surface of what they craft. I’m so inspired by our shared passion for the intersection of the fashion and design worlds, and am honoured to celebrate with them!”

2020 FUSION OFFERS ONLINE TRAINING COURSES

user, there are three levels to choose from to accommodate your needs.

much more.

Professional kitchen and bathroom design software offers advanced features and functionality that might take some time and practice to get used to. Luckily for 2020 Fusion users, it’s now possible to sign up for online courses taught by certified 2020 instructors.

The online courses are very hands-on and are catered to every type of 2020 Fusion user. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate user, or an advanced

The Level 1 course focuses on basic training such as setting up the software, adding walls and colour schemes, using furniture, producing plan views and elevation views, and so on.

The Level 2 course is for intermediate users and focuses on catalogue groups, using light to enhance your renderings, working with 2020 Cloud, 360 panoramic views, and more.

The Level 3 course focuses on advanced functionality such as tiling walls and floors, working with islands, importing backgrounds, working with layers, sloped ceilings, and so

There is also a rendering masterclass available for designers who have basic knowledge of 2020 Fusion and want to enhance their skills to create renderings that stand out from the competition.

2020 Fusion online training lasts about two hours per session and is available on a monthly basis. If you want to master the software as quickly and efficiently as possible, online training is the way to go.

In-class training is still available for those who prefer working in a dedicated learning environment. Computers, software and electronic manuals are included in this type of training.

IDS WELCOMES TWO NEW MARKETING TEAM MEMBERS

IDS has expanded its marketing team by hiring two new members, namely Paul Ricci as digital marketing co-ordinator and Megan Abbotts as marketing assistant.

Ricci brings with him six years of marketing experience and will be overseeing the 14 websites managed by IDS, as well as handling the company’s digital functions, from e-commerce to email campaigns.

Abbotts, having recently achieved a Level 4 NVQ in business administration, will be responsible for supporting IDS branches

on a daily basis with their marketing and POS requirements. She has previously worked in sales and marketing as well as events and publications.

MD John Bagshaw said: “We’re excited to be expanding the marketing team with the additions of Paul and Megan. It’s a great opportunity to look forward, invest in talent and find the best ways of supporting our 17-strong branches nationwide to deliver the best service to customers. Increasing our marketing output is just one of the ways we’re doing this.”

INSINKERATOR RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR 3 IN 1 TAP

Insinkerator has created a new short video to show the “versatility” of its 3N1 steaming hot water tap following the brand’s recent educational video for its food waste disposer.

The 60-second video is designed to show “how easy the 3N1 is to operate” as well as its variety of uses including making hot drinks on demand and blanching vegetables. The video also demonstrates “how the 3N1 reduces water waste in the

home”, Insinkerator added.

“Following the introduction of our educational food waste disposer video, we have created the 3N1 video as an additional tool for use by our retail partners and to raise awareness of the benefits of having instant hot water readily available in the kitchen,” said Insinkerator Europe and Russia marketing communications manager Anne Kaarlela.

HIGHLIFE BATHROOMS SPECIFIED IN LUXURY HOLIDAY LODGES

Modular building company Boutique Modern chose products from Highlife Bathrooms for luxury holiday lodges at Swanborough Lakes in the South Downs.

Formerly known as Alliance Sanitary Products until a rebrand earlier this year, Highlife Bathrooms supplied Boutique Modern – through local building supplies merchant Chandlers – with bathroom furniture and accessories including the Lomond mirror cabinets and drawers, Spey showers, Dalry tap, Armastone basins and Jura double-ended baths.

Project development manager at Boutique Modern Lucas Shone said: "Our challenge was to deliver luxurious lodges that matched the exceptional natural beauty of the area. Highlife Bathrooms products certainly fitted the bill. They look perfect and have certainly played their part in the incredibly positive reaction the owners have had

EXCITING PLANS FOR MOORES AND MICHEL ROUX JR

since opening to the public.”

Swanborough Lakes is a family-owned, 3,000acre, working farm on the outskirts of Lewes, East Sussex. Each of the seven luxury holiday lodges have two super-king bedrooms, a spacious central living space, en suite bathrooms and secluded private deck with hot tub.

British kitchen manufacturer Moores and Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr are embarking on the next stage in their joint venture, Roux Kitchens, including wider distribution to premium housebuilders and selected kitchen retailers, and additional colours to be added to the collection.

Roux Jr visited the Moores HQ in Wetherby, West Yorkshire where he met with several different departments that work on the Roux kitchen collection, and learnt how to spray cabinet doors in the factory. He said: ”It was a pleasure to spend

time with the Moores team at their impressive headquarters. It's important for me that this collection meets the high demands I would expect from a professional-style kitchen and with their attention to detail, Moores continues to get it right."

CEO of Moores

Furniture Group Steve Parkin added: "2019 will be an exciting year for Roux Kitchens. With this range Moores can offer a unique kitchen solution for penthouses, luxury projects and executive housebuilders looking for an extra-special point of difference that is truly unique and exciting.”

NEW SPACE SAVING COOLING FROM AMICA

Perfect for a kitchen where space is short or as a replacement for an older appliance, Amica’s new FC2093 larder fridge is just 55cm wide compared to the usual 60cm. There is a strong replacement market for 55cm fridges for both consumers looking for extra storage and this size is also popular in social housing. The fridge is 1235mm high so there’s an impressive 204 litres of cooled storage space – perfect for fresh foods. It has four shelves, a roomy salad crisper, four spacious door balconies and has an A+ energy rating. “The FC2093 is the ideal choice for a family that buys a lot of fresh food or looking for spillover-space,” says Amica’s Marketing Manager Steve Corbett. “The recent rise in energy costs has made consumers more aware of the need to reduce electricity consumption –and replacing an old fridge is one of the best ways to save. Fridges and freezers are running 24 hours a day and many older kitchen appliances are likely to use many times more energy over life than was used to manufacture them. Typically, an A+ rated fridge freezer bought now is over 49 percent cheaper to run than one bought in 1991 because it uses much less energy. “

www.amica-international.co.uk

45 LITRE COOLING PERFECT SECOND-TIER OPTION FOR RETAILERS

A small 45-litre refrigerator makes the ideal second-tier cooling option for retailers interested in this growing segment of the appliance market according to Canada’s Danby Appliances. The brand which launched with Exertis late last year is now unveiling a retro-inspired compact countertop refrigerator as it’s second product for the UK and European markets.

John Welbourn, who is heading the expansion explains “This small refrigerator packs a heavy design punch with features like CanStor® drinks storage system and its Red Dot Award for door design. It’s the ideal product for anywhere in homes with multi-occupants; teenagers, lodgers or senior citizens. It’s the perfect unit for home offices, boats, park homes and in Canada it is even sold for inside truck cabs. Gamers, pet owners, motorhome users, artisan cheese makers or anyone who needs additional storage for entertaining or batch cooking.”

www.Danby.com

HAMILTON OPENS NEW SHOWROOM IN CANNON STREET, CENTRAL LONDON

Hamilton Litestat’s has new showroom and meeting room facilities at Cannon Green in the City of London are now open for business – located on Bush Lane, EC4R 0AA in the heart of the ‘Square Mile’, just a short walk from Cannon Street Station.

The new Hamilton offices provide a key central location for regional customers wishing to review Hamilton’s latest solutions. Included within the showroom are demonstration boards for its modular smart lighting control and audio solution. Customers wishing to learn more have the option to sign-up for a free system training session at the newly-refurbished training facility in Mere. These smart control training courses have proven particularly popular over the past year, with demand necessitating an increase from one to four sessions a month.

Alongside control system demonstrations, Hamilton will also showcase its decorative wiring accessories in a range of

finishes and functionality options to illustrate the breadth of its designer product offering that blends form and functionality requirements. Also on display are samples of tailor-made designs, including multi-functional plates crafted specifically for the hotel sector.

“As Hamilton’s smart controls business continues to grow, it’s a natural progression to make a demo-system available in central London, which is a strong

business region for us,” says Gavin Williams, Hamilton’s Head of Marketing. “The new facilities in Cannon Green will also give us a new permanent showroom for our other products and a central location for conducting meetings and networking with our existing and potential customers.”

Please contact us for appointments on: info@hamilton-litestat.com

SPACE-SAVING INTERIOR DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Did you know that over half of the world’s population on the planet dwells in cities? This has influenced a rise in vertical living where the future of urban planning is to ‘build up, not out’. Kochwerk and Colombini have answered these ideals with the introduction of space saving design solutions that resolve the limiting infrastructure of compact, micro-unit interior spaces so they can work harder and more efficiently for your customers.

Demonstrated here with a pioneering studio arrangement, the pictured interior concept includes a kitchen with cantilevered breakfast bar, living space with media unit, integrated home office and wardrobe space,

and a bedroom area with a foldaway bed to free up valuable floor space: all designed for a space of only 24 m2 (6m x 4m).

Image shows:GOLF Infinity System, White, Cherry Wood & Matt White Furniture • Martin Sofa S308K,

Beige Corda with 3 different types of arms and five mechanisms, including a recliner, pull-out pouffe and slide-out seat

• ARTEC Kitchen, Matt White Furniture www.kochwerk.co.uk

VOGUE (UK) SCOOPS 'BEST UK HEATED TOWEL RAIL MANUFACTURER’ 2019

HOME & GARDEN

Leading British designer and manufacturer of design radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), have secured the 2019 Home and Garden Award for ‘Best UK Heated Towel Rail Manufacturer’ 2019.

The 2019 Home & Garden Awards is dedicated to rewarding the very best companies that specialise in technical innovation, product design and service and make-up the UK’s construction and property sector.

In affiliation with Build Magazine, the 2019 Home

AWARD

design, through to carpenters and leading heating manufacturers.

& Garden Awards recognise businesses that can make a house a home and include a cross-section of industry professionals: from creative minds in landscaping and interior

Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) says “To be recognised for our excellence in heating design and manufacture is a massive achievement for our brand and business, and a fundamental driving force for our designers, skilled craftsmen and UK sales force to continue to influence and impact the UK heating sector.”

www.vogueuk.co.uk

VOGUE (UK) - NEW WEBSITE GOES

LIVE

Vogue (UK), manufacturer of designer radiators and towel warmers, has undergone a digital makeover with the launch of its new-look website for 2019, now LIVE! You can check it out by visiting www.vogueuk.co.uk

It provides visitors with a new and improved online portal to the company’s comprehensive collection of designer heating solutions. The new web site introduces a modern take on both brand and products to further enrich the user-experience for its customers.

Vogue (UK) claims that the newly updated and easy-to-use website is more user-friendly, visual - with enhanced images with new full colour lifestyle photography to inspire. Compatible: the new web design now works across most handheld/ portable electronic devices for remote access. Informative: straightforward technical advice section, outlining the ‘need-to-know’ information regarding your next heating purchase, e.g. Symbol meanings, Heating options & Elements and IP Ratings and dimensioned technical sketches.

Social: it interacts with Vogue and joins its online community via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Houzz. Inspiring: explore the latest news from Vogue, product recommendations and what’s trending. Custom-made: discover or create a model that will be a perfect fit for you via Vogue (UK)’s dedicated Bespoke division Steve Birch, Director, Vogue (UK), says “The turn of the year was the perfect time for us to introduce our new-look website and offer Vogue customers a better-quality brand experience online. As a result, we are now able to present a new-look website that collectively, is an even more accurate representation of our current branding and product innovations for 2019.”

For further information on Vogue (UK) and its range of quality heating solutions, please visit: www.vogueuk.co.uk

JHC ADDS BUSHBOARD VISTA TO SHOWROOM DISPLAYS

Northern Ireland’s JHC Hardware has become the latest of over 500 stockists nationwide to stock Bushboard’s latest innovation; Vista statement splashbacks and using the products to create striking new displays for the showroom in Belfast.

JHC Hardware, a well known family owned company has been established for over 55 years in Belfast Northern Ireland and employs over 50 staff. Operating from a huge 70,000 sq ft facility, with it’s own delivery fleet, JHC specialises in kitchen and bathroom furniture, worksurfaces and components to both kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturers as well as the fitting trades and consumers. Nigel Machin, National Distribution Sales Manager says “Having JHC on board is a real boost in Northern Ireland. The company has worked with Bushboard for many years offering worksurfaces, splashbacks and upstands from our other ranges. Giving their customers access to Vista statement splashbacks and displaying the range so strongly is exciting.”

Bushboard’s Vista 9mm statement splashbacks like the Casablanca Grey shown above, is available along with Moorish patterns, geometrics, weathered London brick, metro tiling, summer palms and vintage prints. The new collection includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic. www.jhchardware.com | www.bushboard.co.uk

DESIGNED-FORALL NEW WEBSITE FROM VitrA

throughout their bathroom planning journey.

With VitrA Pro, users can create a personal profile and store favourite products in one place. There is also the ability to create projects to group and explore products together and the option to download all the product information in one go or save for a later date.

For the undecided or those at the beginning of their journey who need a little more creativeness, the inspirational ideas section has lots of trend ideas and style solutions, like how to style a small bathroom, or how to incorporate smart technology. There is also an exciting blog filled with recent news, designer interviews, latest trends and case studies.

VitrA, one of the UK’s fastest growing bathroom brands, has launched a striking, intuitive, and multi-functional website designed for all.

The newly launched interactive website from VitrA makes it easy for all visitors including installers, architects, retailers and end-users to choose a perfect bathroom. The new website offers intuitive navigation, beautiful imagery and enhanced product browsing through a seamless user experience. Many new features help visitors

“We have put an enormous amount of effort and resource into this new VitrA site,” says Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager for VitrA in the UK, “We are delighted with the result. It makes product information easily accessible to all of our customers from professionals to homeowners and in a user-friendly and stylish way.”

The new vitra.co.uk website has been designed for all, a philosophy that radiates throughout the company’s portfolio of designer ceramic ware, brassware, furniture and accessories. www.vitra.co.uk

GROWTH BEHIND MASTERCLASS FACTORY EXTENSION

Masterclass Kitchens has completed a 7,000 sq ft factory extension to its site in Llantristant, South Wales, enabling the company to hold a larger amount of raw materials for its growing business.

With 2019 set to be another busy year for Masterclass it has also been crucial to create more factory space for automation. The finished extension was completed in the autumn and is now fully operational, with the space already proving to be a great step forward for the

company, enabling Masterclass to increase its output and invest in more raw materials.

Managing Director, Gerald Jones, comments. “We believe this investment will help to further improve the quality people have come to expect from Masterclass and ensure we can keep up with increasing demand for our products.”

For more details call Masterclass Kitchens on 01443 449 499 or visit:

www.masterclasskitchens.co.uk

TAX & ACCOUNTANCY TIPS

Brexit continues to dominate the political and economic landscape, so we are somewhat discretely moving into the new tax year which is an opportunity to consider some reminders on the tax regime moving forward.

Personal tax rates and exemptions

The basic parts

Dean Flood www.rowlandhall.co.uk

Disposal of certain trading assets may however qualify for Entrepreneur’s Relief which can reduce the CGT rate to 10% irrespective of the overall earning of the individual."

For 2019/20, the basic personal allowance (the amount that can be earned without incurring income tax) rises to £12,500. Beyond that, the basic rate tax band increases to £37,500, meaning that higher rate tax should only apply to earnings over £50,000.

A further higher rate of tax of 45% applies for income over £150,000.

The more complex parts

For households where you or your partner receive Child Benefit, or someone else gets Child Benefit for a child living with you and they contribute at least an equal amount towards the child’s upkeep, there is a restriction on the benefit received if either you or your partner has income in excess of £50,000. The benefit is restricted at a rate of 1% for every £100 earned over £50,000, so that by £60,000 all of the benefit is removed. This assessment is either addressed through the taxpayers coding (PAYE) or via a charge within the individual’s tax return. Alternatively, the recipient of the benefit can elect to cease receiving the benefit.

For a taxpayer that earns £60,000 in 19/20 and is in receipt of Child benefit for 2 children, this creates an effective tax rate of 57.9% in 18/19 for the final £10,000 of income.

For those earning in excess of £100,000 in 19/20, the personal allowance is restricted by £1 for every £2 earned over that amount. Therefore, an individual earning £125,000 has no personal allowance. This creates an effective tax rate of 60% for the top £25,000 earned.

These effective tax rates are substantial and way beyond what most would consider to be the higher rates of tax. There are ways of mitigating these charges including making personal pension contributions which would be offset before these calculations are made.

Capital Gains Tax

In 2019/2020, the first £12,000 of capital gains will be exempt from CGT. Thereafter the CGT rate is 10% for basic rate tax payers and 20% for higher rate tax payers. There are however special rates that apply to the disposal of certain residential properties being 18% and 28% for the respective tax bands. This will exclude residential properties which are the taxpayer’s principal private residence.

Disposal of certain trading assets may however qualify for Entrepreneur’s Relief which can reduce the CGT rate to 10% irrespective of the overall earning of the individual.

It should be noted that CGT is normally payable by the 31st January following the tax year of calculation. With effect from April 2020, HMR&C are introducing a new 30 day payment requirement for CGT on residential property disposals (excluding principal private residences). It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to attend to this so if you have an anticipated transaction of this nature, make sure you pre-warn your tax advisor as it is not a process that a conveyancing solicitor will be required to address.

Wall panelling is a brilliant alternative to traditional tiles thanks to it’s easy and fast installation, while also offering low maintenance benefits to the customer.

Showerwall’s waterproof panelling pictured in Diamond

TIME-SAVING INSTALLATION, EASE AND STYLE WITH SHOWERWALL

KBB Installers are always looking for products that make their lives easier but more importantly, save them valuable time. Showerwall fulfils both criterion perfectly with its range of wall panelling solutions.

Wall panelling is a brilliant alternative to traditional tiles thanks to it’s easy and fast installation, while also offering low maintenance benefits to the customer. Here, Showerwall’s product manager Steph Harris (pictured), outlines the reasons why bathroom panelling is great for installers to get to grips with.

It’s no surprise Showerwall is growing in popularity. Consumers love Showerwall’s surface finish and flexibility it brings to the home for shower enclosures, bathroom feature walls and panelling around baths, with a range of stylish decors and minimal upkeep. When you look at its advantages over tiles, panelling is unrivalled at providing a quick and straightforward fitting process.

Boasting so many benefits, Showerwall is an ideal water-resistant, longwearing surface which offers an easy installation method along with a professional finish.

Bathroom feature wall using Showerwall in Bianco Carrara

Fast and easy installation

Showerwall’s waterproof wall panelling system offers a choice of panels including its Proclick range that uses clever click design technology that simply locks the panels together without the need for any joining trims between them, helping to create near invisible joints. Since no grout is needed to connect them, there’s minimal risk of mould, leaving them easy to maintain. Square cut panels are also available with the classic tongue and groove system which requires trims. Using panels gives an end result of large areas of stylish decorative surface that are easy to clean.

The sizes of panel are varied with Proclick available in 600mm and 1200mm x 2440mm, while standard square-cut panels come in 900mm and 1200mm x 2440mm. The 1200mm

has proven to be especially popular because it suits 1200mm shower trays so well.

Although the panels are large, they are easy to transport, handle and cut and can be installed in less than a day with simple joinery tools. Showerwall panels can also be placed over existing tiles, preventing any need to take down tiles.

Sureseal system

All panels are installed with Showerwall’s Sureseal system to ensure a watertight finish at the base of the panel. It works by fitting the Sureseal base trim on to the shower tray and adding sealant, before sliding a Showerwall panel into place. This envelops the base of the panel to give a four-point seal before the cover trim is clipped on providing a smooth and neat finish. End

caps are then pushed into place to protect the outer edge of the panel.

Design choice

Showerwall’s range offers a wide breadth and depth of design choices with 69 decors including luxurious marbles, stones, granites and customprinted geometric patterns. There is also an acrylic range which provides a glossy, polished effect which can be likened to glass but easier to cut and handle.

Boasting so many benefits,

Showerwall is an ideal water-resistant, longwearing surface which offers an easy installation method along with a professional finish.

For more information on Showerwall, please contact IDS on t: 0845 604 7334 | info@showerwall.co.uk or: www.showerwall.co.uk

Showerwall in Blue Toned Stone

DISCUSSING BLUM’S FULL KBB INSTALLER PACKAGE

Blum’s Senior Technical Advisor David Grant tells The Installer Magazine about the importance of the Installer to the company …

Over the course of my 18 years of employment at Blum, like my colleagues, I have come to realise how important the kitchen/bedroom/ bathroom fitter is to us as a company. Accordingly, Blum has now put together a full installer package to support you guys at the sharp end.

As a part of this initiative, we now have a fully dedicated technical team of 6, including some ex-fitters, who are on call

David Grant Senior Technical Advisor, Blum

64 hours a week via phone to offer assistance when you need it. We recognise and embrace your need to install our product efficiently, get paid & move onto the next job, confident in the quality of product you have used and avoiding the need to go back to do remedial work.

Blum constantly innovates new products and in a fast-moving industry, installers can sometimes find themselves outside of the information loop. Our products are heavily marketed and displayed at retail showrooms and we successfully sell the next new shiny thing to the consumer. So you may arrive on site to be faced with a product you have never seen before, sometimes even without instructions, although we all know no one ever reads manuals anyway!

So here at Blum technical, the aim is to make your days easier & shorter, because modern life is hard enough. Let me give you an example …

I mentioned earlier we have some ex-fitters on our team, I am not one of them by the way, and to be honest my hands-on skills are nonexistent, although I do understand the theory. If my wife asks me to hang a picture at home it causes me stress as I have had no training and I don’t have the correct tools (my eyesight is also very bad). In spite of all this I have on many occasions, successfully fitted Blum products, including SERVO-DRIVE to display cabinets here. I have also retrofitted drawers to existing cabinets, replacing fixed shelves.

how did a half blind, ageing, DIY averse technophobe with ex footballer’s knees complete, if I may say so myself, such an impressive job? Let me run you through the process ...

Planning the job was simple.

I used DYNAPLAN. This is a free of charge download from www.blum.com . It is a cabinet planning software, very intuitive. I entered the measurements of the cabinet I was working on into the system & selected the drawers I wanted to install. This gave me the confidence that what I was trying to do was physically possible & that the hinges would

not clash with the drawers. It saved my calculating, measuring & guesstimating. DYNAPLAN gave me all the required cabinet drilling points, door/drawer front drilling, base and back sizes, plus a list of all the Blum part numbers I would need to complete the job.

Then, from the Blum catalogue, I chose the appropriate templates and set them up using the parameters displayed in DYNAPLAN. Once this was done it was quick and easy to drill the cabinets/fronts as the templates are firmly located so I could drill with confidence through the template secure in the knowledge the holes would be in the correct place. The templates come with a drill bush so I avoided the fear of drilling through too deep – there is even a gauge on some of the jigs to assist in the quick setting of the bush location.

So

As the fronts were consistently drilled through the template, the gap alignment was perfect, there was no need therefore to spend time making adjustments. A bench jig ensured that I constructed the drawers perfectly square and with no visible gap between front and base. This is really important as I have heard stories of installer’s customers complaining and withholding payment as some daylight could be seen. Because the base was the correct size & assembled square, smooth running drawers were guaranteed. All these jigs are available for you to buy either via your normal Blum supplier, or directly from us on www.blumkit.co.uk. There is a blog on this website & we would welcome your feedback.

my role at Blum

I mentioned SERVO-DRIVE before (our electrical support system) and many of you may shy away from it due to a perceived complexity but again, by following the aforementioned process, I promise you, it really is simple, you do not need to be ‘part P’ qualified to fit the product. By becoming confident & competent in these new technologies, you can set yourself apart from other installers who are not BiKBBI accredited. Blum is always trying to help its customers and fitters are no exception.

Apart from our comprehensive catalogues and technical manuals, we have also developed our Blum EA (EASY ASSEMBLY) app, which you can access on site via 

Within

I speak to a lot of fitters and surprisingly many of them are simply unaware that this assistance is available to them.

your smartphone. There is also a collection of ‘how to’ videos on our website and the EA app which is often easier than reading a manual. The app also simplifies the fitting of AVENTOS lift systems for wall cabinets. Although you can find the formula in the catalogue, by using the app you just key in the height of the cabinet & it will calculate the dimensions for you.

LIVE SUPPORT is another available aid from Blum, it enables installers to have a live text chat with a member of the team whilst on site. There is also the facility to turn the text chat into a video conference which enables us to see what you are seeing on site & advise accordingly. Of course, if you are old fashioned, like me, you could simply ring us on 0800 230 0898 (Mon-Fri 8.00 – 8.00, Sat 8.00 –12.00) completely free of charge.

With a renewed focus on interacting with our fitters, we have

LIVE SUPPORT is another available aid from Blum, it enables installers to have a live text chat with a member of the team whilst on site.

a new syllabus, which can offer a bespoke session completely tailored to your individual needs. All training is held at our Milton Keynes headquarters. We are also investigating on-line sessions and would love feedback as to whether it would be of interest. Click here to see the full syllabus.

www.blum.com

MEDITE PRODUCTS CHOSEN FOR PRESTIGIOUS PROJECT

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME and MEDITE MR used to remodel luxury bathrooms in opulent art deco style ...

A luxurious London home has recently had its two bathrooms completely refitted with MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) and MEDITE MR MDF. The products were specified because of their water and moisture-resistant properties and versatile machinability.

The lavish interiors of the large town house were designed and created especially for the project by Infinitus Bespoke Interiors, to meet the desires of the client for a completely art-deco inspired home.

The design brief demanded that each bathroom captured the design style of the 1930s and 40s by using the specialist MDFs to create decorative structures such as ceiling and wall cladding, within which ambient lighting was installed, cupboards and furniture. Smooth, clean lines were a must, as well as high gloss surfaces and mirror-walls, reflecting a taste for extravagance.

Although MDF may not traditionally be thought of when tasked with redesigning a luxury bathroom, Infinitus Bespoke Interiors specified the panels based on its extensive previous work with the products. Andrew Fishwick, Director at Infinitus Bespoke Interiors explained: “The original brief was very ambitious but over the course of the project we worked closely with the client resulting with his vision of the brief being surpassed.”

“We decided on MEDITE MR and MTX as we felt that they offered us the best solution to achieve a polished, authentic art deco look. MEDITE MR was used to create iconic art deco shapes, for example, the ceiling cladding, and as backing for the mirror walls” commented Andrew, who added “We used MTX anywhere that was likely to be in contact with water too, it’s incredible that you can now guarantee MDF for up to 50 years, even in contact with water!”

Aside from their abilities to resist humidity and moisture, MEDITE MR and MTX were chosen for their smooth and consistent qualities, making them perfect for machining into the bespoke shapes required by CNC router. Andrew explained, “We needed a material with no grain structure to be able to achieve a perfectly smooth, seamless finish, this was especially important for the

We decided on MEDITE MR and MTX as we felt that they offered us the best solution to achieve a polished, authentic art deco look."

curved shapes featured in the bathroom ceiling design—a tightly curved, egg shaped cladding that’s backlit for effect.”

MTX was created as a sustainably produced MDF panel with durability and dimensional stability in mind. It is guaranteed for up to 50 years above ground, and provides architects and designers with an entirely new construction material, for design flexibility and endless opportunities for creativity. As acetylated MDF, MTX can be used in

applications where normal MDF panels cannot, and still retains all the design, fixing, and machining flexibility of regular medium density fibreboards.

MEDITE MR is a moisture resistant MDF panel designed for use in indoor humid conditions like kitchens or bathrooms or even furniture. It’s also a perfect substitute for softwoods or hardwoods where more machining flexibility is needed.

Andrew concluded: “As this was a lengthy project,

it was beneficial to use MTX and MEDITE MR as it saved us time where we would have spent plaining timber. Instead, many of the decorative pieces left our workshop completely finished and ready for installation.”

A family run company, Infinitus Bespoke Interiors specialises in second fit installations and handles design, creation and installation for residential and commercial projects. See their creations on Instagram: @Infinitus_Bespoke_Interiors or get in touch: andrew@ infinitusbespokeinteriors. co.uk

For more on MTX and MEDITE MR and what can be achieved with them, visit: www.mdfosb.com

ARE YOU COVERED?

SIX REASONS WHY YOU NEED PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

We all try to be safety conscious, but unfortunately and often unavoidably, accidents do happen that can result in eye watering compensation claims. This is where public liability insurance is essential for any business as it will help and also take away unnecessary worries. Ultimately, it’s there to help protect you if someone makes an injury claim against you or your business.

To help explain how public liability is right for KBB installation and retail businesses, we’ve highlighted six areas that could be at risk and how public liability insurance will benefit you.

Do you work in other people’s properties?

Public liability insurance covers your business against the costs of legal action and compensation claims

Christopher Bates, Divisional Director, Corporate and Commercial Division, UIB Group.

if a third party is injured or their property is damaged accidentally whilst you’re carrying out work at their place of business or their home. For example, if you own a kitchen installation company and a client’s tiled floor is damaged as a result of your installation (such as dropping a hammer), subject to this incident being purely accidental, then you would be covered for any damage caused.

Do you use special tools or processes?

Everyday tools might be safe in trained hands, but an accident can have serious consequences. Whether it’s accidentally dropping a hammer on a client’s floor or a customer tripping over a mislaid tool, small accidents could result in big damage claims or even legal action. Public liability insurance protects you against compensation costs and ensures your legal costs are covered too.

Could your work or products hurt someone?

Although you are extremely careful to ensure that your work and products are as safe as possible, it’s sensible to consider the risk of injury if the fruits of your labour end up accidentally harming others. Public liability insurance could protect you in the result a member of the public makes a claim against your business. For example, if you are a bathroom installer, in the unlikely event that a customer inadvertently contracts legionella from a shower installation, public liability insurance can shield your business against compensation payments and legal costs.

Are your premises open to the public?

Whether it’s a customer slipping in your showroom, tripping over a display or cutting themselves on a sharp edge, when your

business is open to the public, you’re open to the possibility of accidents happening. Public liability insurance protects against the compensation costs linked to members of the public accidentally injuring themselves when in your premises.

Do you employ staff?

If you’re employing staff, you should already have employers’ liability insurance as it is a legal requirement, but it’s worth understanding that you’re not just responsible for the safety of your staff, you’re responsible for their actions too!

Therefore if an employee accidentally causes injury or damages to the property of a member of the public, it’s your business that could face compensation claims.

Is your business growing?

Although public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, larger clients and professional bodies like the UK Government will expect you to have it. This is often the case for tradespeople working on-site for clients, and when you’re contracted by local government bodies like councils, it’s hardly surprising when the average settlement on a damages claim is £13,500.

As we all know, accidents do happen but public liability insurance will provide you with peace of mind knowing that you and your business is covered should the worst ever happen.

UIB Is the only insurance broker recommended by the BiKBBI and can be contacted via www.uibdirect.co.uk

Ready.

For greater accuracy with maximum performance.

The new cordless VECTURO OSC 18: Thanks to the quick-action clamping system with StarlockMax tool holder as well as the sophisticated positioning and extraction accessories, the VECTURO OSC 18 is the intelligent system solution for most demanding requirements on performance, comfort and precision for dustfree sawing, parting, scraping and cutting. Find out more at www.festool.co.uk/ready

FESTOOL’S PRECISE NEW CORDLESS OSCILLATOR

HITS THE MARK EVERY TIME

Kbb installers will love Festool’s new Vecturo OSC 18 cordless oscillator as it ensures exact cut-outs on the scribe mark.

With precision being so important to many tradesmen and especially kbb installers, Festool is expanding its range of cordless tools by adding the new Vecturo OSC 18 cordless oscillator for fitting and assembly work. The innovative StarlockMax tool

holder guarantees that the tools can be changed quickly and conveniently, and without the need for additional equipment. In addition, the powerful, brushless EC-TEC motor and the large oscillation angle of 2°/2° achieve optimum working progress.

Thanks to the clever design and the vibration isolation, the OSC 18 makes ergonomic work possible. In the same tried-and-trusted way, Festool has also developed their new Vecturo intelligent system accessories, which allow for dust-free work, precise cut-outs on the scribe mark and precisely guided plunge cuts.

Maximum flexibility in installer’s everyday work thanks to StarlockMax

The new cordless oscillator comes with the innovative StarlockMax tool-holder system. The intelligent quick-change system means that tools can be changed rapidly and without the need for additional equipment. This means that installers can change the required saw blade in just a few seconds.

Maximum power

The new Vecturo is especially suitable for heavy-duty applications. Thanks to the antivibration system, the housing and motor are completely decoupled ensuring optimum comfort in use. The powerful, brushless ECTEC motor with variable speed control allows for a large oscillation angle of 2° to the left and 2° to the right, and therefore achieves peak working progress.

Intelligent system accessories

The versatile system accessories for the new cordless oscillator mean that this newcomer is a perfect all-rounder, and enables the user to work in a way that is precise, healthy and comfortable. With the new dust extraction device, it can also immediately start sawing without generating dust – with a clear view of the workpiece. The new positioning aid with its depth stop accessory guarantees, for example, precisely defined plunge depths when adjusting the door frame, and is used to protect the saw blade. These system accessories can be fitted easily on the adapter and without the need for additional equipment – depending on requirements.

The new Vecturo OSC 18 cordless oscillator will be available at specialist retailers from April 2019. Festool also offers full investment security for their new Vecturo OSC 18 thanks to Festool Service. The free-of-charge service package guarantees direct, practical and comprehensive service for the tool throughout its entire service life. www.festool.co.uk

IN FOCUS

Nick Jones, Head of UK Sales, Wilsonart UK

For the second in our new series of ‘In the spotlight’ we decided to have a chat with Nick Jones, who is the Head of UK Sales for BiKBBI sponsor, Wilsonart UK. Having worked closely with the company over the last three or four years, I realise first-hand just what a progressive business it is and so I asked Nick to share with our readership what makes the company tick …

Can you give us a short summary of the company and the market sector that it operates?

Zenith has pioneered thin solid-core laminates in the UK. Launched back in 2016 the brand growth has been exponential with most of that growth coming through housebuilders, kitchen furniture manufacturers and OEM worktop providers identifying with the genuine USPs the product offers.

Wilsonart UK is expert in the business of surfaces, as a wholly owned UK division, of Wilsonart USA, this allows the company to supply worktops in a variety of ways including enabling housebuilders that want to create their own product range. Alternatively, Wilsonart works with component distributors nationwide, many of which are specifically geared to provide the stock and delivery service that building, and first-fix trades require.

And how does this work on a daytoday basis?

Wilsonart offers a comprehensive worktop service with valuable insight, experience, innovation and manufacturing breadth from multiple sites in the UK. “Zenith is

Zenith is 100% solid laminate, that means there is no wood or paper core; it is 100% waterproof. It’s adaptable and easy to handle on site so can be cut as required for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and WCs with no need for off-site templating and so is brilliantly user-friendly for KBB installers."

the result of decades of experience and listening. We have an immense back catalogue of experience in all sectors, we invest heavily in research and design, market trend predictions and enjoy a unique global viewpoint that allows us to forecast and invest in a timely and inventive way. We understand the stock management and call -off services that multi-site housebuilders demand to ensure their fitting teams are working efficiently.

Zenith seems to be one of the buzz words in the market, how has it become so popular?

Zenith is 100% solid laminate, that means there is no wood or paper core; it is 100% waterproof. It’s adaptable and easy to handle on site so can be cut as required for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms

and WCs with no need for off-site templating and so is brilliantly user-friendly for KBB installers.

Why else should KBB installers be considering Zenith?

Well, it’s available in three realistic textures mirroring either concrete, granite or wood, Wilsonart Zenith offers a compelling range of eleven decor options.

Curves, thick-and-thin surface combinations and co-ordinating splashbacks are easy to create and can be installed at the same time the kitchen or bathroom units. Zenith has its décor on both sides, perfect for creating slab ends and co-ordinated bespoke open shelves. In a kitchen, an under-mount sink with drainer

grooves that reveal the stunning black core are practical and easy to create. Zenith can be installed with standard tooling and is available in a choice of 3-metre lengths of worktops, breakfast bars, upstands, and splashbacks as well as a 950mm curved module. It is also squared edged, self-supporting and requires no edging.

Finally, please summarise the Wilsonart proposition for KBB installers.

Well, it’s a complete worktop service really, from designs and manufacture, guidance on contemporary decors, and advice for the planning of waterfall ends, contrasting backsplashes, as well as upstands and matching shelving. Nick explains “Décor and texture finishes are objective and differ from county to county. What is cutting edge and highly sought after in London, is often completely different in Edinburgh. Equally, depending on types of dwelling or renovations individual decors can differ from plot to plot. Flexibility, adaptability and attention to detail are vital to our customer care promise.

Oh! And one other thing that makes us installer-friendly is the fact that we offer comprehensive training online and onsite in both County Durham and Northamptonshire and via a new video Wilsonart Zenith Installation Training. Wilsonart also welcomes enquiries, questions and technical suggestions via Twitter #wilsonartquestionhour every Thursday at 3.00pm, when a specialist customer service team is on hand to answer every query immediately.

www.wilsonart.co.uk

Zenith is available in three realistic textures mirroring either concrete, granite or wood, Wilsonart Zenith offers a compelling range of eleven decor options."

eNet SMART HOME

eNet SMART HOME is a wireless-based system which transforms every home into a smart home, regardless of whether it's a new build or existing building. Functions such as lighting, blinds and heating are wirelessly networked and centrally controlled – via a switch on the wall or via smartphone while on the move.

Many everyday functions can be easily automated with the right Gira eNet components. Even existing functions can be integrated into the eNet SMART HOME system.

With little e ort, existing switches can be replaced with Gira eNet wall transmitters, which can be installed anywhere on almost any surface.

More information: www.gira.com/uk

‘GANG CULTURE' WITH GIRA E2 IN MATT BLACK

The Gira E2 Design Line is a minimalist switch range that introduces a host of Matt Black frames and inserts for tailored customer demand.

Mark Booth, Managing Director Gira UK Ltd

E2 is available in a pure shade of black which conserves its chromaticity, the Gira E2 Matt Black with lacquer finish guarantees consistent results.

Designed to complement the Gira System 55

range, Gira E2 with Matt Black application is also available in Stainless Steel, Anthracite, Pure White and Colour Aluminium, with the option to create a uniform or contrasting aesthetic by varying colour choice and/or values.

Offering more than 300 functions via Gira System 55, each frame in the collection displays precise workmanship 

Black is a colour which has been elevated to new heights, now viewed as the new design classic for 2019.’’

Our aim is to continue designing and manufacturing intelligent build solutions which answer current trends.’’

Gira E2 Matt Black switch

and surface processing. This enables property developers and skilled workmen the ability to equip buildings with the latest technology, all with a consistent design aesthetic and distinction between the varying systems, controls and functions identified.

In addition to conventional flushmounted installation, the Gira E2 Design Line also offers the option

of installing all switch variants: protruding 3mm from the wall.

Yielding even more design options for the end user, Gira E2 can raise and lower blinds each day with the standard blind control button, offer a contactless switch with integrated LED orientation that illuminates when motion is detected, plus a comprehensive range of

complementary sockets, outlets and accessories.

Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK Ltd, comments “Our aim is to continue designing and manufacturing intelligent build solutions which answer current trends. Black is a colour which has been elevated to new heights, now viewed as the new design classic for 2019.’’ Mark continues, ‘‘Our introduction of

Gira E2 in stylish Matt Black is perfect for answering the industry’s growing desire for monochromatic interior schemes which embrace black hardware, fixtures and fittings.’’

For more information regarding the Intelligent functions available for Gira E2, please visit:

Overview Design lines | E2 www.gira.com

In the spotlIght RIteesh MIshRA, CAWFC MAnAgeR

Under the guidance of manager Riteesh Mishra, Charlton Athletic Women who are sponsored by the BiKBBI, are enjoying a thoroughly successful debut season in the FA Women's Championship. Mishra has helped steer the ‘Addicks’ to the upper echelons of the table with just six league fixtures remaining.

“I grew up living in a house with three uncles, my Granddad, and my Father, who all loved sport, so I wasn’t exposed to just football but a lot of sports from a young age.

Riteesh Mishra CAWFC Manager

So, with the season reaching its climax, we sat down with the ‘gaffer’ to get a unique insight of what it’s like to be involved in professional sport and how he came to be working with the South East London club. He began by telling us about his earliest memories of the sport:

When nine, I attended an open trial for Notts County who at the time, had a really good reputation for its centre of excellence and so as my trial proved successful, I signed for them. I stayed with the club for three years but in truth, I didn't enjoy the last year there. I couldn't put my finger on why, but I seem to have lost the fun factor, and it showed in my performances, subsequently, Notts County released me that season.

I then spent a full season playing for my school and local side and we had a great team who won everything that year, and it was exactly what I needed as it was a season to enjoy playing again. I ended up getting a lot of attention from the local clubs once more, but it was Nottingham Forest who showed the most interest and at 14 I decided to join them, where I stayed for nearly seven seasons.”

Following a valuable 7 year development period with Forest, Mishra opted to move north of the border to Scotland showing his desire to keep maturing in the sport.

“I had some great years at Forest, probably my most important as it’s where I learnt my values and benefitted from some of the best possible coaching; however, I also discovered how ruthless it can be at the elite level. I was suddenly surplus to requirements, and subsequently I trialled at a whole host of clubs.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered his career as a player and he explained to us the challenges which he was forced to overcome during long spells on the sidelines.

“Sadly, it happens to so many players, lengthy injuries are very tough as you feel like you lose your identity and purpose, and you are no longer seen as a player with the capabilities that you had before.

It initially made me feel quite resentful to others and what they were achieving ahead of me and at that age, you don't open up and talk to people, instead, you just try to get on with things and looking back, I feel that was the wrong thing to do. It made me become quite insular and I struggled really with my purpose and it was hard

going in every morning, knowing I was not training or playing.

In all honesty, I don't know what level I could have gone on to play at; I certainly don't think at the top, but at the time before I got injured, I had belief that I would, but now looking at the graduates around me at the time, most are either no longer playing, or, at the other extreme, some are competing in the Premier League!

As a young man it was hard to watch players leave you behind in their development whilst you are stuck in rehab, really hard. However, with hindsight and maturity, and especially as a Manager and Coach, I can now look back and think that it helped me positively in other ways.”

I never actually set out to venture into women's football. I had finished my B License and therefore wanted to coach as much as I could.”

We asked Mishra what his next steps were: “Being Scottish, I trained with a few clubs north of the border and I was also offered a number of scholarships in the States to play and take a degree, which was something I seriously considered but eventually, I decided to do the something similar closer to home at Stirling University with Mike Jolley (now Grimsby Town Manager), and decided to try and stay within the game in the UK by taking up coaching.”

Back in 2014, Mishra began his journey with Charlton Athletic as he made the transition into women’s football. He explained to us how the opportunity came about to make the switch from men’s game into women’s.

“I never actually set out to venture into women's football. I had finished my B License and therefore wanted to coach as much as I could. I had moved down to London and was doing a lot of voluntary coaching within boys academies mainly.

I sent my CV to the boys set up and I think it got sent on to the women's team at Charlton. Out of the blue, I got asked to support as an assistant to Kim Dixson the club captain for the first team, and it intrigued me. So, I gave it a go, and have been here ever since. I have been pretty fortunate, and I know that as it's been quite a steep learning curve and so. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity and to those who have given me a chance.”

I have been pretty fortunate, and I know that as it's been quite a steep learning curve and so. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity and to those who have given me a chance.”

Having played and coached at a high level of both men and women’s football, we asked Mishra to give us a unique insight to the differences between the two. “To be frank, there is a lot of difference, but the thing that stands out the most for me is the structure. Having been brought up in one of the best academies in the country, I saw everyday what professionalism was and what quality looked like behind the scenes. I think women's football is now getting much better with the introduction of RTC's and changes to the women's pyramid.

There's still a lot more to do of course but those of us who are involved have a duty to keep improving the level of professionalism and to try and produce better players and people for the future. We strive to do this here at Charlton every day.”#

The Addicks play in the FA Women’s Championship after winning the league and play-off last season to gain promotion. So how the professional divisions compare?

“The quality has not surprised me, I knew it would be a big step up from last season but we are coping well, and yet we realise that there is an even bigger difference between tier 2 and tier 1 (Women’s Super League), which hopefully will reach in time.”

So what did you do to ensure that you weren’t overawed? “This season we have tried to repeat all the good things that we applied last season but with improvement as we are playing against better players and management. We are learning this season that

the margins are much smaller. Especially since Christmas as we have been punished for unnecessary mistakes that we have made and this is going to take some time for everyone to understand.

With women’s football enjoying a hugely successful rise over recent years, Mishra offered us his advice for anyone considering becoming more involved in the women’s game.

“Be open-minded and be prepared to be inspired. I have learnt so much more than I thought I could from females, both as players and people. Their stories are often inspiring and they have challenged my thinking of society and life. My advice to anyone following a similar path it to avoid bringing any pre-conceptions or you may not be able to see the true talent of the people involved. Women's football is growing, it is not a finished product by any means and so people should not expect it to be, rather, they should want to come in and help improve the people within it and its structure.”

Following a spell with the club’s Under 16s, Mishra eventually managed to earn his opportunity to step up to first-team. Speaking about how he has managed to reach the level which he is at today, he told us:

“I think hard work is a part of it. I've always been fully prepared in everything I do and I try to make sure that what I do is reflected in my behaviour. I know I have also been lucky with the opportunities that have come before me and will never forget the people who have taken a chance on me. Importantly, I have been able to grow myself throughout my time here. I don't think people realise how much I actually learn and take from others including the players and staff here. I think hard work has definitely and luck has created opportunity for me. So far it has worked out well, albeit with a few hurdles along the way of course.”

However, the women’s side isn’t the only focus for Mishra, who alongside coaching the women also holds down two other jobs. He passionately spoke to us about the challenges of dualcareering.

Mishra has grown to be a very successful and popular figure during his five years at the Valley. He has the respect of staff, players and fans throughout the club and we look forward to periodically checking out Mishra and his team’s journey.

www.cafcwomen.co.uk

Be open-minded and be prepared to be inspired. I have learnt so much more than I thought I could from females, both as players and people. Their stories are often inspiring and they have challenged my thinking of society and life.”

INSTALLATION INNOVATION!

Save time with Franke’s easy Slimfix ® system

Installers can say goodbye to the awkward task of squeezing under the sink during its installation to secure it in place by using fiddly clamps, screws and fixing rails thanks to the innovative Slimfix® fixing system by Franke.

The patented installation method anchors the sink firmly to the work surface without the need for any under-sink fitting – brilliant! So how exactly does it work?

You begin as normal by creating a cut-out in the

worktop using the template supplied and applying waterproof sealant around the surface of the newly cut space. At this point you would usually have to duck underneath the worktop and inside the cabinet to fix the sink in place, all the while holding the sink so to prevent it from moving out of position. However, with Slimfix® you simply drop the sink into the space and push down to secure the clips, and you’re done! This simple system is super easy to do and saves kitchen installers valuable time, all

' The patented installation method anchors the sink firmly to the work surface without the need for any under-sink fitting –

Slimfix® clips are also available on the new Aruba granite sink by Carron Phoenix – the first granite sink to feature the innovative system which ensures fast and easy installation from above the worksurface.

the while producing first class results with every installation.

Franke’s Slimfix® system uses strong anchor clips, pre-fitted under the rim, that cleverly flex inwards when the installer places the sink into the cut-out. Once in position, the clips release pressure on the worktop, holding it firmly in place without the need for any adjusting or additional clamping – whatever the thickness of the worktop. This short video produced by Franke UK shows just how easy the method is.

Sinks fitted with Slimfix® include Franke’s brand-new Box Center – an all-in-one, multi-tasking stainless steel sink that seamlessly marries form with design. It cleverly integrates a rack and seven food preparation accessories to create a

workstation for cutting, rinsing, straining and draining, making it ideal for large, open plan or compact kitchens.

The anchoring clips are also available on two additional stainless steel ranges by Franke, the premium Laser sink in a single or 1.5 bowl and the Argos sink in two single bowl options and a 1.5 bowl.

Not just for stainless steel, Slimfix® clips were recently introduced to granite sinks with the new Aruba sink by Franke’s sister brand, Carron Phoenix. The first granite sink to feature

Slimfix®, the Aruba comes in three models, the single bowls 90 and 100 and the 150 one and a half bowl which fit 500mm and 600mm cabinets respectively. The 220mm deep bowls are designed with an accessories ledge to hold a strainer bowl to optimise user ergonomics.

For further information about the Slimfix® system you can contact Franke on 0161 436 6280 or visit:

www.franke.co.uk

Franke’s patented Slimfix® clips flex inwards when lowered into a prepared cut-out, holding the sink firmly in place without the need for any under-sink installation work.

This shows the Slimfix® clip mid-way through installation – once fully lowered, the sink will sit flush to the worktop for a stylish design both under the sink and above.

Bushboard has launched a new installation video to support its innovative solid core laminate worksurface range, Evolve. Easy to install with no off-site templating required, Bushboard has teamed up with Bessey Clamps to offer one set of three Bessey Seaming Tools PS55’s which feature in the video, as a prize for one lucky installer.

How to Enter

The prize is worth almost £500 and the competition is easy to enter. Simply watch the Evolve installation video (opposite) and answer the following question:

Q: How many ways are there to form joints with Bushboard Evolve?

Send an email to the link below stating your answer to be in with a chance of winning. Winners will be selected on May 31st and notified via email. Twenty-five runners up will receive a tube of BB Complete Adhesive.

Just click on the link and answer the above question for your chance to win:

With the wonderful filter Sy stem, the benefit s are clear

Enjoy cleaner, healthier, better tasting water with the innovative Vital Capsule Filter System

The easy change filter removes 99.9% of bacteria, 99% of viruses, 99% of microplastics, plus rust, sediments and other small par ticles

Vital also helps reduce single use plastics and can save the cost of buying bottled water O ering a choice of designs and colours plus an additional chiller option, the Vital Capsule Filter System is clearly like nothing else

Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

ITS TIME TO MAKE THE CHANGE TO INDUCTION

MyAppliances Account Director, Craig Taylor, discusses why Installers, retailers and consumers should consider switching from more conventional hobs to induction.

There are many reasons to make the change to induction hobs. One of the most important of these is that they are more environmentally friendly than gas and ceramic hobs because there is little energy wastage as all of the heat is concentrated in the pan and the other hobs heat up the air around the pan. In addition, induction hobs now include technology that can sense when the pan is not on the hob and switches off automatically.

Safety is also an important factor due to the fact that if your customer forgets to switch off the hob it will not heat up until the pan is in place

and therefore it removes much of the risk of the end-user burning themselves unlike standard electric or gas hobs. Furthermore, there is no more need to worry that you may have left the gas on when you have left the house!

Induction hobs are simple to use and easy-to-maintain as all they require is a simple wipe down of the glass surface and therefore has no requirement to remove pan stands for manually washing. Aesthetically they are great too as they're nonfussy, contemporary designs will complement any modern kitchens scheme.

Induction hobs now include technology that can sense when the pan is not on the hob and switches off automatically"

The new down draft induction hobs will appeal to kitchen designers and installers especially as there is no need to have a separate extraction unit due to the fact that the extractor is built into the hob saving space and adding a new element to a modern designer kitchen.

MyAppliances has been developing new designer induction hobs for quite some time and now has a range that will meet most people needs, and with its new bridge induction hob priced at £159.99, the very latest technology and design can be purchased and installed at an extremely affordable price. The bridge induction hobs have a large induction zone running the width of the hob that can accommodate griddles and they come with a 13amp plug so they are a plug and play hob with ‘ECO Boost’ fast-heat facility, residual heat

indicator, touch control operation and ‘Auto pan detection system’ so the hob will only heat up if it senses a pan on the hob giving peace of mind when you have children in the kitchen.

The new MyAppliances has a comprehensive range of induction hobs that range from its entry level ‘Domino induction 2 heat zone’ hobs which are ideal for student accommodation up to its 90cm ‘Icon smart flexi zone boost’ induction hobs and of course the new down draft induction hobs that we have covered earlier in this feature. .

To see the full range of induction hobs that are available visit www.myapplainces.co.uk or you can use the link below: Induction Hobs | MyAppliances

The Bridge induction hob is extremely installer friendly as it comes with a 13amp plug and so is a ‘plug and play’ hob. It also benefits from the following functions: ‘ECO Boost’ fast-heat facility, residual heat indicator, touch control operation and ‘Auto pan detection system’ so the hob will only heat up if it senses a pan on the hob giving your customers peace of mind if they have children in and around the kitchen.

BiKBBI sponsors www.myapplainces.co.uk has announced a range of exclusive benefits to BiKBBI members as part of an initiative to demonstrate its user-friendliness for installers.

The company invites BiKBBI members to open a MyAppliances trade account by registering at: tradeaccounts@apelson.co.uk

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR INSTALLATIONS

Removing an old kitchen or bathroom is never much fun, but it’s a necessary part of the preinstallation. Personally, I always try and keep the customer away whilst doing this as no matter how house-proud they may be, or how meticulously they have cleaned for the last twenty years, there will always be grease down the side of the oven, and food debris in the nooks and crannies that they’ve not been able to see, let alone reach if they had. On occasions I’ve even seen a dead mouse or cockroach revealed which never goes down well with the householder!

These are just one or two of the things that will be dealt with when preparing for a new installation, others can be more serious, for example, if a leaking bath or shower has caused rot, or if other similar damage is revealed where the customer has to be consulted.

But what about the previous installers work? I’ve yet to meet a fitter who cannot stop him or herself commenting on the things they discover (not in front of the customer, of course…?)

The mark of a true professional kbb installer is in the quality of the

Richard Renouf, Furniture & Floorcoverings Consultant

unseen bits of the project. I once took down a Victorian pulpit in a church that was being converted and the workmanship was superb right down to the fixing of the floorboards. I’ve never seen so many hand cut dovetails and mitres and I’m sure that they must have been cut on site which was why the pulpit had survived being thumped a few times a week by an over-enthusiastic vicars/ preachers for more than 120 years. By being careful and meticulous, I’d love to think that the installation part of my completed kitchens and

bathrooms would last that length of time too.

In my inspection work, I find too often that installers have taken shortcuts thinking that the customer will never know. But before doing so, they should remind themselves that when something does go wrong, it’s not too difficult to discover the reason why. For example, yesterday, the problem on a project that I visited was that an installer had taped a 100mm diameter duct pipe to a 150mm outlet (pictured), leaving gaps so that the air was recirculated rather

than extracted, furthermore, the fitter had also installed the most convoluted waste pipework under a sink (also pictured) which occupied a large part of the customer’s storage space within the sink unit, talk about Spaghetti Junction!

My tip for readers of The Installer Magazine is before undertaking on a new KBB Installation, think about the next fitter who will eventually be removing your work, what will they discover and would you be proud to hear what they say?

In my role as an inspector, here are my three most frequent discoveries that I think demonstrate a lack of care by the installer:

1. Leaving building debris and grit underneath the units, shower tray or bath, hidden behind the plinths and panels. How can you level units properly on a dirty floor? And I also dislike sawdust clinging to drawer runners and left inside drawer units.

2. Electrical wiring running loose and unsecured beneath, behind and on top of units. It seems to have a way of moving until it becomes visible.

3. Cut outs in worktops and plinths (e.g. for sinks, hobs or integrated dishwasher doors) that have not been sealed to prevent moisture ingress.

www.richard-renouf.com

Q& A with

Anna-Marie Belton

Subject of this issue’s Q & A is BiKBBI Compliance Officer, Anna-Marie Belton who joined the team in September 2018, Anna-Marie works on special project support.

Tell us a little more about your role at BiKBBI?

I’ve been with the company since September 2018. I came on board to help with the B&Q merge. I’ve since taken over the Homebase compliance which is really exciting!

What do you like about the organisation?

I really love the fact the organisation is dedicated to improving standards within the industry. Consumers want to know they have a reliable installer that is professional and has been approved by the institute. After having a kitchen fitted myself this year, it’s important to get the job done correctly and efficiently. BiKBBI support that which I think is fantastic.

And the industry?

I’m still learning about the industry. It’s a learning curve daily for me, I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is dedicated to improving standards within the industry

Tell us a bit more about your personal life, marital status? I’m married to James, have two children aged 10 and 7. We also added a very hyperactive 'cock-a-poo' to the mix, so family life is very hectic! I took a 10 year break to stay at home to

raise my family. BiKBBI has been the perfect job to ease myself back into working parent life!

Major life achievements so far?

I would have to say my children. They have changed me as a person and made me the best person I can be. It’s the hardest yet most fulfilling job.

What would be your perfect Saturday evening?

I am all about home comforts. I prefer to be snuggled on the sofa with an oversized blanket with my family around me. Throw in a curry, a vodka and coke and that sums up a good Saturday night for me!

Favourite holiday destination?

I’ve not travelled much, but I would have to say Walt Disney World ,Florida. It’s magical at any age. One day I will take my children.

Book or Kindle?

Definitely book! I love the smell and feel of a new book.

Favourite Novel?

I tend to read anything, I’m really into crime and thrillers at the moment. But the book series I always go back to time and time again is Harry Potter.

Where would you go for a city break?

Oooh this is a hard one! I’ve always wanted to go to Paris, but Venice or New York is also on my list of cities to visit.

What was your first car?

A silver Renault Clio

Top 3 ever singles?

1, Faith by George Michael

2, Red Light, Spells Danger by Billy Ocean

3, Cry To Me by Solomon Burke

Favourite movie?

This is a hard one! I have so many. Dirty Dancing is a classic it’s definitely one of my favourites.

Favourite actor or actress? Again this is a hard one! I couldn’t decide, so it’s a toss-up between three - Gary Oldman, Patrick Swayze and Alan Rickman

Favourite cuisine? It has to be a Curry!

Favourite all time sporting moment?

I’ll be honest, I’m not into sports, but I absolutely loved the coverage of the 2012 Olympics. I was hooked from day one and followed it through to the end. It was made even better having it all on home ground in London.

Who makes you laugh?

Bit cheesy but my husband. A bit less cheesy would be the BiKBBI girls in the office, occasionally the CEO can crack a giggle out of me too!

Who makes you cry?

I can cry at anything. But the thing that really makes me cry has to be the John Lewis Adverts, they get me every year!

Finally, do you have any unfulfilled life ambitions?

I am a massive fan of flamingos! I love them and I’ve always said for the big 4-0 {which is quite a few years away) I would love to go to Flamingo Beach, Aruba (it probably won’t ever happen). You literally share the beach with the flamingos! My idea of heaven! I may have to start playing the lottery to get me there though first!

Crossroads by Jon Bon Jovi

BUSHBOARD VISTA NOW AVAILABLE FROM IRELAND’S POTTER COWAN.

Vista, Bushboard’s recently launched collection of statement splashbacks is now available from one of Ireland’s leading trade-only kitchen product and component distributors. Potter Cowan has branches in Belfast, Dublin and Cork and now offers Bushboard Vista alongside a comprehensive collection of household name brands for kitchens, appliances, taps, sinks worksurfaces, and splashbacks.

Adrian Allen, Managing Director of Potter Cowan says, “Vista is a great new product with a striking range of decors; summer palms, London brick, metro tiles and Moroccan designs to name a few. We make sure our customers have access to the best products in the market, Vista certainly stands out

and provides a great alternative to ceramic tiling.”

The Bushboard Vista collection includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic which can be used to create either a focal point splashback behind a sink or a hob, to create a feature wall or all around the kitchen. Splashbacks are easier and faster to install than tiles, cutting down fitting time and costs.

“This new range introduces pattern and the variety of

designs (Hazy Forest pictured) which means that there is something to suit every kitchen – from traditional country style to sleek contemporary.” Says David Goode, Distribution Sales Manager for Bushboard. Being able to offer Ireland’s network of kitchen and bathroom retailers Vista via Potter Cowan provides us with a great showcase for the product.”

www.pottercowan.co.uk www.bushboard.co.uk

SUPER-SAFE! WITH GIRA

Gira’s new smoke alarm, Dual Q, offers homeowners double the safety of a ‘normal’ smoke alarm.

By measuring both temperature and scattered light, the new Gira Dual Q smoke alarm device is equipped with two detection processes and is marked with the Q quality seal.

The Dual Q visually identifies small smoke particles before a situation gets too dangerous. In addition, thermal sensors measure temperature changes within the room. In this way various types of fires, such as liquid fire, can be registered more rapidly and reliably identified. For even more safety, convenience and efficiency, the functions of the Gira Dual Q smoke alarm device can be networked and expanded through optionally available devices: up to 40 devices.

www.gira.com

DON'T LET DIRTY LAUNDRY HAMPER YOUR STYLE, SAYS BATHROOM DESIGN EXPERTS PELIPAL

Having a built-in laundry basket is such a simple idea; it's hard to believe this is not standard in every bathroom. Let's face it; it's hard to maintain a stylish space with a pile of discarded laundry in the bathroom. Fortunately, German bathroom brand Pelipal knows that the secret to creating luxurious and relaxing spaces, is keeping dirty laundry out of sight.

Pelipal has a host of natty solutions that keep dirty towels at bay, from ingenious wall hung cabinets that include built in tilting baskets, to pull out bins and laundry storage hampers, all featuring top notch German functionality. With an inordinate level of flexibility and designs, bathrooms can be tailored to tick all of the right boxes, where stylish, functional and relaxing spaces become standard.

Stylish cabinets that cleverly conceal laundry storage are the perfect solution for dirty washing, combining the appeal of 5* luxury with the practicality of family life.

Pelipal is available from a network of independent retailers in the UK and Ireland.

www.inhouseltd.co.uk

Gira Smoke Alarm Dual Q

'DYNAMIC INTERIORS' WITH GIRA STUDIO DESIGN LINE

Gira, has recently added to and highlighted its dynamic Gira Studio Design Line: 1 collection with 3 installation variants!

The Gira Studio Design Line is defined by its new characteristics that interplay between form and function. Breaking new ground within the electrical design market, Studio epitomises luxury specification at the highest level.

A true expression of leading-edge design where a square becomes a circle, the Gira Studio Design Line will awaken the static nature of a bare wall.

Available in black and white glass, Gira Studio provides installers with an opportunity to emphasise its design through colour and

create a uniform or contrasting aesthetic. For instance, opt for a one-colour solution where both the round frame and square switch are in the same finish, or create a two-tone effect with white on black or black on white: let your customer decide!

Gira Studio with new Black or White colour application is available in three installation variants: 1-gang flush mounted, 1-3 gang flush mounted and also surface mounted. For the ‘modernists’, Gira recommends Studio flush mounted: a contemporary design with sleek, ultramodern attributes that is accentuated through the lustrous glass cover frame.

In contrast, Gira recommend its Studio surface mounted for the avid ‘traditionalist’ as the period-style design takes it

inspiration from the historically round dome light switches so popular in the early 20th century.

Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK Ltd, comments “Our aim is to continue designing and manufacturing intelligent build solutions which answer current trends. The introduction of Gira Studio answers the industry’s growing desire for eclectic interior schemes where period style design is modernised through cutting-edge technology. The addition of retro accessories and the ability to design with multiple styles and sizes provides creative freedom and tailored specification, and I believe that our Gira Studio Design Line answers these ideals in terms of both style and substance.’’

www.gira.com/uk/studio

BORA LAUNCHING ITS INNOVATIVE BORA Pure IN MAY

BORA Pure presents itself as a compact system and an entry point into the world of BORA. Development of the innovative concept of removing the recirculation filter via the air inlet nozzle, has led BORA Pure to become a milestone in BORA’s history.

Scaled down to the bare essentials, the air inlet nozzle is available in six different colours, meaning that installers customers can get creative and can add an individual touch to their home.

Another functional highlight is the automatic extractor control: the extractor power level automatically adjusts itself depending on cooking behaviour. This leaves more time for cooking as it is no longer necessary to waste time manually adjusting the extractor.

The system has an induction cooktop with four cooking zones on which there is room for up to four pots measuring up to 24 cm each. Located in the middle of the fully flush-mounted system is the round air inlet nozzle with eight rings radiating out from the centre. The central touch control with the red, illuminated, vertical, easy-to-use slider is another design element. The user interface is practically invisible when the cooktop is on standby mode, creating an elegant “Black Vision” effect.

The innovative operating concept means that the most important functions can be quickly controlled at the push of a button via the intuitive vertical slider

(sControl) with acoustic and visual feedback. A click or light swipe is enough.

Even when working at high power levels, BORA Pure is extremely quiet. Thanks to the new cooktop technology (“B4 Generator”), an optimised, patented airflow through the appliance and the use of a silent, modern fan, BORA Pure is quiet even at high power levels. There are no distractions when cooking and conversations are not disturbed.

BORA Pure is made with highquality materials like SCHOTT® glass ceramic and is available in both exhaust air and recirculation models.

It will be available from May 2019 in the following colours: All Black (as the basic model), rose gold, orange, red, jade and blue – changeable depending on your mood. www.bora.com.

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