Progressive Housewares - November/December 2017

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Debuting January 2018, Tower’s Rose Gold range is comprised of three unique lines, each available in colour-matching sets in a choice of two colours. Including both electrical and kitchenware products, this new collection features elegant, on-trend rose gold accents which elevate the style of your kitchen with a hint of contemporary style.

See the whole range on our website at www.towerhousewares.co.uk or check us out on social media @TowerHousewares

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www.max-publishing.co.uk Launching in November 2017, Domus is the latest toaster and kettle range from British company, Dualit. Meticulously designed down to the smallest detail, to offer exceptional quality and performance.

The Domus Toaster features oversized slots for larger sliced loaves, patented Perfect Toast Technology for consistently golden brown toast and a patented Peek & Pop® function. The kettle has patented Sure Pour™ technology, a powerful 3kW element for fast boiling, a visually striking design and is BPA free.

For all trade enquiries please contact sales@dualit.com +44 (0) 1293 652 500

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk Subscription £50 per year for the UK, £75 for overseas Subscribe online, or email mike@marketingreinforcements.co.uk or call: Marketing Reinforcements on 020 8943 9541 (9am-5pm).

Editor’s comment One frosty winter’s morning towards the end of last year, my younger daughter and I joined some 200 other extras in one of our local open spaces for the filming of a few minutes’ movie scene.

The intricate details were breathtaking from every costume and transforming hairdo to the set that bustled with carts and animals, and micro scenes beset with smoke and urgency. As a curious outsider, I came away astounded by such passion and attention to detail. However, it also made me think about the passion that goes into the tiny details of exciting new housewares projects. Every last detail has to be perfect, naturally. And just like the movie trailers in the run-up to the red carpet opening night, housewares suppliers are revealing tantalising glimpses of innovative new products, for example, in the product pages of this PH and our next pre-show issue. (For more on trade show preparations, see Food for Thought on pages 18-19).

Of course, for retailers, drama seems to be increasingly important. “Retail-tainment” is a word I have been hearing more this year. It seems particularly apt this Above: Christmas cakes are ready – PH’s Jo Christmas given the forecast given by retail analyst, Kate Hardcastle.

Howard with daughter, Gemma, who has made and designed her own mini cake.

Talking on Radio 4 about festive trade in the run-up to Christmas, Kate acknowledged that: "its' going to be a challenging one" for physical shops, while online needs to rise to the demands of mobile friendly inspirational content transactions.

Kate observed that consumers don't want to go out to do "mundane" shopping, but seek out "experiential" shopping. Hence it does not seem surprising that staff at John Lewis’ new store in Oxford received part of their customer service training from actors from The Oxford Playhouse. Lights, action, sales!

This issue gets into the celebratory spirit with a look at some current ‘must haves’ for parties, takes a trip to Dorset to meet the Harts of award winning, Harts of Stur, and buzzes with the latest electrical developments (see ‘In this issue’, below). We also find out what TV chef and author, Ching-He Huang loves in her kitchen, and reveal the new ‘star’ role of our independent retailer columnist (and Best Newcomer in PH’s recent Excellence in Housewares Awards), Holly Wilson of Prep Cookshop and Richard Dare.

The team at PH – including Sue, Jakki, Emma, Patrick, Warren, Jo, Mark and myself – wishes you a very merry Christmas (with some peace from hustle and bustle) and a healthy and happy new year.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Jo Howard in house

Editor

In this issue

Jo Howard Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk

1-14

News

33

Sue Marks Acting Editor sue@suemarks.co.uk

15

BHETA news

34-35 What’s cooking in colours and patterns?

Warren Lomax Publishing director warren@max-publishing.co.uk

16

bira news

Jakki Brown Editorial director jw@max-publishing.co.uk

18-19

Food for thought: making the best of trade shows

Emma Cain Product page editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk Patrick Wade Advertisement director mediap@aol.com Mark Grayson Creative director markg@max-publishing.co.uk

Holly Wilson’s From the frontline

36-38 Product focus: colours and patterns

20-21

39

In the Kitchen with TV chef, Ching-He Huang

Retailer focus: Harts of Stur 40-43 New products

22- 27 Market focus: Progressive Electricals 28- 32 Market focus: Barware and party products

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News

TOP STORY

Countdown to Christmas looking promising

Below: Fenwick Bracknell.

As PH went to press (at the beginning of December), the early signs were that Christmas was shaping up to be a decent one for cookshops and kitchen and dining departments.

At the new Fenwick Bracknell, Cook & Dine buyer Camilla Brown said: "We launched Christmas in Fenwick Bracknell at the end of October and trading certainly picked up in the last couple of weeks of November. We held a successful Telegraph Evening at the beginning of November (20% off across the department) as well as at our annual Gala Evening on November 30, which offered customers the same discount – a wonderful time to start Christmas shopping!"

Tom Carter, director, Potters of Hockley is feeling very confident too. "The early signs for us have been very positive. In fact, I’d actually say this will be our best Christmas so far by quite a margin. Customers seem to be spending with much more confidence this year. With the uncertainty still out there, this comes as a relief and gives us even much hope going into next year!"

At Harts of Stur, buyer David Conduit concurred:"Early Christmas trading is looking very promising. Although many consumers were holding their breath for Black Friday, Harts has seen strong footfall to both its store and website." (See Hart to Hart on pages 20-21).

Also seeing the festive season kick off early is Zoe Vincent, owner of the Wooden Spoon Cookshop in Leek.

Above: Harts of Stur, Sturminster Newton.

"We've sold hundreds of cookie cutters, and had sold out of cake trims by December 5." Zoe adds that many of her customers have been looking for gifts, with Creative Tops' Into The Wild selling particularly well.

At Luxe Cookshop in Northampton, Abigail Dawn concurs that her customers too, have been looking to buy gifts. "We've sold a lot of Ulster Weavers and Sophie Allport kitchen textiles, with customers wanting to make up a set comprising an apron, oven gloves and tea towels. Other winners for us in the run up to Christmas include Root7's Corkcickle Canteen, and the company's G&Tea cocktail range."

Above: Potters of Hockley.

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Progressive Housewares

Above: Design Letters’ personal drinking bottles.

World first A successful Danish interior and lifestyle brand Design Letters will be opening its first ever own brand store which will be located in Touchwood, Solihull, showcasing the Copenhagen-based company’s diverse range of products.

The collection is based on high quality designs which are all available with A-Z letters.

The company is known for creating stylish accessories to include 'in the kitchen' and 'on the go', with accessories including personal drinking bottles, lunch boxes, fine bone china cups, storage and textiles for kitchens.

“We are immensely proud to be opening our first UK store, which is also our very first own brand store anywhere in the world," comments Mette Thomsen, founder and creative director of Design Letters. "We have chosen Solihull as our first location, as it has a lively, sophisticated feel and is close to the UK’s second largest city. We feel this will be the perfect spot to showcase our very distinctive collection of personal design and gift items.”

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News

Below: There were plenty of Black Friday deals on Amazon.

TOP STORY

Consumers snap up Black Friday deals

Amazon 'popped up' in London For the first time, Amazon hosted a four day Home of Black Friday pop-up experience in London's Soho Square, which had the tag line ‘celebrate the start of the Christmas shopping season and the UK’s biggest annual deals event’.

The promotion ran from Tuesday November 21 until Friday November 24, with customers invited to view the best of Amazon’s Black Friday Sale and Amazon Prime products.

The pop up event also included games, themed workshops, and advice from gifting and lifestyle experts.

Online, the Amazon.co.uk Black Friday Deals Store was open from Friday November 17 until Sunday November 26, with 'deals of the day' including kitchen and home items. "This year, we also had hundreds of small businesses from our Marketplace offering great deals on their products," highlighted Doug Gurr, country manager at Amazon.co.uk.

Sensing success Bosch Home Appliances has launched new PerfectControl sensor technology for its built-in appliances, to include a CookingSensor for hobs which can precisely measure the temperature within the pan, avoiding boiling over, and a FryingSensor which measures the temperature inside the frying pan.

The seventh Black Friday/Cyber Monday event was hailed as a mega event for online retail, with big reductions on housewares, a major sector for many of the multiples, as well as the leading independent cookshops. The high street however, was quieter Above: Debenhams was one of the than predicted, with a slow start on Friday retailers that extended Black Friday over November 24 with many stores reporting relatively a week. Meanwhile, Argos celebrated a Black Friday Fortnight. empty shops.

Retailers offered huge discounts to maximise on sales in the run up to Christmas, following a disappointing September and October, despite margins being squeezed ever tighter.

The annual event got off to a particularly strong start for John Lewis who's website is said to have crashed on Friday November 23 (according to analysts PushOn), with customers quick to respond to deals. The busiest shopping hour online was between 7am and 8am on Friday November 24, with an average of 495 units ordered per minute. Customers shopping online between 12am and 8am used the John Lewis app to browse, with the app usage for snapping up Black Friday deals up 36.8% from last year. Mobiles were also a popular way to take advantage of the offers at the store, up 9% on last year.

Independent stores offering major deals on housewares included Harts of Stur, whose reductions included holding a Black Friday KitchenAid sale with up to 70% off on selected items, with the addition of a free gift. At Steamer Trading, there were bargains to be had on KitchenAid, Le Creuset, GreenPan, Villeroy & Boch and other brands, with online shoppers offered free delivery on orders over £45, free returns and free click and collect for those spending over £10.

At variety store HEMA, which opened its seventh flagship store on London's Tottenham Court Road in November, UK country manager Sam Macgregor pointed out that, with Black Friday getting earlier each year, consumers are getting more savvy about waiting for deals. "Black Friday does bring in footfall and at HEMA we offered some great deals across all our sectors to include Cook," she commented.

According to AppliancesDirect.co.uk, Black Friday now tops Boxing Day in both traffic and sales. On the day before Black Friday, marketing manager Mark Kelly confirmed: "Our website has seen an 80% increase in traffic to our Black Friday deals landing page year on year." The retailer believed it would receive 10 times its usual traffic volume over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, with Mark predicting that the most popular housewares products would be juicers and blenders.

However, according to Which? Black Friday deals are not all they seem, with retailers offering 'deals' that are the same price or cheaper at other times of the year. l Barclaycard recorded a 32% increase in payment transactions on Black Friday.

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Progressive Housewares

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HOME & KITCHEN | OUTDOOR LIVING | FOOD SERVICE

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT CERAMIC!

Melamine Tableware

Outdoor tableware needn’t be boring! After a successful launch in 2016 we have continued to develop and refresh our range of melamine tableware.

Created using the latest technology featuring intricate designs, glazed and finished by hand. It looks and feels just like ceramic with the added ability to resist breakage, scratching, chipping. All pieces are dishwasher safe.

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News

TOP STORY

Invitation to Denmark Representatives from six of the UK’s leading independent cookshops Borough Kitchen, Kooks Unlimited, Fenwick Brent Cross, David Mellor, Trevor Mottram and catering specialists Goodfellows - recently headed over to Denmark to road test Eva Solo’s grill and cookware ranges as part of the brand's ambitious plans for growth in the UK. The objective was for both the Eva Solo team, and exclusive UK distributor Forma House, to learn more about the demands of the British consumer when From left to right: shown at Eva Solo in it comes to cookware, as well as to understand the potential for the Above: Denmark are Mads Søndergaard (The Danish brand in the UK from experts, and to get the retailers feedback in National Culinary Team), Helen Miller (Fenwick Brent Cross), Ellie Gimbel (Goodfellows), Sam general, on the current shape of the market in the UK. Stockley (Forma House), Sarah Wood (Trevor The two day visit also allowed the six representatives to learn more Mottram), Justin Kowbel (Borough Kitchen), Chris Lynn-Thomas (Kooks Unlimited), Simon about the benefits they can offer customers when they opt to cook Maghnagi (Forma House) and Daniel with the company. "We have been exclusively distributing Eva Solo in Chillingworth (David Mellor). the UK for just over a year and we know just how good their cookware and grill ranges are, but at the same time we know how tough this market can be to crack," commented Simon Maghnagi of Forma House who organised the trip. "We decided to organise the visit so that we could showcase exactly what Eva Solo can offer the UK consumer at the heart of where their business began over 100 years ago.’’

With over 150 Danish and international design awards to their credit, UK retailers were taken on a tour of the Eva Solo head office and distribution centre, and learned more about the design process and brand in general on the first day of their visit. There was a master-class in BBQ grilling, and in the evening, the group split into pairs and competed to cook the perfect medium steak and béarnaise sauce from scratch.

Helen Miller, housewares buyer from Fenwicks Brent Cross, and Sarah Wood, co-owner of Trevor Mottram, took the top spot under the watchful eye of the supporting chefs and judges. Both won a set of Nordic kitchen pans to take home to the UK. Store visits to see the shape of the Danish retail market, and the strength of Eva Solo in its home market - where 90% of Danish households own an Eva Solo cookware product – wrapped up the second day of the visit. ‘’It was great to see our guests participating in the interactive grill lesson and how they gave it their all in our 'cook-off', where we had Mads Søndergaard from the Danish National Culinary Team to act as judge and mentor," commented Susanne Holm, Eva Solo's export manager." We believe that this trip has inspired our guests, both in terms of new products to bring into their range, and ideas in general for their respective shops, following our visit to stores in Copenhagen that feature Eva Solo.

Following the event we have received some great feedback from our guests which is fantastic. We feel that the initiative has been a true success.’’

Artisan skills at Ambiente Among the highlights at Ambiente - which takes place from February 9-13 at Messe Frankfurt - will be a platform for the Made51 initiative of the refugee organisation UNHCR. The aim is to help refugee artisans gain access to the consumer goods market, with their skills and products hopefully forming a basis for a new, secure life.

Show organisers Messe Frankfurt will be giving Made51 a prime spot in the foyer of Hall 11.0, where visitors will be able to browse a selection of items.

Also new to the show this year will be Café Gold, home to the brand new Ambiente Academy, with experts giving practical examples of the way products tell stories.

Additional initiatives on offer to visitors include a Business Matchmaking Programme, a Point of Experience, and B2B platforms for contract business. l The show's country partner in 2018 is The Netherlands.

Spring Fair shines the spotlight on housewares Housewares are set to have a big focus at Spring Fair, which is taking place from February 4-8 at the NEC, Birmingham. Highlights include demonstrations and masterclasses which will show retailers how to inspire shoppers.

The Wine Show’s Joe Fattorini will return to the show, having been an attraction on The International Innovation Company's stand at 2017's Spring Fair (when launching Vacu Vin's The Wine Show range). Joe will explain how retailers can introduce memorable wine tasting experiences to their stores, getting them to try out a unique tasting.

More than 150 leading industry brands from around the world will be present in the sector, including Horwood Homewares, KitchenCraft, Bos Kaasgereedschappen, Meyer Group, Portmeirion and Creative Tops.

(See Food for Thought on pages 1819 which focuses on getting ready for the show season).

Visit www.springfair.com

Above: The Wine Show’s Joe Fattorini (left) holds the Vacu Vin The Wine Show Wine Saver with Patrick Schneider of Dutch Creative Brands at the last Spring Fair.

Rory Bremner to host GOTY Awards The first round of judging for The Gift of the Year 2017 Awards, now celebrating their 40th year, took place in December, with some 50 judges, to include PH's acting editor Sue Marks, on the panel. They included Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis and buyers from the National Trust, as well as Notonthehighstreet, Steamer Trading and Beale's department store. Categories include Kitchen & Dining, with three retail categories new to the competition this year.

A live final will take place in Birmingham on January 11, with the winners revealed at Spring Fair, in a Above: Compere of the Gift ceremony at The Vox Resorts World, opposite the NEC, of the Year Awards will be Rory Bremner. hosted by impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner after the opening day of Spring Fair on Sunday February 4.

All entries receive the GA’s exclusive nominated branding to display and are guaranteed to be seen by the judges in the online section of the process, with all shortlisted products being viewed in person.

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CREATE AN IRRESISTIBLY UNIQUE EDIT FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS FROM OUR CURATED SELECTION OF 1,500 DESIGN-LED BRANDS

Register at topdrawer.co.uk/ph1

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PRODUCT CREDITS (Clockwise from top) STELTON / PERNILLE CORYDON / FEDERICA BUBANI

DEFINE YOUR STORY

S/S 18

14—16 JANUARY 2018 | OLYMPIA LONDON

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News Left: Nigella as she appears on TV's At My Table.

TOP STORY

Woking together for the homeless

The Nigella effect Domestic goddess Nigella Lawson has hit the headlines in more ways than one since her new TV series At My Table aired - and all to the good of the housewares industry! In addition to numerous column inches about her dressing gown (from 100 Stars) and the fact she uses a spiraliser to make chips, it seems that cooks everywhere are lusting after her kitchen appliances too. (Apparently, the products she uses are her own, to include a waffle iron, Nordfic Ware bundt tins and Mason Cash bowls).

An article in The Times in November, by journalist Jessie Hewitson, revealed that Lakeland reported that sales of waffle makers went up by 30% week-on-week after Nigella used them on TV, with copper accessories up by 170% in October compared to the previous month.

The article also highlighted that a website has been launched which is dedicated to sourcing items used by celebrity chefs. Apparently, the six most popular items bought in the past six months have been Mason Cash's Hacienda range featuring grey and orange mixing bowls.

Along with Nigella, other celebrity chefs who are continuing to influence housewares sales are, according to The Times, Jamie Oliver and Paul Hollywood's bakeware for KitchenCraft.

Morrisons launches own brand cookware Best known as a food retailer, Morrisons has upped its game on the non-food front, launching a massive 1,500 product strong own brand collection that spans cookware, homewares and stationery.

Available in its bricks and mortar stores as well as online, the new collection, which has been developed from scratch over the last 15 months, includes Morrisons’ signature ‘thoughtful details’ which has proved successful on its Nutmeg clothing range.

Inset: Among those who took part in the recent Wok 1000 event were busy wonton chefs Howard Bradley, Dexam; Sarah and Alan Wood of Trevor Mottram and Joanne Norton, Harrods.

At the end of October, over 200 volunteers got together to feed some of London’s homeless as part of the annual charity event: Wok for 1000. The event was held in London's Borough Market and hosted by celebrity chef Jeremy Pang, who founded the School of Wok in 2009.

Dexam International was in attendance with a selection of guests including Delicious Magazine, indie retailer Trevor Mottram and Harrods. A team of chefs from the School of Wok were on hand to teach and advise the volunteers on how to create three Asian dishes: waste less pork wontons, leftover vegetable laksa and a Thai green chicken curry.

Along with being keen to contribute to the good cause and getting their hands dirty in the messy task of wonton making, Dexam was proud to supply the woks, cleavers and chopping boards.

“This event has now become a major part of Dexam CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme, and we thoroughly enjoy it," commented Dexam director Roger Morgan-Grenville. "It provides a sustainable way of getting more good food to London’s homeless, and provides a blueprint for other towns and cities. It's important now, more than ever, to start giving back as recent findings has revealed that since 2010 the number of homeless people in London has doubled."

At the event, Jeremy said he got his inspiration to feed the homeless from seeing people starving on the streets during a trip to the Philippines.

“At the beginning, we struggled to give our food to charities due to public safety and hygiene," he explained, "so a big part of our ethos is to give surplus food to the right places and Plan Zheroes* is ideal for us as the charity is small and close to what we do.”

At the end of the event, after the quota of packaged meals had been met, staff and volunteers sat down to share a meal and sample the dishes that they had created. Over 1,000 meals were delivered to charities and organisations across London, feeding those in need. * Plan Zheroes is a small charity that is run through a social network between food businesses and charities that ensure that the food reaches those most in need. All profits from ticket sales went to the charity who work towards achieving zero food waste and hunger.

Prince Charles pays a historic visit to Middleport Pottery At the end of November, Prince Charles visited Burleigh's home at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, to officially open newly renovated historic gems and visit Clay College.

The Prince, who formally opened Clay College and met tenants of the craft workshops, also unveiled plaques to commemorate the opening of the Pottery’s Hidden Bath House, the renovation of the Steam Engine which once Above: HRH Prince powered production of Burleigh, and the historic narrowboat The Dane.

Charles chats with He met up with Burleigh staff and was presented with a Calico jug by Alison Howell, staff at Burleigh, Middleport Pottery, in a design graduate who has worked with Burleigh to protect the pottery's unique Stoke-on-Trent. tissue decorating techniques. (The iconic Calico design will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at Burleigh in the Spring).

Prince Charles is United Kingdom Historic Buildings Preservation Trust's (UKHBPT) founding patron, with the Trust acquiring the site in 2011. Subsequently, UKHBPT has made considerable investment in making the home of Burleigh a thriving tourist attraction and a hub of craftsmanship.

Commemorating the Royal Engagement

Below: Commemorative artwork from Dunoon to celebrate Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle.

One of the first company's off the starting blocks to produce commemorative mugs for the Royal nuptials is Dunoon, based in Stoke-on-Trent. "We speculated some months ago that Prince Harry and Meghan were due to be engaged so had our designers draw up artwork ready for the big announcement," confirms Dunoon's sales director Peter Smith. "This proved to be a good move as emails were flying in from many of our customers within hours of the announcement, not least our retailers in the US. We were able to answer immediately with images of the mugs we intend to produce." Adds Peter: "Being a UK manufacturer we are always well placed to react to demands of the commemorative market."

Progressive Housewares

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4-8 February 2018 NEC Birmingham Volume sector opens 3 February 2018

Heavenly Housewares Discover new and unexpected kitchen, dining and housewares delights at Spring Fair. The market is open for inspiration at the UK’s No.1 home and gift trade show. springfair.com Enjoy 14 specialist show sectors - all under one roof Beauty & Wellbeing • Children’s Gifts & Toys • Christmas Gifts, Floral & Seasonal Decorations • Contemporary Gift • DIY & Home Improvement • Fashion, Jewellery & Luggage • Gift • Greetings & Gift • Home • Kitchen, Dining & Housewares • Retail Solutions • Party • The Summerhouse • Volume Gift & Home and Glee at Spring Fair

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News Left: The Sustainability area at NY NOW.

Below Chancellor Philip Hammond's Budget in November was generally favourable in relation to business rates and VAT.

TOP STORY

Business rates reform

New at NY NOW winter A brand new feature at NY NOW's winter edition has been organised in partnership with SURTEX, a global B2B marketplace for sourcing original art and design for products that include tableware. Attendees will have the opportunity to see a SURTEX preview showcasing some 15 artists offering original art and design for purchase or licensing.

“NY NOW provides a platform for buyers to source the latest trends in fashionable, design-forward products from established and emerging brands,” said Randi Mohr, vice president and NY NOW director. “The calibre, and uniqueness of the products buyers find here are second to none. With hundreds of new brands making their NY NOW debut each season, visitors will find an exciting mix of new products to introduce to their customers.”

The winter 2018 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will be taking place from February 3-7 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Over 2,300 premier, established and emerging brands - to include many leading tabletop companies - will be participating in February.

The show will again feature three comprehensive collections – Home, Lifestyle and Handmade – encompassing tens of thousands of products in hundreds of product categories.

Show features include a programme of seminars, plus special 'Only in New York' activities and promotions, including A Night On Broadway. Visit www.nynow.com

The Chancellor's Budget on November 22 received mixed reactions from trade associations analysts with some applauding it and others believing that there was more to be done in relation to business rates.

The Chancellor's confirmation that business rates reform will be brought forward by two years, starting in April 2018 instead of April 2020, and will be linked to CPI inflation instead of the higher RPI inflation, was seen as a step in the right direction, although businesses are still facing a 3% rise in April (To see what Alan Hawkins, ceo of bira has to say, turn to page 16).

At the British Retail Consortium (BRC), chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE said: “This is a hugely welcome and positive move. From being caught in a web of competing pressures from all parts of the economy, limiting the scope for action, it’s clear that the Chancellor has listened to the retail industry and the growing chorus from across business and commercial life who have spoken up in favour of action to mitigate rising rates bills."

Continued Helen: "Crucially, this relief will unleash investment that retailers want to direct towards the needs of their customers. This will be particularly critical at a time when shoppers’ disposable income is being squeezed further and the growth projections for the economy have been downgraded.

Introducing three yearly revaluations is also a positive move to improve fairness of the system. These are encouraging first steps, so now is the time to commit once and for all to putting the rates system on a more affordable and sustainable footing, to support local communities, shops and jobs. We are keen to work with Government to deliver on that.”

At the CBI, Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist, said: "The relief from the rising burden of business rates in the Chancellor's Budget will be welcome on the UK's high streets," while Mark Easy, business sector specialist at NFU Mutual, said that, "bringing forward the switch to the CPI inflation index to April 2018, and the ability for businesses to have rates revalued, will go some way to improving the fairness of the system in a measure that the Chancellor says will save businesses £2.3bn." (Retailers will save £210bn).

The Chancellor has also confirmed business rates will be reviewed every three years instead of every five, more closely reflecting the strength of the economy. l SME's were also relieved to hear that Chancellor has decided to leave the VAT registration threshold at £85,000 giving them a chance to invest more into their business.

A taste of Italy Lifestyle show HOMI will be putting a focus on the tableware and kitchen sector when the show opens its doors from January 26-29 at Fiera Milano, Rho, in Milan. The next edition will feature big names in the kitchen accessory and tableware sectors, with trends reflecting new materials for pots and pans as well as the latest colours for Spring. Visit. www.homimilano.com Above: Tableware is set to be a big feature at HOMI in Milan.

NY NOW summer announces date change

Ulster Weavers' opens its first store

NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will be opening its doors a little earlier in August 2018. The dates for the summer market have been brought forward to August 12-15, returning NY NOW to its preferred date pattern.

In addition, all sections of the show's three comprehensive collections – Home, Lifestyle and Handmade – will open and close on the same dates, eliminating the staggered opening and closing pattern of past shows.

“We’re very excited about the changes we’ve made to the NY NOW Summer 2018 Market schedule,” said Randi Mohr, vice president and NY NOW director. “We are constantly evaluating dates and timeframes to determine the most advantageous pattern for NY NOW to make it the best experience possible for attendees and exhibitors alike. We think that the return to the earlier dates coupled with a Sunday-Wednesday schedule for all collections will do that.”

NY NOW's summer show will be taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Visit www.nynow.com.

Home textiles company Ulster Weavers has kickstarted an ambitious expansion programme opening the doors of its first ever eponymous store.

Located in The Outlet in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, it sells the company's complete range of homewares and textiles. The shop officially opened its doors on Thursday November 23, offering customers 50% off everything for the first weekend only.

The branded outlet boasts 2,200sq ft. and will be Ulster Weavers’ flagship store. “It’s always been my dream to get into retail and see the full Ulster Weavers offering displayed in a retail store," says Ulster Weaver's md Kenneth Webb, “so it’s very exciting that we have a chance to bring everything together in one place, including Story Horse, LoveOlli and our 100% Irish linen fabrics too.”

The store is the first step of a much wider expansion plan.

Above: Inside the new Ulster Weavers store in The Outlet, Banbridge.

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9. – 13. 2. 2018

65855-021_AM_Dining_ProgressiveHousewares_210x297 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • tg: 13.09.2017

Can form and function embrace one another.

Do we want diverse or diversity when we dine.

Can you feel quality with a touch of your hand.

Dining is the sense of companionship – a place where creativity is lived, where diversity pulsates.

Ambiente, the show.

Information and tickets at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

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PEOPLE l Horwood Homewares has made four new appointments to the company's sales & marketing team, as part of Horwood's continued development. Daryl Eastlake has joined the team in a newly created role of national sales manager. He joins from BSH following successful spells at Le Creuset and Dyson; Above: Daryl Eastlake.

Brendan Holley, who has a strong background in retail, has joined the company as national account manager; Niamh Costello has been appointed trade marketing coordinator and will be playing a critical role in customer activation plans; Francesca Nesler Above: Brendan Holley. has joined the team as digital marketing coordinator, to lead and develop Horwood’s digital growth and online platform. Francesca has previously worked in both the UK and China and brings great experience from both retail and e commerce.

Below: Francesca Nesler.

Below: Niamh Costello.

TOP STORY

Five year report from John Lewis John Lewis' new five year report has revealed a sales increase in teapots and a thirst for unique in-store experiences. The fifth anniversary edition of the Retail Report takes a look back at the year breakfast was reinvented, Millennial pink found its way into homes, voice activation went mainstream and superfoods moved from plates into beauty products.

As well as reviewing the last 12 months, the special five year edition looked back over the extensive changes in the UK and in retail since 2013. These included: Black Friday replacing Cyber Sunday as the biggest Above: A view of the Wedgwood Tea Conservatory tableware displays – a special spending day of the year; 50 times more smart home products stocked at the store compared to 2013, and the proportion of visits feature in Peter Jones during May and June. from mobiles and tablets to johnlewis.com increasing from 42% to 64% in the last five years.

As with previous years, the retailer analysed extensive internal data to provide an insight into the products which fell out of favour, the trends that soared and the themes which dominated the year.

In housewares, online searches for spiralisers dropped by 53% compared to last year; the iconic blush shade Millennial pink dominated colour palettes in homes (and wardrobes), with 63,000 searches for 'pink' on johnlewis.com since January 2017; fat-free Eaziglide frying pans were best sellers; egg gadgets and avocado tools saw sales rises of 25% and 40% respectively, and breakfast classics such as teapots, butter dishes, egg cups and coffee machines all experienced sales increases.

John Lewis has also offered more try-before-you-buy, exclusive experiences in the last 12 months, live cooking demonstrations with Jamie Oliver and high tea in a Wedgwood pop-up tearoom.

"Five years on, this report is as intriguing as ever - as much for highlighting what we bought as highlighting what we haven't," confirms Peter Cross, director of customer experience at John Lewis. "It's our job to make sure that customers in 2020 will be as engaged and excited by the products and experiences we offer as they are today. In the face of all this change we will make sure that John Lewis remains trusted by millions of customers across the country for expert advice and guaranteed quality, which is never knowingly undersold. How we shop continues to change at pace."

He adds that shops need to combine the very best products with the latest, most immersive experiences.

"For many customers, their phones are the 'remote control' for their lives with their shopping, banking, social networks and to-do list in one place."

The John Lewis Retail Report is created every year and is based on its shopping data from August 2016 to September 2017.

Putting a focus on hydration The current hydration trend will be spotlighted in a new pre-Show event at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago, USA. Some 60 exhibitors with hydration and hydration-related products will feature their products in the Trending Today Preview on Saturday, March 10 from 8am-10am in Room S100, South Building, Level 1, McCormick Place.

The event will run concurrently with the New Exhibitor Preview before the Show opens on March 10. Visit www.housewares.org

RETAIL

STARS

In this regular feature, PH celebrates all-important ‘people power’ in housewares retailing by putting the spotlight on a ‘star’ employee, nominated by employers and/or members of the trade.

Sponsored by

PAUL ROMIJN, KITCHEN & TABLEWARE AND SMALL ELECTRICAL SALES CONSULTANT, LEEKES IN MELKSHAM “A fantastic addition to the Leekes team, Paul provides excellent customer service at every opportunity in the Kitchen & Table and Small Electrical departments in our Melksham branch. With a positive, ‘can do’ attitude, no task is too much trouble for Paul and he is always looking for new ways to promote the services and products we offer. A great presence on the sales floor, Paul’s enthusiasm and energy is an asset to the business.”

* To nominate an outstanding retail employee for PH’s Retail Star column please email joh@max-publishing.co.uk. Nominations will also be considered for the Retail Employee of the Year in The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2018.

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NEWS IN BRIEF l John Lewis' Christmas window,

TOP STORY

Top Drawer gets ready to open its doors

Below: Cutlery from Studio William.

Bottom: Salt and pepper mills from Burton McCall.

Top Drawer will be returning to London’s Olympia from January 14-16. "Brand identity is increasingly important so a differentiated offer with clear brand values is vital for retailers,” states event director Alejandra Campos. “The store concept, the brand these are the stories you tell the world hoping to create resonance with customers and generate a desire to associate with your brand.”

Home will be presenting an exclusive choice of housewares and homewares, with a selection of over 200 UK and international brands. Debuting at the Spring/Summer show will be companies that include Jersey Pottery and Royal Crown Derby, while among those returning to Home will be Alessi, BlissHome, Eva Solo, Saga Form, LSA International, MacKenzie Childs, Maxwell & Williams and Studio William.

Also returning to Top Drawer will be Spotted, curated by Charlotte Abrahams, which will reveal emerging new talents with market ready products. Trails include Product GB, International Treasure featuring companies making their UK debut and the Eco Trail.

The Spring/Summer 18 edition will feature over 1,500 UK and international brands across Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Children's, Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and Food Emporium. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

showing a Christmas scene, featured a festive table that saw baubles displayed in a KitchenAid food mixer, and a Le Creuset casserole dish filled with fake snow.

l Online buying is set to dominate sales

this Christmas (Source: Visa consumer spending index) with Christmas spending is likely to fall by 0.1% due to lower wages.

l Japanese 'noodle slurping' (known as nu-hara or noodle harrassment) could be at an end. A high tech fork from Nissin, the Otohiko, is currently in the prototype stage.

It uses smartphone technology in the handle to disguise the sound of slurping! l The Great British Bake Off calendar, published by Danilo, was among the finalists in the Best Family Organiser or Planner category in the recent Calies Awards. l Homewares company, Broste

Copenhagen has teamed up with the Michelin restaurant Kiin Kiin to offer a gastronomic experience to vistors and exhibitors to Formland 2018 (MCH Messecenter Herning, February 1-4).

Kiin Kiin will serve Thai street food from its customised food truck in the show’s Hall E, which will also house the Seedlip mocktail bar.

Above: The Kiin Kiin food truck that will add to the atmosphere at Formland.

New Table show launches A brand new Table show will be co-located with Top Drawer and Home.

Launching at Pillar Hall at London's Olympia from January 14-16, it is the UK’s first trade event dedicated to design-led F&B products, presenting an exclusive edit of luxury products for global F&B professionals.

Among the top international brands exhibiting are Fiskars, Wedgwood, Nick Munro, Alessi, Studio William, Royal Worcester, William Edwards, Figgjo, Goodfellows and Mepra, who are all leaders in the sector and known for their design-centric, luxury credentials.

Table, organised by Clarion Events, with the support of Supper magazine and key purchasing groups, highlights that it will be bringing the world's leading tableware manufacturers and designers face to face with key F&B purchasers for an intimate look at the very best of what to put on the table.

Left: Exhibitors include Nick Munro.

Oven to table serving

Contact your Account Manager or call 01564 786030 Pyrex® is a trademark of Corning Incorporated used under license by International Cookware

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l Anti Copying in Design

(ACID) ceo Dids Macdonald, OBE, was recently honoured by the UK Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards for her services to the industry at a glittering ceremony at the Bloomsbury Big Top in London. The Services to the Industry Award is given each year to an individual who has made a broader contribution to the development and success of design in and around the industry.

Above: Dids Macdonald OBE, ceo of ACID, received an industry award for services to the kitchen and bathroom sector at an event hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

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BHETA forum highlights housewares opportunities At the beginning of November, a packed house of more than 80 members enjoyed presentations from a prestigious line-up of speakers who were invited to highlight opportunities in housewares as well as to stimulate debate on some very topical issues.

“The forum was extremely well attended," commented BHETA’s housewares sector director Will Jones. "It’s great to catch up with so many members, update everyone on the latest news, and facilitate some high calibre Above: Shown at the recent BHETA forum are, presentations on current issues and opportunities. from left to right: Will Jones, Ben Phillips and new Steamer Trading md Mark Saunders.

It was a really positive session.”

Steamer Trading chairman Ben Phillips, together with new chief executive Mark Saunders, outlined not only the history of the brand, but also its current profile and plans. Its objective is to become an omni-channel retailer of lifestyle products, opening more stores (including outlet stores), growing the e-commerce business, capitalising on the Divertimenti Cookery School, and building a reputation for innovation by being first to market with new products and ideas.

Currently the company, founded in 1985, has 42 shops and two websites, and employs over 500 people. With a top end offer appealing to 50 + consumers and ‘real foodies’, its brands include Steamer Trading, Kitchens Cookshop and Divertimenti.

Looking to the foodservices sector, and with potential for diversification a big issue in the current market, CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) sirector, Keith Warren outlined the sector, highlighting the opportunities that exist for light equipment and tableware suppliers to enter the industry. He advised members to engage with the operators (hotels and restaurant chains) and with resellers of equipment via CESA, which also offers training courses for new entrants. Keith suggested that members should attend exhibitions and read The Caterer magazine to understand both market dynamics and eating out trends.

Additionally, Eric Churet of SEDEX, the home of world’s largest collaborative platform for sharing sourcing data on the supply chain, provided an insight into how it is being used by over 40,000 members in more than 150 countries to determine whether a product secures a listing with a retailer or not. Eric explained how a SEDEX endorsement in relation to labour rights, health and safety, the environment and business ethics across the supply chain, is becoming increasingly critical to decision-making.

Delegates also heard CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) project director Susan Oxley, and Nadia Muhammad, principal case officer, outline its role and powers with examples of how suppliers can fall foul of legislation.

The CMA is the government appointed body concerned with promoting free competition in all markets and penalising any restrictive practice including distribution and pricing, which may be against public interest.

Advising on GDPR BHETA's November 21 forum was devoted to advising members about the EU’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which replaces the Data Protection Act (DPA) in May 2018. The seminar speakers were James Howarth and Simon deMaid from solicitors Howes Percival.

Presentations included guidance on a raft of GDPR topics.

“Such is the importance of this subject that we are repeating this event late- Above: Over 50 January. This will enable us to include information on the regulation updates members attended BHETA's GDPR forum. which are due for release by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) in early January,” states BHETA’s Will Jones.

The new regulation stipulates that any data held by any organisation must be for a specific purpose, and that confirmation of consent must be obtained from the data subject. This includes communication with customers, prospects, suppliers, staff, and service providers. The new act has much greater scope and much tougher punishments for both companies and individuals at those companies should they fail to comply.

Above: Ocado's Martin de la Fuente.

Forum speakers announced BHETA is to hold one of its popular networking forums on February 21 featuring Ocado’s senior buying manager Martin de la Fuente as the main speaker. A packed agenda will also include Richard Butler from the CBI and Glynn Jones from the Bank of England.

BHETA membership on the up BHETA membership has risen to over 300 members in 2017, with membership renewals well up on last year as well as the arrival of 23 new home improvement members and 11 in housewares.

While networking and retail engagement, including forums, Meet the Buyer events and the continued success of Exclusively Housewares and Electrical, remain firmly at the forefront of BHETA’s raison d’etre.

Will Jones, BHETA executive director for housewares, is attributing the membership increase to the number of additional services and initiatives launched this year.

Chilly’s Bottles Joins BHETA Innovative temperature retaining drinks container company, Chilly’s Bottles, has joined BHETA. Formed in 2010, the company’s mission is to accelerate the adoption and everyday use of reusable products.

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It’s your time to shine Now that the Excellence in Housewares Awards are over for another year bira's attention has turned to bira’s Conference and Awards 2018. "The bira Awards recognise and reward the very best in the independent retail industry, showcasing the talent, hard work, innovation and achievements of bira members," says Alan Hawkins, ceo, bira.

The Awards will take place on the evening of the May 10, 2018, after bira’s Conference and will be hosted by Reverend Richard Coles, who recently appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. The award categories are Independent retail business of the year, Independent retail employee of the year, Independent team of the year, Charitable champion and Local hero. bira direct will also host their supplier awards, honouring the best suppliers serving the independent market.

To self-nominate your business, employee or colleague visit https://bira.co.uk/conference2018/awards/ to see the nomination forms.

As well as celebrating inspirational retailers, bira has an educational, entertaining Conference taking part during the day of the Awards. Levi Roots will share his inspirational business story, providing delegates with insights into how he became one of the most iconic figures in the UK business world.

He will be joined on stage by Luay Alfaham, senior partnerships manager for the Cyber Aware campaign; Matthew Hopkinson from LDC; Polly Barnfield OBE, the founder and ceo of Maybe* and the #WDYT Campaign; Hugo Jenkins, commercial director of Trouva, and Danny Crowe, a marketing & insight specialist from TwentyCi. More speakers are being confirmed.

To book your place visit bira.co.uk/conference-2018/ or phone Lauren Chadwick, bira events manager on 0121 446 6688, or email events@bira.co.uk

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As we reported in our Openings and Closings report in the last issue of Progressive Housewares, independents are far from dead, despite the widespread assumption. Indies account for 65% of all retail outlets and they added an extra 762 new shops to the net total in the first half of 2017. Our most recent Quarterly Sales Monitor (Q3) also showed a more positive outcome with an overall average growth of +0.15%, which, while small, is still out of the red. We reported in our Wages Survey that 57.2% of retailers were able to give a pay rise this year, which is an increase of 10.2% from 2016, showing that things aren’t as bad as they were. It’s important to keep some optimism when the going gets tough.

As I write this column, we are in the midst of the chaos that is Black Friday. Retailers will have their own business models but I have to admit that with my accountant's hat on, I have cautioned our members about heavily discounting, at a time when margins are already being squeezed. We’ll be interested to hear from those retailers who have engaged with Black Above: Independents are Friday and see what effect it has had on them. showing growth.

But whether you took part or not, I sincerely hope the festive season has had a positive effect on your bottom line, taking you into 2018 in a stronger position. In our next Quarterly Sales Monitor I hope to see some better results from this sector as while there was growth on average in Q3, the sectors not performing so well were housewares, cookshop and gift.

While there is still an air of trepidation amongst retailers, especially with the never-ending uncertainty of Brexit, margin pressures and the business rates fiasco, there has been a lot to contend with this year, but to still see overall growth for independents is reason to be hopeful. 2018 will have its own challenges, but with a strong trade association on your side you can be confident that you are not facing these challenges alone and we will continue to fight on your behalf, provide you with advice and savings for your business, and be a listening ear when you want someone to talk to. We are stronger together.

Alan Hawkins, ceo, bira.

bira’s response to the budget In response to the Chancellor’s Budget in November, bira welcomed some of the practical details such as boosting the housing market by house building, investing in technology and reducing the stamp duty to first time buyers, all of which, the association says, should feed into greater retail spending in due course.

"However, perhaps the most worrying part of the Budget is the downgrading of the country's growth targets for the next five years," says Alan Hawkins, ceo, bira.

"Without a growing economy and consumer confidence, the Government will not be able to meet its myriad of requests on its finances. What is needed is more certainty over the Brexit issue, which bira believes is the central cause for the slowing of the economy in the UK. The Government needs to sort this out and move on quickly."

Continues Alan: "bira has been, and continues to be, really active in championing the bricks and mortar retailers who are facing an unfair burden of business rates compared to those trading online, and therefore, the tinkering with the rates reform, which while welcome, is nowhere near enough and will not slow down the pressures on the high street and independent retailers. The high street can deliver the productivity growth that the Government is looking for, but the issues around this unfair tax need to be cleared out of the way first.

"In summary, the main Government commitment is on the points below, none of which is negative per se, but clearly does not go far enough to address the imbalance currently faced by independent retailers."

They are: • bringing forward the planned switch in indexation from RPI to CPI to 1 April 2018; • drafting legislation shortly that will address the so-called 'staircase tax' by allowing affected businesses to ask the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to recalculate valuations so that bills are based on previous practice backdated to April 2010; • a continuation of the £1,000 business rate discount for public houses with a rateable value of up to £100,000, for one year from 1 April 2018, and • increasing the frequency with which the VOA revalues non-domestic properties by moving to revaluations every three years following the next revaluation, currently due in 2022.

Left: Chancellor Philip Hammond could have done more regarding business rates says bira.

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This year’s Top Drawer Show will allow visitors to see a preview of Burton McCall’s upcoming new brand, which will officially launch in March. Plus new products will be on display from its existing brands such as Aladdin with the Espresso Leak-Lock mug.

Perfect to enjoy your espresso drink and guaranteed not to spill a drop, the sleek design fits most coffee machines and locks in the flavour and aroma for longer. The leakproof flip lid has a locking slider and the whole mug is dishwasher safe and BPA free.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 E-mail: sales@burton-mccall.com Web: www.burton-mccall.co.uk Stand E17

‘Champagne Edit’ is the latest range from Navigate, part of the company’s boutique label Beau & Elliot. Brand new additions to the table top line-up include a mug and coaster set, stylish kitchen textiles and bags, alongside placemats, coasters and a range of storage tins. The sophisticated designs are beautifully gift-boxed and feature soft pastels and dove greys with the company’s distinctive confetti pattern outlined in champagne gold.

Navigate Tel: 01279 653249 Email: sales@navigate.ltd.uk Web: www.navigate.ltd.uk Stand: A13-A15

Edge is a reimagining of our White Basics collection and includes a selection of coupe shaped plates, bowls and mugs. Each piece features a handpainted grey rim which frames the surface and elevates the natural white of the porcelain base.

Maxwell Williams Tel: 020 8200 5100 Web: www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk Stand G23

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Food for thought: trade shows

Show survival strategies

Right: Barkers' housewares, gifts and homewares buyer Julie Poynton.

With time increasingly precious, we all need to maximise the benefits from the trade shows we attend, whether in the UK or internationally.

PH asked a selection of buyers, both long serving and newer to the shows, as well as some of the leading exhibitors in the housewares industry, for their personal 'survival' tactics to get the most out of trade shows.

Manage your time "I've been going to Spring Fair for 18 years and go for three days," says Ann-Marie James, director, Rossiters, Bath, which has a large Kitchen & Dining department.

"Sometimes it's just me, at other times I go with my buyer Rachel King, or I might also invite members of the sales team, where relevant, to part of the show if I feel it's beneficial.

"We take a good look at the exhibitors listings before we go. We look at our existing suppliers and ensure that we are fully up to date as to where we are with them re stock, and whether we want to do an update with them. In addition, we make a list of the companies we're interested in that are new to us, and where they are at the show, as it can be easy to walk past exhibitors.

Rachel and myself walk almost all of the show, as the majority of

Above: Rossiters, Bath.

Inset: Ann-Marie James (right) and Rachel King at The Greats, organised

by PG&H, PH’s sister magazine.

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Go with an open mind "I've been attending Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, as well as Home & Gift, Harrogate, for over 20 years," says Julie Poynton, housewares, gifts and homewares buyer, Barkers Home, Northallerton.

"During 2018, I will be visiting Christmas & Gift, Harrogate, Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Exclusively Housewares, Home & Gift, Harrogate, Top Drawer (January), Top Drawer (September) and the AIS showrooms, and usually visit for between two to three days each time.

"At Spring Fair, I take my homewares assistant manager with me for at least one day and our lighting buyer attends too," continues Julie. "We have our annual stock take at the end of January, so we go to shows with an open mind regarding new fashions and trends and the knowledge of what worked last season. I make an early start, wear comfy footwear, have a cup of Yorkshire tea and then off I go! Aside from the jewellery halls, I walk up and down every aisle of all the other halls and am open to the new trends on offer."

Julie's top tips: "I always take a tablet for photos when permitted, as my phone memory tend to get very full. Plus, after 25 years of attending trade shows, I finally invested in a trolley case for all those brochures. It's the best thing I ever did!"

Do your homework

the halls are relevant to the store. We take a look at the different companies, make notes and go back to those suppliers that we want to know more about, and might want to place an order with. To make the most of our time at the show, Rachel and I often split up to do this, and then debate over dinner as to the whys and wherefores of different companies."

Ann-Marie's top tips: "Don't spend too long on chit chat with suppliers. The day goes by very quickly. Try and allow time to walk around some of the same halls again before you leave, as you may have missed things. Also, manage your time effectively.

Don't assume you have lots of it."

"We have been going to trade shows for about five years and generally go for a day, as we both work in the shop," explain Donna Johnston and Claire Noye, coowners of Ruby & Scarlet in Felixstowe.

"We have to cover for any time we take out of the business, and it's easier to do that for one or two days rather than three or four. We tend to go to the London based trade shows, and will be doing so again in 2018, to include Top Drawer and Exclusively Housewares, as we feel they offer more value for money.

"Our time is precious, so we do our homework before we go," continues Donna. "We make a list of the companies we want to speak with to secure new accounts, and then spend the rest of the time browsing, targeting the halls that are relevant to us. Once we have spoken with the suppliers that we want to meet, even if we browse afterwards, we generally never place orders. We don't want to get into the situation where we see something and

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Food for thought: trade shows

Be comfortable

order it, then a few hours later find something else and think we should have got that instead. Once we're back at the shop, we consider if there is anything else we want, and how it would fit in with what we already offer."

Donna and Claire's top tip: Be confident.

"There was one supplier that we desperately wanted to gain since we'd opened, and, at a trade show, we spoke with the md. We told him what we were about and, from that point on, we have stocked their products, helping us to build up a really close working relationship with that organisation. As a small start-up business, they have really looked after us ever since."

Insert: Claire Noye (left) and Donna Johnston, co-owners of Ruby & Scarlet.

"T&G, exhibited at the first Spring Fair in 1976, and back then, we shared a stand," recalls Patrick Gardner, md of T&G. "We have never missed a Spring Fair although our profile has changed over the years. In 2018, we will be showing at Spring Fair, Ambiente and Hotelympia in the Spring, as well as Exclusively Housewares in the middle of the year. We always ensure our stand is welcoming and inviting, as newness is so important for shows."

Patrick's advice to visitors is that they need to plan well ahead, especially for hotels with easy access to the exhibition site. "They should also note the suppliers they definitely want to meet, ideally, on the hall plans to avoid wasting time backtracking, leaving enough time to explore other areas to see what is going on in the industry, and to note trends re materials and colours."

Patrick's top tips: "Visitors need to make sure they are wearing very comfortable shoes and clothing, and to find a friendly supplier to lodge their coats and bags with, as comfort is so important for good decision making."

Left: The T&G stand at Spring Fair.

Remember to eat Dartington has been attending housewares trade shows for over 30 years.

In 2018 the company will be attending Table, a new hospitality show running alongside Top Drawer in January; Spring Fair; Ambiente and Home & Gift, Harrogate. "Our return to Frankfurt in 2016 has certainly given us lots of new avenues in the export markets which is where we were looking to expand and we are therefore very excited to be returning in 2018," says Rachel Hughes, marketing manager at Dartington.

Rachel says that her personal survival tactics at trade shows include always bringing several changes of footwear. "The days are long and tiring, so your feet are

under a lot of pressure," she points out.

"Also, it's important to drink lots of water, especially in the winter months when the heating is on. Layering clothes is also essential both in winter and summer, and it's very important to make sure you remember to eat. It's really easy to forget when the stand is busy as the day can fly by."

Rachel's top tips: "Visitors need to ensure that they have a floor plan and a list of companies to visit, as well as a timescale planned, to ensure they get to see everyone they need to."

Below: The Dartington stand at Spring Fair 2017.

Below: The Fiskars stand at Ambiente in 2017.

Make appointments Fiskars Functional brands of knives, kitchenware and cookware have been exhibited at trade shows since 2014. On the housewares side, the company will be exhibiting at Ambiente and Exclusively Housewares.

"Maybe I’m just getting older, but my back and my knees always ache at the end of a trade show day!" admits Mark Follett’s, sales director, Fiskars UK. "Regular walks and plenty of water seem to help a bit! There are often mixed views on making appointments. Visitors have such a vast area to cover, and can’t guarantee to be in the right place at the time, but as exhibitors, we want to get the most value out of the show which means maximising face time with buyers."

Mark's top tip: "Making an appointment, even if it needs to be re-arranged, really helps us to make time for engaging with as many people as possible during the show," says Mark.

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Face To Face: Harts of Stur

Hart to Hart When teenage blacksmith Walter Hart set up his own blacksmithing business in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, in 1920, little did he realise that 97 years on, Harts of Stur would go on to become one of the most celebrated, multi-award winning, in store and online businesses in the area, no longer known for shoe-ing horses, but as a renowned cookware specialist.

As the winner of the 2017 Excellence in Housewares' Retailer Initiative category, and the prestigious Oxford Summer School prize, PH popped into the store to catch up with md Philip Hart, Walter's grandson, to discover more about a phased, ÂŁ1m+ investment that will relaunch the business as a destination outlet over the next two years.

S

uch is the popularity of Harts of Stur, that if a visitor ever needs to ask directions, all they need to say is, "where's Hart's please?", no further details required! The store, which features huge trading floors on two levels, boasts one of the UK's largest collections of KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Stellar, Circulon and Arthur Price products - the list is endless! - along with Joseph Joseph, Creative Tops, KitchenCraft, Eddingtons, LSA International, Dartington and many more. "We have a great relationship with our suppliers who work alongside us, and

Above: Harts of Stur in Sturminster Newton.

who are keen Above: Philip Hart (centre), md of Harts of Stur, and Jon to supply Dart, (right), the company's head of marketing, received the PH Excellence in Retailer Initiative trophy from category independent sponsor DKB Household's national field sales manager Pete companies who Nash. On the left is compere Charlie Baker. can provide the service that they want their consumers to hardware shop closing when the experience," says Philip Hart. owners retired.

As the third generation Hart to go into the The old Harts of Stur forge buildings were family business, Philip, originally a Tesco demolished and purpose built shop and management trainee, joined Harts of Stur offices erected, which have since been in 1979 alongside his father Eddie, (an extended a further four times, currently agricultural engineer with a passion for covering 25,000 square feet. However, hardware shops), who had started working another massive expansion, and with his father (Walter), and brother Bill, in investment, is on the horizon for 1945. Philip and Eddie set about 2018/2019, which will see the merging of transforming the retail shop from an the current retail complex with the garden agricultural supplier into a shop, a dedicated demo kitchen, the contemporary country store, launch of a coffee shop, increased parking prompted by the local and additional local land acquired for even

Using their initiative Marketing has become an increasingly powerful tool for Harts of Stur, with its first in house magazine, Kitchen - part blog, part lifestyle magazine - the winner of the Excellence in Retail Initiative award in the PH/bira Excellence in Housewares Awards in October.

"We launched Kitchen in September 2016 and wanted it to be interesting, informative, immersive and useful, something that people wanted to read from cover to cover, not just another catalogue," explains Philip.

The fifth issue came out in the Autumn, offering readers product information, festive recipes, expert tips from members of the Harts team and a Christmas gift guide, as well as interviews with leading chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Lesley Waters. An iconic brand - currently Arthur Price - is featured in every issue. "Kitchen is also an introduction to our family run company and our staff, showing them that we are 'real people'," Philip highlights.

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Face To Face: Harts of Stur

Training par excellence Harts of Stur once again proved its excellence as a retailer by winning the prestigious Excellence in Housewares Oxford Summer School prize, donated by the School and facilitated by bira, in October. The prize entitles the company to specialised retail management training, with a value of up to ÂŁ3,250.

more expansion. In total it will add 25% of the country and additional space. we even had a As it stands today however, Harts, with its feature written about USP of being 'big enough to cope, small us in the Daily enough to care', offers customers Telegraph," Philip recalls. everything from cookware, housewares When Jonathan and and giftware to garden tools, DIY, Graham, left university, they camping, clothing and greeting cards. became the fourth generation to join the Outstanding customer service is, of family firm, "and that's when our online course, a given both in the shop and business really took off," states Philip. online. "We have extremely "They were able to bring a much greater knowledgeable shop and online staff that understanding of today's technology, so have been trained to much so that our Order! order! give advice on virtually website has since won A glowing tribute was recently received everything we sell," several national from local MP Simon Hoare. Speaking in confirms Philip. "In store, the House of Commons, he said: "Harts awards." of Stur is one of those wonderful we arrange regular Today, Harts employs shops, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I demonstrations of a dedicated team of IT know you will cherish and love as I do.

It's the sort of shop that you walk into kitchen and other and marketing and do not say 'do you sell?' but merely equipment to help specialists, as well as a ask, 'where can I find?' because it sells absolutely everything!" people make a trained, informative considered purchase, customer service team, and we continue to offer and offers the option of live chat.

Far bottom left, top right and advice and assistance after below: The shop sells everything "Our online staff treat customers from a top of the range the sale is made. In fact, we KitchenAid pink food mixer to an as if they were in the shop, and Eddingtons ranch ketchup & actively employ people also provide a fast email mustard shooter! who enjoy cooking." response," Philip confirms. "Our On the subject of demonstrations, Harts aim is to exceed customers' expectations has links with many local chefs and in every way, and that includes our order suppliers who frequently come in to give handling and delivery turnaround time. We cooking demos in store, or who blog recipes.

Each generation has made its mark on the business, and the current family line-up of Philip and his two sons, Jonathan and Graham, along with Harts of Stur's buyer David Conduit, always have an eye out for the next big thing. It was Philip who tentatively took the business into mail order, starting out with Harts' Kirsty Allen, now customer services manager, packing orders in the narrow corridor outside their office. Today, to cope with the thousands give customers delivery options, use multiof orders the company receives each carriers and have recently introduced week, a 60,000 square foot despatch interest free finance." (In 2017, the website centre is bursting at the seams. received a FEEFO 2017 Trusted Service It was also Philip who subsequently Accreditation scoring 4.9 out of 5. launched the company's first trading Additionally, Trust Pilot has given the website in 1995. "It was one of the first website 9.8 out of 10). operational and trading sites anywhere in Harts is naturally very active on social

Above: The award winning Kitchen.

media too, to include Facebook, Twitter and blogs. There are monthly competitions across all platforms to generate interest and improve customer engagement.

Interestingly, it's Philip himself who personally reviews customer feedback. "It means that a complaint is examined, discussed and used as a benchmark as to how we can improve," he states.

Of course, the staff at Harts have played a huge role in the success of the company.

"We currently employ over 50 people, all of whom are dedicated to our family business ethos," continues Philip. "We think of them as extended family as some have worked here for over 20 years, including our buyer David. They have played an important part in our past, and will continue to play an important part in our future."

So where does the hugely successful Harts of Stur go from here? "We will continue to be a family company with family values," states Philip. "Graham has three daughters, while Jonathan has a son, so, hopefully, the next generation is all lined up!" smiles Philip, who is now semi-retired. "We are all custodians, but for now it's my life." Walter Hart would be very proud!

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Market focus: small electrical kitchen appliances Inset: Dualit's New Neutral Collection's four slot classic toaster in Powder.

The Next Generation There have been some significant developments in the small electrical kitchen appliances sector in 2017, with healthy eating and drinking, along with smart products, leading the way.

PH spoke to some of the leading brands for their standout products over the past 12 months, and also asked suppliers what's new for the coming season.

F

ood trends and fashion colours are at the heart of today's small electrical kitchen appliances, with many suppliers upping their game as consumers look for more advanced products.

At RKW, Tower Housewares’ new Rose Gold Collection, which launches in January 2018, sets out to meet several current trends within the SDA and kitchenware market. "Glass kettles are really on trend, as are colour-matched kitchens and the rose gold tone itself," states Tower Electrical buying director John Knight. "Our new

Toasters & kettles Following a year of consultation with global colour and trend forecaster Anna Starmer, Dualit's New Neutral Collection of Classic toasters and kettles in neutral colours Porcelain, Feather, Shadow and Powder, has been inspired by the world we live in, organic materials, found objects and treasured items.

“It's been exciting to work with Anna Starmer on the New Neutrals Collection as it has made us look at our product in a completely different way," says Alex GortBarten, director, Dualit. "As engineers with an obsessive attention to detail, the form and function of a product is always the first thing we consider. This time, colour, and the emotional connection it has for customers, was at the forefront of our conversations and decision making.”

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Rose Gold Collection combines these factors in a single range to allow our consumers to build an up-to-date and trendy kitchen."

Looking to the health aspects of small electrical kitchen appliances, Sachin Bagga, director of Sabichi, highlights that the company's brand new Jersey kettle has an easy to read temperature gauge. "This is perfect for the health conscious consumer swapping out the cappuccino for revitalising green tea tisanes - 75-80˚C - or a calming chamomile - 90 ˚C - as users are able to clearly check the temperature."

Kalorik's sales director

Inset: Amoung the products in the Rose Gold Collection from Tower Housewares.

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Market focus: small electrical kitchen appliances

Above: Sabichi's Jersey kettle is available in a high gloss finish. It will be available in late 2017 in Kingham Marmalade, Pillar Box Red and Fairford Putty.

James Rourke points to an increase in home entertaining as people attempt to budget more wisely. "This has led to the kitchen morphing from a room in which one cooks into a multi-purpose social hub," he observes. "This has had a dramatic effect on the products people purchase, which must now be built to not only withstand the rigours of increased, occasional semi-professional usage, but also, to be socially and environmentally conscious, hit a price point considered affordable, and of course, look great on the worktop."

James believes that Kalorik has achieved that with its 2018 collection with focuses on fashion, form and function. "It features vibrant kettles with one cup minimum fill calibration, powerful stand mixers in statement designs, the KitchenOriginals by Kalorik Circulair, and our showpiece, The Toaster - a world first - which can toast the largest and thickest sliced breads available, from bagels and baguettes to doorstop wedges for bigger breads."

Trend colours of course, are major drivers when it comes to purchasing kitchenware items. "Over the last three years, we have enjoyed great success with our award winning retro collection of large and small appliances, as well as kitchen accessories and cookware, so we were keen to not lose momentum," explains David

Foulstone, marketing director of Swan.

"Recognising the strong link between fashion and interior design, we wanted to reinvent ourselves, and in 2017 we announced our first collaboration with presenter, DJ, cookbook author and designer Fearne Cotton featuring three products - Fearne By Swan 2 slice toaster, Fearne by Swan hand mixer and Fearne

by Swan kettle." Adds David: "It's a stylish, fashionable, functional collection that can prepare food easily and efficiently, with an on trend pastel colour palette - Lily, Truffle, Peacock and Pale Honey - that's suitable for every type of kitchen."

Sweet snack maker "A major key development in small electrical kitchen appliance trends that has radically grown over the past year is a greater demand in products that

streamline cooking and baking in the kitchen," says Lisa Scott, sales & marketing director at Gourmet Gadgetry.

"With families having busier, more demanding lifestyles than ever, they tend

Above right: The Toaster from Kalorik's 2018 collection.

Inset: Vitamix's Ascent Series.

Blenders Looking to the future, the Vitamix Ascent Series is Vitamix's next generation of high performance blenders with a new look, digital interface and intelligent container options.

"Today’s foodies are time poor and demand high quality results every time," says Karen Hicks, manager, marketing strategy UK, VitaMix Europe. "They are more prepared than ever to invest in long term kit that will deliver consistency and restaurant quality over a lifetime rather than disposable gadgets with limited versatility."

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Market focus

Low oil fryers While chips remain a family favourite, they are, of course, less healthy than many people would like. "However, low oil fryers provide a major sales opportunity in the massive healthy eating market," states Dominik Pytel, marketing director at Groupe SEB. "Tefal’sActiFry low oil fryer range uses a unique, patented pulsating heat system and rotating paddle to cook meals with just a spoonful of oil," he points out. "It offers a safer, cleaner and much healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, with over 200 different meal ideas featured on the MyActiFry app, to include homemade chips with only 3% fat," he points out. The new smart technology also automatically adjusts the temperature, time and stirring motions.

Food processors Food processors have come a long way over the years. "Consumers want to produce food which is aspiring to look at and taste likes restaurant food," says James Robinson, marketing manager at Horwood. "It's why the Judge food processor, which is simple to use, has found a place in so many kitchens, as no prior training is required. It has the ability to chop to various sizes and it’s very easy to clean."

Continues James: "It competes in a market where product can be complicated, hard to assemble and use, and typically twice the price. But this not only makes light work of traditional chopping tasks, but can also make breadcrumbs or a crumble in a matter of seconds, blend portions of soup, create humus or mayonnaise and chop onions, as well as chillies and garlic. It takes up minimal space and is as easy to clean as a cereal bowl."

to seek appliances that are multifunctional, more economical and can save on time and space. Our new improved Retro Diner 3-in-1 sweet snack maker is an innovative baking gadget with interchangeable plates to allow the user to bake three different sweet treats in one machine.

Its premium quality baking plates makes clean up a doddle and intense heat means that a batch of cupcakes can be cooked in less time than it takes to heat a conventional oven."

Far left: Tefal's Award Winning Tefal ActiFry Smart XL. Below: Gourmet Gadgetry's 3-in-1 sweet snack maker.

Bottom right: Smart Cara is poised to reduce landfill.

Below left: A healthy cooker from Grayns UK.

Below: The Judge food processor from Horwood.

More small appliance snippets l With healthy eating a priority, Grayns UK recently launched a cooker that takes the sugar out of rice and other solid starch staples. Initially targeted at the diabetic and Asian communities - high risk starch consumers - the product was recently launched at the BBC Good Food Show. l For people concerned about landfill, as well as reducing their carbon footprint, the Smart Cara, a brand new eco, counter top kitchen product has been launched into the UK market. The appliance breaks down 90% of food waste to create odourless, soil-enhancing powder ready to put on garden beds and pots.

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This is a smart and stylish kitchen appliance that helps you make your favourite snack quickly, efficiently and healthier.

You can make 24 deep-fill samosas at a batch, with potatoes, chilli and peas, minced meat, cheese, fruit or your favourite filling (sweet or savoury). The non-stick plate makes cleaning an easy task. The Healthy, non-fried, best tasting Samosa ever!

SMART Worldwide Tel: 08444 069098 Web: www.smartworldwidefun.com

Create an authentic Italian style pizza in less than 15 minutes with this Retro Diner Pizza Oven & Multi-Grill from Gourmet Gadgetry. With intense heat applied from the upper and lower baking plates, each pizza will have a perfectly golden finish with a delicious fully cooked centre. Create crepes, cook full breakfasts and burgers in this one clever machine. This machine doubles as a pizza oven or multi grill, has premium non-stick baking plates, various temperature settings and recipe ideas are included. Nostalgic 1950’s diner themed design with stylish metallic red finish.

Gourmet Gadgetry Tel: 01322 901025 Web: www.gourmetgadgetry.com

Redefining the form and function of high-performance blending, the all-new Ascent Series from Vitamix combines sleek design and precision engineering with wireless capabilities and an easy-to-use interface for the most advanced blending experience for home chefs. The Ascent Series blenders come in a variety of high-end finishes – including metallic finish options on some models.

Vitamix Web: www.vitamix.co.uk

Operating at a powerful 1500W, this multi-section, Cerastone-coated Frying Pan lets you cook all your fried festive favourites quickly, efficiently and using little to no oil. Its adjustable thermostat lets you easily set your ideal cooking temperature, whilst cool touch handles offer safety and comfort during use and the detachable power cable enables easy portability. Evenly distributing heat and creating professional results with every use, the 5-in-1 Divided Frying Pan is the ideal alternative for a healthy diet!

Tower Tel: 0333 2206070 Web: www.rkwltd.com

As a barista, this high-quality Bean to cup coffee machine knows which order the ingredients for 21 coffee specialities should flow into your cup, according to the original recipes.

And always with the correct type of coffee bean, thanks to the ‘Automatic Bean Select’ Melitta Tel: 01733 260905 E-mail: customerservice.M-UK@melitta.de Web: www.melitta.co.uk

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Lifestyle focus

High spirits

It’s the party season, so which products are helping to create a celebratory atmosphere? PH asks suppliers for some ‘must haves’ for different types of social gatherings, as well as their personal views on the best party ‘ingredients’.

Above: LSA’s Gin Grand Serving Set includes cocktail glasses, tumblers, highballs, and balloon glasses, four porcelain garnish bowls, a mouth-blown glass ice bucket and an ash wood serving stand.”

The cocktail party Trendy cocktail and drinks parties will undoubtedly have gin on the menu. Its popularity continues unabated – the value of gin sales (£1.07bn in 2016) are forecasted to rise to £1.37bn by 2020, and the number of UK distilleries rose by a fifth in the last year (according to a new report by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young).

Hannah Lambert, PR and project manager at LSA International, argues that serving the muchloved spirit should be done in style: “We are

Right: CellarDine’s the ZOS Halo Wine Preserver (distributed by PHA Kitchessentials).

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a nation that loves gin, and with the large variety of flavours and tonics available it’s now more popular than ever. Our Gin Grand Serving Set lets gin lovers create their very own specialist bar at home.” She observes: “The serving stand makes an interesting focal point for a drinks party – while there are two of each gin glass included in the set. These are also sold separately in pairs, so you can supplement the set.” Hannah adds: “You don’t need to stick to G&Ts, as gin is such

a versatile spirit, so why not serve something from our list of original gin cocktail recipes – exclusively developed by our master mixologist.”

The wine lover’s party Having the ZOS Halo Wine Preserver by CellarDine means that wine lovers can happily open higher priced wines to sample knowing that nothing will be wasted. “ZOS has the ability to keep open bottles of wine fresh for two months, which is a genuine worldwide first,” states Peter Dunne, md of CellarDine.

Peter reflects: “Having been in the wine accessory trade for almost 30 years, whether distributing products or manufacturing/designing my own products, I have always been fascinated by the evolution of wine preservation systems, as consumers are quite literally throwing millions of £’s down the sink every year due to oxidisation and wine wastage.”

He explains: “The key issue is that you need to remove 100% of the oxygen otherwise wine will start to oxidise immediately; vacuum systems only remove 75% of the oxygen; argon 97%. Lengthy research via independent laboratories shows that even with 1% of oxygen remaining inside the bottle, wine will start to oxidise if not consumed with 24 hours.”

Developed by Greg Luzaich (based in Sonoma in the US), the ZOS Halo Wine Preserver features a “cartridge system that works in tandem with a patented stopper that will absorb 100% of the oxygen,” Peter reports. “Once removed the ZOS will illuminate in colour to indicate when the cartridge is working and when it needs replacing; green is positive and red to change the cartridge.

This also adds an element of theatre to the process, grabbing the attention of gadget lovers at the wine lover’s gathering!”

Perfect for party guests, CellarDine has reintroduced the CaddyO Bottle Chiller, “which actively chills warm wine and champagne to ice cold in 20 minutes, staying cold for nine hours - perfect for the party season as all bottles will arrive cold,” says Peter.

At parties, where the wine is flowing, hosts are thankful for NSAuk Wine Essentials’ Rechargeable Quick Charge Corkscrew. NSAuk’s md, Leigh Newton reports that this “effortlessly removes and ejects corks at the touch of a button,” and can “open 60 bottles from one full 15hr charge.” Leigh adds: “When you need to recharge, simply plug in the micro USB cord and after 90 seconds you’ll be able to open another two bottles. It is lightweight and really compact, so it’s ideal for parties at home and outdoors, including picnics.”

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Lifestyle focus

The al fresco party For the party that congregates on the patio, Matt Innes, general manager at Beam Group, highlights the importance of serving drinks with both style and practicality in mind, using Strahl beverageware. Matt explains: "Manufactured using high quality polycarbonate and uniquely hand-finished to remove any join lines or rough edges, Strahl beverageware has the clarity and elegance of glass while being completely unbreakable. It can be chilled in a fridge or freezer before serving and has insulation properties to keep drinks cooler for longer on a

‘Must have’ ingredients PH ASKED PARTY AND BARWARE SUPPLIERS FOR THEIR PERSONAL ‘MUST HAVE’ INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST PARTY: “My ‘must have’ is music, if you can’t dance, it isn’t a party. My River Dance is second to none (in my mind) but that is probably due to my second essential ingredient, Espresso Martinis which keep you going for hours.”

JAMES GRAY, MD, NIXXEE “Make sure there’s plenty of alcohol and invite a variety of guests with different backgrounds and ages to mix things up.”

LEIGH NEWTON, MD, NSAUK WINE ESSENTIALS “A good party needs music to set the atmosphere, delicious food and drink and a guest list full of loved ones to share the moment with.”

MATT INNES, GENERAL MANAGER, BEAM GROUP “The key ingredients to any party are a dose of laughter coupled with snacks to soak up the alcohol!”

PAUL SPENCER, MD, JERAY PRODUCTS “My personal magic ingredients would be, wine, good humour, great friends, superb location, excellent food and not to be taken seriously entertaining games, not too mention a gift for the host!”

PETER DUNNE, MD, CELLARDINE “I like to make a big impression on my guests and with our Party fondue Mr Big I can serve up the perfect late night snack for a long lasting party. Add some best friends, some nice tunes, the right party lights and you have the best party ever.”

JEROEN BLOM, EXPORT MANAGER, BOSKA HOLLAND CHEESEWARES

Left: NSAuk Wine Essentials’ Rechargeable Quick Charge Corkscrew.

warm summer's evening. After all, there is an increasingly popular trend for the garden or outdoor space to be seen as an extra room. However, for the host that uses Strahl, there is no worry about breakages, either outside or inside, as no–one wants to stop the party to clear up broken glass!

Then, when the party is over, the host can place these into the dishwasher safe in the knowledge they won’t crack, craze or stain from residue water due to a Above: Tea lights melt cheese in Boska Holland Cheesewares’ Partyclette ToGo in clever design minutes for tasty food to share. feature, which means water glides off the base Raclette cheese and then pour it over during the cleaning cycle.” boiled potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, Matt adds: “The 'proof' that Strahl is a and dried meats. However, you can use it party 'must have' is that it is now being in so many different ways: with different used in a multitude of top hospitality cheeses, putting vegetables in the pan venues worldwide, including exclusive with the cheese, or pouring the cheese night clubs, roof top bars, luxury over nachos for perfect party snacks.” yacht clubs and premier hotels.”

Meanwhile, Jeroen Blom, Inset: Jeray Product’s flashing ice cube. export manager for Boska Holland Cheesewares, points out the virtues of the Partyclette ToGo: heated by candlelight, creating a “cosy ambience” and “compact and portable, so you can easily pack it for a party anywhere.”

Jeroen acknowledges: “If you followed tradition, you would use the Partyclette to melt

Add a smile with accessories James Gray at nixxee highlights Spelly Straws as a 'must have' fun party accessory: "Invented in the US by someone who always loved stilly straws and Lego bricks, Spelly Straws Spell and Sip customisable straws provide the means to personalise drinks and put together personal messages for party goers. They are perfect for fun events like hen and stag nights as well as wedding favours.” James elaborates: “These interactive, re-usable straws are bound to raise a smile, make guests feel special, and importantly, mean that you won't loose your drink! Also, on the practical side, they are easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher."

Meanwhile, Paul Spencer, md of Jeray Products picks out various essentials when friends get together for an informal, fun gathering, including the Penguin Cocktail Shaker, Top Hat Ice Bucket, Truth or Dare Shot Glass Set, and, “our flashing glass and ice cubes, which will light up the cheesiest of parties!”

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Barware &

Parties

Klean Kanteen Insulated Growlers and Tumblers are perfect for all those festive house parties. Designed with high performance double-wall vacuum insulation and 100% stainless, 18/8 food grade interior, Klean Growlers keep beer and bubbly ice cold and full of fizz for hours on end.

Whitby & Co Tel: 01539 721032 Web: www.kleankanteen.co.uk

Committed wine drinkers need high-tech gadgets to match, so check out these two hand-picked unique gift ideas for wine lovers. Both are perfect for entertaining and personal use and are guaranteed to liven up any Party! The Rechargeable Quick Charge Corkscrew opens around 60 bottles when fully charged, and the 2-1 Rechargeable Corkscrew and Wine Preserver ensures that once a bottle’s opened, any remaining wine is preserved for optimum freshness and future enjoyment. Opening a bottle of wine has never been easier!

NSAuk Tel: 01483 527799 E-mail: sales@nsauk.com Web: www.nsauk.com/electrical/wine-essentials/

With gin leading the way as the favoured drink for many and with an enormous, and growing, choice of flavours, Tradestock’s perfect crystal gin glass lets you enjoy this favourite tipple at its best, and with a generous capacity there is more than enough room for gin, ice, mixer and garnish! It’s the perfect present for gin connoisseur friends, for taking along to a party as a host gift or for simply showing off your mixology skills at your festive gathering! Attractive pick-up bag style packaging really adds a special something to the gift appeal.

Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk

The Epicurean Barware Collection from Eddingtons encompasses everything you need for entertaining, drinks parties and celebrations. The collection’s showpiece is the stunning Elegant Champagne/Wine Cooler which holds 6 bottles of wine or fizz. Other items in the collection include Champagne bucket, ice bucket with tongs, cocktail shakers, wine coolers and serving tray. All products are made from high quality stainless steel with either polished steel or real copper plated ‘hammered’ finish.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

It’s all in the bar….Just the perfect accessory for beverage making…..made from hevea wood, these quirky boards are great for cutting lemon and limes for Gin & Tonics, Vodka Tonics or other fruit for cocktails at the bar. Available in three designs, Gin, Vodka and Cocktails each laser etched. These fun boards can also be used for serving up nibbles or cheese at a party! A practical, eye catching board for preparing that favourite tipple, a great party piece and gift, certainly a fun stocking filler!

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

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Perfect for entertaining at Christmas, the Le Creuset Wine Accessories range features a collection of stylish and easy to use products designed for cooling, opening, serving and preserving your wine. TheWT110 Waiters Wooden Corkscrew is a pocket-size waiter’s corkscrew helping to open bottles quickly and easily. The elegant two-step design allows for optimal leverage when removing corks, and the coated stainless steel screw slides easily into all corks, natural or synthetic. A foldable foil cutter blade and built-in bottle opener make this the ultimate multi-purpose tool - the ultimate festive gift for the serious wine enthusiast.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

Barware &

Parties

Perfect for entertaining at Christmas, the Le Creuset Wine Accessories range features a collection of stylish and easy to use products designed for cooling, opening, serving and preserving your wine. TheWT110 Waiters Wooden Corkscrew is a pocket-size waiter’s corkscrew helping to open bottles quickly and easily. The elegant two-step design allows for optimal leverage when removing corks, and the coated stainless steel screw slides easily into all corks, natural or synthetic. A foldable foil cutter blade and built-in bottle opener make this the ultimate multi-purpose tool - the ultimate festive gift for the serious wine enthusiast.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

2018 10 – 13 March Chicago, USA

The Chicago Show is the key show in my calendar. It has a combination of amazing innovation and quality suppliers.

We always find new and differentiated product and innovative ways to display and showcase it. The organisation is excellent, and the ability to visit quality retailers in Chicago is an added benefit.

We are selective on the number of shows we go to - but this is a must!

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

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

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The Zap Cap bottle opener continues to be a CellarDine best seller and with the introduction of the Premium mat black stainless model the collection is now appealing to a wider audience, superbly gift boxed with CDU: arriving for 2018 and in time for the World Cup a Sports Edition on clip strip will be made available: Zap Cap collection comprises, traditional plastic model, stainless model, mat black stainless, Sports model.

PHA Tel: 0151 651 2265 E-mail: sales@phassocs.co.uk or office@cellardine.co.uk

The US born Rabbit® leads the world of sophisticated barware with the integrity and quality of its products. The latest innovations include the next generation Winged Corkscrew in stylish black and stainless steel, featuring a fixed worm design for maximum leverage and a rotating ring for easy alignment with the bottle. This elegant corkscrew is a perfect gift for the wine enthusiast or connoisseur of barware.

Dexam International Tel: 01730 811811 Web: www.dexam.co.uk

The fresh new SPARKLE range by Ella Sabatini from Western House is now available to order! Comprising of four stems and produced in fine blown crystal glass. Each bowl has elegant detailing reading: ‘Sparkle’, ‘Fizz’, ‘Chill’ and ‘Bubbles’. Available now!

Western House Tel: 01256 462341 E-mail: Contactsales@western-house.com

The hottest trends of the moment are captured in the latest lines from KitchenCraft’s BarCraft and Artesà brands, allowing you to make the biggest of statements throughout the Christmas festivities to impress and delight guests. Get the party off to a flying start with this six-piece gin cocktail set, perfect for showing off your mixology skills! Couple this with other top trend barware lines such as cut glass and steel combos and matt black and brass tones and serve up with Artesà’s exquisite new serveware featuring green marble and etched slate for truly memorable entertaining.

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

For celebrations and special occasions, Ava & I makes a dazzling addition to any home bar. Perfectly balancing feminine prettiness with modern style and a sprinkle of sass, the Ava & I collection stuns with gold detail and beautiful iridescence. Champagne saucers add a vintage touch to sparkling drinks while a stemless wine glass is a contemporary choice, with a pearlized glass cocktail shaker for preparing a mojito or a ‘Gin is always a good idea’ teacup and saucer.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536/207710 Web: www.creative-tops.com

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From the front line PH Nov/Dec 2017.qxp_Layout 1 06/12/2017 18:21 Page 33

Holly Wilson’s

From The Frontline

It's been an exciting couple of months for cookshop retailer Holly Wilson. Not only did Prep win an award at the PH Excellence in Housewares Awards, the shop was also featured in a Trouva TV advert. Plus, with the challenges of a second shop, Holly is having to get her head round a new type of customer as well as those pre-Christmas deliveries.

Third time lucky "Hooray! On my third and final attempt, Prep finally won the Most Promising Newcomer award at the Excellence in Housewares awards! I was so thrilled as it feels good to get recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in. Fatima and I had a great night on the Eddington’s table, and have to admit to feeling slightly worse for wear the next day. Luckily we weren’t working, so a well deserved rest day was taken (with a quick trip to A&E with my son to have his forehead glued back together - every hungover mum’s dream!).

We also took part in filming Trouva’s first TV advert. It's a lovely concept of filming a few of the Trouva boutiques, then putting them together so that it looks like they are all on one street. They are showing that when you buy online from Trouva you really are shopping from a real independent store. I was very pleased to be a part of it - my two seconds of fame!

It was then back to business in a very serious way to prepare for the run up to Christmas. Having two shops is a whole different ball game, especially when I am still very much finding my feet at Richard Dare. After three Christmases at Prep I feel as though I know what I’m doing, kind of. I know what people expect, and it's a case of keeping it all in stock with an almost nonexistent stockroom - which is always my challenge - and then

Right: We won! throwing in some exciting Holly and Fatima irresistible newness for good with their coveted Excellence in measure. Not being in the shop Housewares trophy. full time is making it slightly more Below: Holly - and challenging, as I don’t see what’s Prep - as they appear on the new working day to day. I also have Trouva TV advert. more part time members of staff, so there is a lot more we have the annual space crisis. communication that needs to be The luxury of my stock room in done and some seriously long Richard Dare really helps but handover notes! deliveries still have to come For Richard Dare however, I'm through the front door and be leaping into the unknown. I'm lifted over the counter, so on busy getting more of a feel for the delivery days we do still have customer, but I think they are boxes on the shop floor queuing potentially a more diverse bunch to get in the stock room. Prep is than at Prep, so what might be its normal chaotic self, with boxes right for some of my customers is and stock squeezed into every totally wrong for the rest. I also available nook and cranny. Luckily think that they are more 'fancy' customers don’t seem to mind, than my Stoke Newington and apparently it 'adds to the customer, and I'm not used to charm'. Phew! As business picks having to cater to the 'fancy' up, we will have to order more, so dinner party crowd, so I’m taking it doesn’t look like the deliveries educated guesses and keeping everything crossed! I'm still buying items that were stocked by my predecessors which I don’t necessarily have an affinity with, which can be challenging. Plus, I'm also constantly testing out new stock that I'm buying fresh, or that works well at Prep.

Therefore I'm continually pushing and poking my customers to try and get a better read on them. So far, I’m getting a favourable response, as I am catering to several different groups. Let’s see if I can keep them happy all the way to Christmas!

As I write this at the end of November stock is flowing in and

are going to stop anytime soon!

Among all the Christmas prep we are also registering and booking for the shows in the new year. Top Drawer registration is happening, and we booked flights for Ambiente a while ago but, as always, didn’t sort out our accommodation in time and are now having to stay out in the sticks. I’ve had to remortgage my house to pay for the hotel! Maybe next year I'll remember to book earlier, but it's unlikely!

I hope you all have a wonderful festive season and that the tills keep ringing!"

Holly Wilson is the owner of Prep Cookshop, Stoke Newington, which opened in February 2015, and now owns Richard Dare, Primrose Hill, also in North London.

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What’s Cooking?

IN COLOURS, PATTERNS AND GRAPHICS? Four independent cookshops reveal their current best sellers in all sorts of colourful and patterned housewares.

Becca Hardingham, director, Dinghams, Salisbury and Winchester Two medium sized shops on the high street.

Drift Storage and Ceramics from Creative Tops

These glasses come in beautiful on trend colours. They've been really good sellers and we've had to re-order very quickly.

The colours in this range are more neutral, so they fit in well with all kitchens. They're good sellers all year round.

This range comes in beautiful, natural designs and colours with an organic feel.

Customers love the colours and how the storage jars have wooden lids.

Organic Jute Placements and Coasters from Braided Rug

This is a range that's new to us, but we think it will be very popular with customers.

Colours include muted pink and dusty blue.

Spice Tins from Spice Kitchen

These tins are handmade and have saris around them. Each one is unique, and, in the run-up to Christmas, customers find them very gift-able.

Cities of Dreams Mugs from Emma Bridgewater

These mugs are really popular. They feature hand drawn images of cities that include London, Paris and Venice, with people buying them for themselves or as a gift.

They've been very popular at Christmas, but are an all year round best seller too.

Fizz Glasses from DRH Zeal Silicone Utensils from CKS

Right: The gift of spices - a festive favourite.

Spice Kitchen’s Spice Tins bring a touch of Eastern promise to the kitchen.

Far right: A natural mix of ceramic and wood the Drift range of dinnerware and storage jars from Creative Tops is a definate favourite.

Gill Gladwell, director, Cooking Kneads, Shrewsbury A small cookshop on a secondary high street..

Toughened Non-stick and 3-Ply from Le Creuset

These are our best sellers from Le Creuset, with the company's pepper mills in the brand colour a best seller, followed by the colour red.

Tunisian Ceramics from Biofarm Trading

These ceramics are made from olive wood and ethically sourced in Tunisia. The rainbow style colours are very vibrant, and the ceramics feature lovely patterns in blues, oranges etc. One of our best sellers in the range is the tangine.

Mugs from Emma Bridgewater

The mugs that feature pinks and purples are our best sellers all year round, with red and green selling very well in the run up to Christmas.

Kitchen Textiles from Ulster Weavers

We sell a huge range of kitchen textiles, with Ulster Weavers at the core. Our best seller is Dotty Chic in lime green with a sheep design. It sells well across tea towels, tea cosies and oven mitts.

Zeal Silicone Tools from CKS

The best selling core colours for us in this range of kitchen tools are red, blue and green.

Silicone Lids from Charles Viancin

The most popular colours for these lids are red, yellow and green. They look very vibrant and can be used in the oven as well as the microwave.

Left: Le Cresuet alaways brings class and colour to the market.

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Right: CKS’s Zeal silicone tools offer every gadget in every colour.

Whats Cooking in Colours_Nov_Dec 2017.qxp_50-51 05/12/2017 09:33 Page 35

What’s Cooking?

Abigail Taylor, co-owner, Luxe Cookshop A small kitchenware/cookshop based in a store-within-a store in a destination outlet in Northampton.

Kitchenware from Wesco

Wesco sells incredibly well for us, with the bread bins, canisters, pepper mills and kitchen roll holders all available in a wide range of colours that work for all homes.

Princess Lovebirds from Heath McCabe

This four piece bone china mug set features different bird designs. It's very giftable and sells all year round.

The Foraging Fox from Ulster Weavers

The Foraging Fox from Ulster Weavers features a bright blue and orange pattern. Most people start with the apron and come back for the double oven glove and tea towel.

Starry Night Christmas table-runners

Sophie Allport products have got better and better over the years, with the company's Starry Night Christmas table runners - showing Father Christmas pulled through the night by his reindeers - selling out for us. We put one out on display at the end of November and they literally flew out of the shop.

from Sophie Allport

Corksicle Canteen from Root7

This is a fantastic Thermos that does everything it says it will do. We built a Christmas tree display out them in the run-up to the festive season, but they're an all year round good seller too. They come in a brilliant range of colours from Merlot to Riviera Blue.

Magnetic Digital Pebbly Timer from PHA This round timer is a handy piece of kit and comes in three great designs - polka dots, strawberries and citrus fruits - which look great when displayed together. It's been a good seller in the runup to Christmas when everyone is busy cooking.

Left: A lovely textile range from Ulster Weavers - fun patterns and colours that will enhance any kitchen.

Right: Every busy cook needs a kicthen timer. From Sunday roasts to that big festive family get-together, this Magnetic Digital Pebbly Timer from PHA will make sure the job gets done and no-one’s kept waiting.

Kate Temple, general manager, Goldings of Bedford A small cookshop on a high street.

Reflex Series from Taylors Eye Witness

This series of knives come in different colours, to include purples, pinks, reds and blues.

They've got a nice, ergonomic handle, with the blade in the same colour. They're bright and catchy on the shelves.

Porcelain Egg Cups from KitchenCraft

We stock these in bright pinks, blues and reds and customers tells us they make fantastic stocking fillers.

J-cloths from Deco

These come in bright, fabulous colours and we can't keep them in stock for love or money! People can't help but pick them up.

Tulip Bloom from dotcom

We stock the 600ml bottle and bamboo tray. The tulip retro design is very bright and eyecatching - featuring green, red, pink, yellow and black - which customers really seem to like.

Elliott Large Plastic Nail Brushes from Jones Wholesalers

We stock five to six different nail brushes, in red, blue and green, and they sell incredibly quickly.

Masterclass Yorkshire Pudding Trays from KitchenCraft

These are a very good seller at this time of year.

Right: Chopping will never be the same again with Taylor’s Eye Witnesses Reflex Series.

These knives come in array of bright and fresh colours, and with an ergonomic handle, those cutting tasks coudn’t be more simple Left: KitchenCraft’s range of Porcelain Egg Cups make the humble boiled egg come to life.

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WHATS COOKING IN

COLOURS

Perfect gifts for cooks this Christmas… the brightly coloured Sola CrushGrind® salt, pepper and spice mills. These mills contain the superior CrushGrind® ceramic mechanism which effortlessly grinds not only salt and pepper but also using the same grinders, whole dried herbs and spices. The ceramic mechanism/grinder is fully adjustable with over 12 settings from fine to coarse grain and is easy to fill as it has no spindle.

T&G offers a lifetime mechanism guarantee on all mills.

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

&

Tower’s Cerastone Gold range combines all the benefits of Tower’s trademark non-stick ceramic coating with a unique and distinctive visual appeal. The Cerastone coating significantly reduces the need for oil, allowing you to create healthier meals while also being quick and easy to clean, while the gold coating helps create an eye-catching effect in your kitchen. The pans’ attractive look is compounded by their sturdy, resistant construction, which ensures they maintain their attractive look and efficient operation over time.

Tower Tel: 0333 220 6070 Web: www.towerhousewares.co.uk Enjoy your favourite hot beverage in the Mason Cash Impressions Mugs.

Made from durable stoneware, the Impressions Mugs feature unique patterns which are inspired by organic and natural textures. The individual designs co-ordinate botanical and rustic trends to add a bit of variety to your crockery cupboard. These mugs are perfect to wrap your hands around and keep you warm this winter. They have a 350ml / 12 FL oz. capacity and are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Mason Cash Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.rayware.co.uk

The chopping boards in this set, from Brabantia’s Tasty Colours collection, are endlessly useful and endlessly pretty on the kitchen side! With clever design features such as soft-grip edges and a funneled side for easy use, they are perfect for busy kitchens and the separation food items.

Brabantia Web: www.brabantia.com/uk

Treat yourself to some tropical delight with new Maxwell & Williams Exotica by Gabby Malpas. Featuring a sumptuous floral design, Exotica includes oversized 400ml mugs and matching coasters – perfect for those who like to enjoy a little bit extra of their favourite brew.

Maxwell Williams Tel: 020 8200 5100 Web: www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk

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WHATS COOKING IN

COLOURS Megastone is an innovative coating, born from the need for functional, durable cookware. Hard and long-lasting, it will stand the test of time. Megastone coating is five times stronger than standard non-stick cookware; it can even be used with metal utensils and remain scratch-free. The non-stick coating will not fade or peel and the pans are dishwasher safe – making life that little bit easier!

UPGS Tel: 0161 627 9673 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

The Sort & Go waste bins from Brabantia bring a touch of colour and space-saving minimalist design to any kitchen, utility or counter-top. They are available in three sizes: six-litre, 12-litre and 16-litre, and with four beautiful colour choices: yellow, white, mint and grey.

Each compliments the other perfectly, and they can be stacked on top of each other or attached to the wall or inside a cupboard – the choice is yours.

Brabantia Web: www.brabantia.com/uk

& New Smile Style by Donna Sharam is a little taste of the summertime, any time. This range of mugs and coasters brings to life a cast of colourful creatures from the imagination of one of Byron Bay’s favourite artists. A truly delightful gift idea!

Maxwell Williams Tel: 020 8200 5100 Web: www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk

Enjoy your favourite flowers, all year round, with new Botanica Floris.

Designed in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and botanical artist Malcolm Hobday, Botanica Floris brings to life the Camelia, Strelitzia and Iris blooms in larger than life graphics, alongside golden silhouettes of the plants from which they grow. Made from luminous fine bone china, this range is finished with a hand-painted rim of gold.

Maxwell Williams Tel: 020 8200 5100 Web: www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk

Comprised of a selection of bakeware and kitchenware products, Tower’s Granitex range stands out for its unique multi-layered coating. This coating creates a surface several times more resistant than traditional non-stick coatings, reducing the need for oil or grease when cooking or baking while also making the products easy to clean and maintain after use. The range also boasts a durable carbon steel construction, which ensures longevity over time and makes this range excellent value for money when looking for resistant non-stick kitchenware and bakeware.

Tower Tel: 0333 220 6070 Web: www.towerhousewares.co.uk

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WHATS COOKING IN

COLOURS &

Perfect if you are moving into a new home or want to refresh your kitchenware, this Progress five-piece set has all the knives you could need. With soft-touch rubber handles for extra comfort and grip, the knives also have non-stick coated blades to maintain their quality and hygiene. Completely dishwasher safe and made to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen, the set also includes a unique smart bloc for easy access to all your knives, simply by using its secure lock and release system.

Progress Tel: 0161 627 9673 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.progresscookshop.com

T&G has introduced colour to the kitchen for Christmas with the two new exciting gift pieces - square dip dish set with four assorted colour bowls and a rectangular dip dish set with the three assorted coloured bowls. These new gift dip dish sets with colourful stoneware bowls and acacia platters are perfect for serving dips, nibbles and tapas at parties and celebrations. The dip dish sets come colourfully gift boxed making the ideal gift or self-purchase treat!

T&G Tel:01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

Create Intricate festive patterns on your Christmas cookies, biscuits and cakes with one sweep of a rolling pin! These beautifully embossed rolling pins are made from solid beech and make the ideal gift for any baking enthusiast.

Suitable for use on dough, fondant icing and sugar paste. Hand wash only and dry thoroughly.

38cm x 5cm including handles.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingotns.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Debuting January 2018, Tower’s new Rose Gold range is comprised of three unique lines, each available in a choice of two colours. Encompassing both electrical and kitchenware products, this new collection will help consumers elevate the overall appearance of their kitchen by delivering a comprehensive range of products with an elegant and appealing design. The inclusion of both SDAs and kitchenware products within each line will allow customers to fully colour-match their kitchen in rose gold, if they so desire.

Tower Tel: 0333 220 6070 Web: www.towerhousewares.co.uk

Le Creuset announces the launch of a brand new colour – Marine – to its cookware and kitchenware ranges. A vibrant yet deep shade of blue, this hue is the latest interior trend. Launched as part of the new Taste of the City collection, it brings a modern flair to any kitchen. This stylish shade is available in various cast iron and stoneware items including everyone’s favourite Signature Cast Iron Casseroles. You can also get the Signature Cast Iron Grillit ® – 26cm and Signature Skillet – 23cm in the new shade as well as a range of stoneware and Salt and Pepper Mills.

Le Cresuet Tel: 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

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p39 In The Kitchen.qxp_Grid 06/12/2017 18:32 Page 39

In the kitchen with...

Below: Ching-He Huang’s Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken, as pictured in her new recipe book, Stir Crazy, published by Kyle Books, with photography by Tamin Jones.

Inset: Ching with her Lotus Wok and Ta-Tung red rice cooker.

g n a u H e H g in h C TV chef and cookery author, Ching-He Huang launched her Lotus Wok (from JML) earlier this year, and recently released her hotly anticipated new book, Stir Crazy. PH asked Ching to reveal some of the treasures in her kitchen, as well as her views on kitchenware shopping and cooking trends.

WHAT DOES YOUR DOMESTIC KITCHEN MEAN TO YOU?

WHAT PIECES OF KITCHENWARE HAVE BEEN AROUND THE LONGEST?

“My kitchen is the most hardworking place in my home. It’s a place to cook, connect and socialise with my family and friends when they come round but ultimately it’s also a place I work – from testing recipes to getting inspiration.”

“I love antique ceramics and have a pair of Ming dynasty plates for ‘Kai-Wei’ dishes – ‘Chinese amuse bouche’ and I won them at a Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Auction I did for the BBC with Aldo Zilli. I love them but every time I take them out, I think twice!

I also have some Taiwanese plates given to me on my first private cooking gig for my now dear friend, director Gurinder Chadha, and they are rather special.

I also have the first rice cooker my mother bought me – a Taiwanese Ta-Tung red cooker and it’s perfect, still going strong almost 20 years later!”

WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM KITCHEN LOOK LIKE? “My dream kitchen would have to be a Rossana Kitchen – pure craftsmanship – stylish and elegant made from Arabescato Orobico – an Italian stone giving a rough and primitive look…then with some gold stylish accents, and wood cabinets so I feel like I’m cooking outdoors. I love nature and also modernity so this style of kitchen is perfect.”

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPES TO COOK AT HOME? “I love fast, easy, healthy Chinese and Asian dishes, that are fresh and bursting with flavour.”

WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHENWARE COLLECTION? “I got given a Steam Zone from the guys at Sage Appliances recently, perfect for steaming fish and serving it on the table; it’s a genius idea, I love it!”

DO YOU LIKE SHOPPING FOR KITCHENWARE, AND IF SO, WHAT SORTS OF PLACES DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP IN? “I love shopping for kitchenware and it drives my husband crazy. We have a storage room full of crockery and kitchen equipment and countless woks, including ranges from collaborations I have developed in the past, but I have had to give a lot away; there’s just not enough storage.

I love to shop in antiques markets to high street stores like John Lewis and recently discovered that Sainsbury’s does quite a good line of tableware.”

IN THE PAST DECADE, HOW DO YOU THINK THE UK PUBLIC’S ATTITUDE TO COOKING HAS CHANGED? “I think people have become more adventurous and people have become more discerning about food. It is the cheapest luxury item that is a necessity.

People are keen to experiment but still want fuss free delicious food without being a slave to the stove.”

WHAT ARE YOUR ‘TOP FIVE’ PIECES OF KITCHENWARE THAT YOU WOULDN'T DO WITHOUT (AND WHY)?

“I could not live without my Lotus Wok. It’s a proper piece of kit and I take it around with me everywhere. It’s made of carbon steel, heats to 400 degrees on gas and induction, does not rust, and its coating is made of a special nano-silica that gives it a natural nonstick finish without PFOE and PFOA. I take it with me on TV shows and I can rely on it 100% for the best stir fry experience.

I also can’t live without my cleaver, my set of Global knives, my chopsticks – wooden and stainless steel, and a decent Boos block for chopping.”

and deep sides, the perfect curve for tossing ingredients; it’s not a saucepan masquerading as a wok (huge flat base and shallow sides)!”

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT DEVELOPING THE LOTUS WOK? “I love good craftsmanship and I fell in love with the reliability of the material and I had a lot of fun developing the shape or the curvature of the wok. It has a small base

IF YOU COULD MAKE ONE CHANGE THAT WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO COOK FROM SCRATCH AT HOME, WHAT WOULD IT BE? “I would say try my Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken – the easiest most delicious stir fry you’ll taste! Just make sure you get the Lotus Wok for the best ‘Guo-wei/Wok-hei’ smokey results.”

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new

products The BioChef Arizona Sol 6 Tray Food Dehydrator is our most compact dehydrator, perfect for small spaces or small batch dehydrating. The Arizona Sol Dehydrator is the best value-for-money dehydrator on the market, featuring a digital timer, adjustable thermostat, removable trays, non-harming materials (stainless steel trays + inner- and outer casing made of BPA free materials), horizontal drying system and long warranty and all at an affordable price.

Vitality 4 Life Web: www.vitality4life.com.au

The New Stellar Electric Family wok (SEA37), is perfect for entertaining or for use in the kitchen.

With its generous 35cm diameter, it’s easy to achieve perfect stir fry results to feed the family. The wok has a PFOA Free non-stick to ensure that the clean-up is easy and hassle free, and it has large carrying handles so you can simply detach the power cord and serve straight to the table. With five variable heat temperatures from 90 to 190 °C, the body of the pan responds instantly to the heat selection by heating up and cooling down rapidly.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.stellarcookware.co.uk

Make light work of cleaning with the Click and Connect range from Beldray, featuring an extendable handle and 7 interchangeable heads. The stainless steel telescopic handle is extendable up to 1.2 m, with a strong, double-locking mechanism providing a secure way to clean tight spaces and underneath furniture. Simply use the release button to attach any of the interchangeable heads from the range of compatible mops, dusters and brooms. Save space and discover an efficient way to clean with just one handle, suitable for all cleaning needs.

Beldray Tel: 0161 627 9673 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.beldray.com

The new range of glassware from Judge offers a cooking solution which will not stain, or retain flavours. In addition, cooking with Judge glass allows for great visibility, displaying the ingredients and recipe to the full. Finally, being manufactured from Borosilicate glass, means it can cope with rapid temperature change, allowing confidence when moving from oven to table, and freezer to the oven.

The essential beauty of Judge glassware is, unlike humans or quite a lot of cookware, glassware simply doesn’t age with use!

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

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Not everyone can make latte art the way trained baristas do in the coffee houses. But with the new Aerolatte Cappuccino Artist, no skill or training required to create fabulous designs on your cappuccino or latte. The Cappuccino Artist means you can decorate your frothed milk using cocoa or cinnamon in 4 simple steps and with the minimum of fuss. Simply pick one of the six fun designs housed in the holder, pop it on top, invert and twist. Select a different design for each cup. Available in a countertop display holding 12 pcs.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

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Brabantia’s newest creation, Bo Touch Bin, is striving to ‘Make Waste Beautiful’ with a bin that looks nothing like one. With its unique design, contemporary colours, and focus on sustainability, its revolutionary new Bo Touch Bin is spot on trend. It is the future of waste management.

Brabantia Web: www.brabantia.com/uk/bo/

New to the Jamie Oliver range for 2017 are a collection of ceramic storage containers.

The range includes three sizes of stackable jar with an acacia wood lid and integrated seal for freshness. The hand-crafted range is finished in a tasteful two tone white and mid grey matt glaze. These are complimented by a matching salt pig.

DKB Tel: 01252 522322 E-mail: sales.orders@dkbrands.co.uk

products

Introducing the next generation BioChef Atlas Whole Slow Juicer Pro now with a bigger, upgraded auger, 400w commercial-grade motor, dishwasher-safe parts and a beautifully sleek design. The powerful 400-watt motor means that soft and hard fruits and vegetables can be juiced with ease and consistency. The strong motor achieves continuous juicing for up to 60 minutes compared to the standard 30 minutes of continuous operation with other domestic models. Includes Fine, Coarse and Sorbet Strainer.

Vitality 4 Life Web: www.vitality4life.com.au

Some items simply ooze quality, the new Stellar Cookware beech cutting boards collection is a perfect example in point, a board that can be used to serve in style and be the perfect surface for chopping. Created from high grade two-cm thick beech, each is finished with an attractive and useful stainless steel hanging loop. Included in this range is the large 30cm Pizza paddle which makes a fine chopping board too! And every chef ’s dream is the essential beech Butchers Block that will be your cooks companion for many years.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk

Retain important vitamins and minerals in your food with the superb Salter DUOsteam, featuring innovative steaming technology, which cooks vegetables, meat and fish to perfection in the microwave. The multipurpose steamer is dishwasher safe and ensures effortless food preparation, to speed up making delicious and nutritional meals. Also compatible with 18 and 20 cm saucepans for steaming on the hob, the DUOsteam delivers healthy and hassle-free meals to any home.

Salter Tel: 0161 627 9673 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

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Cashmere Bloems

Maxwell & Williams is distributed by Valerie Graham Ltd. 16 Boulevard Drive, London. NW9 5QF Tel: 020 8200 5100 Email: sales@vgltd.co.uk

Maxwell Adverts.indd 48

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A smart but simple solution for keeping food fresher for longer, the Progress Vacuum Storage Containers feature an easy-to-use vacuum pump and release button system, which creates an airtight seal. Promising to keep food fresher for three times longer, the transparent jars maximise shelf life, reducing waste. Available in 1.0 L and 1.6 L sizes.

Progress Tel: 0161 627 9673 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.progresscookshop.com

products Eddingtons have extended their offering of “Vintage Design” cookie cutters. Together with the copper collection they have introduced a range of heavyweight stainless steel cutters featuring an easy press handle for ease of use. Eight traditional shapes make up the range, including three Christmas designs: star; Christmas tree; and angel. Free display baskets are also available for use in store.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Create healthy, raw and preservative free snacks, treats, jerky, bread alternatives and more from living foods using the BioChef Savana Food Dehydrator. Featuring removable stainless steel drying trays, dual fan technology, a two-stage sequential temperature-timer, included accessories and a three-year warranty - the BioChef Savana Dehydrator creates delicious, precision dried foods in less time with less effort.

Vitality 4 Life Web: www.vitality4life.com.au

Hot on the heels of the successful Stellar Rocktanium Frying Pan collection, launched last year, comes an extended collection of quality non-stick pans in a range of essential sizes and two pans sets; a three-piece and five-piece. The new pans include a milk pan (14cm), three saucepans (16cm, 18cm and 20cm) and a versatile sauté pan (24cm), the new Stellar Rocktanium pan collection has the same tough, non-stick coating as the frying pans. Thanks to a revolutionary new titanium-based formula, Quantanium, this PfoFA-free coating gives a scratch- resistant finish that is more durable than conventional non-stick.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk

Available in a variety of attractive colours, these rectangular 60-litre sensor bins are ideal for home or office kitchens. Equipped with a smart lid, which activates when objects are 15-20cm in front of them and closes five seconds later, the bins also feature a manual override button, which allows you to switch off the sensor function if required. The bins are complete with fingerprint-proof coating, making them as simple to maintain as they are to use.

Tower Tel: 0333 220 6070 Web: www.morphyrichards.co.uk/products/Cookware

Electronic mills remain popular with consumers and the latest model from Cole and Mason, the Penrose mill features a clever gravity feed system. Simply invert the mills for use, once inverted the mill will start to operate. Easily adjustable from the top the product features a ceramic mechanism making it ideal for salt and pepper alike. The inverta system whilst adding a degree of novelty has the added benefit in that it is totally mess free of the table top.

DKB Tel: 01252 522322 E-mail: sales.orders@dkbrands.co.uk

Progressive Housewares

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