Progressive Housewares October 2019

October 2019

New EKO iMira

Ultra Clear Sensor Mirror

Simulates natural sunlight, for full visibility, even in a dark room.

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HEALTHY COOKING STARTS WITH HEALTHY COOKWARE GreenPan Featherweights A blend of timeless tradition and innovative tech, the GreenPan™ Featherweights collection offers all the benefits of a traditional Dutch Oven with none of the frustrations.

Crafted from cast aluminum, it’s 50% lighter than traditional cast iron and features a durable Thermolon™ ceramic nonstick coating for effortless clean-up.

for more information go to: WWW.GREENPAN.CO.UK OR INFO@GREENPAN.COM

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For any trade enquires please contact our sales team | sales@upgs.com

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Editor’s comment I

@Prog_Housewares

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk Subscription £60 per year for the UK, £90 for overseas.

Subscribe online at max-subscriptions.net.

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.

t’s the winners’ issue! This PH is dedicated to the fantastic winners of the 20th Excellence in Housewares Awards. Re-live the glitz, the glamour and the glory when you turn to pages 18-35.

Of course, the night itself was far more than a celebration for the winners. It was a heart-warming reminder of the camaraderie of the industry and the wonderful relations that exist between retailers, suppliers, trade associations and trade shows.

Nobody is pretending that running a housewares business is a breeze in today’s climate, but we all recognise that the many success stories and achievements of our industry are well worth celebrating.

And we did that in style!

Above: The PH team – Emma Cain, John At the time of going to press, there is still not a definitive path for Brexit, Barry, Jo Howard and Rob Willis – at The but it does seem that a ‘no deal’ scenario will be avoided (fingers still Excellence in Housewares Awards. crossed). John Lewis & Partners’ Charlie Mayfield was among those uttering a stark warning for ‘no deal’ (see News page 11). Speaking up for many independents, Holly Wilson of the Bira Cookshop & Housewares Retailer of the Year, Prep and Richard Dare says that ‘stocking up’ for Brexit is just not practical (see From the Frontline, page 17).

Recognising the importance of sales to the EU - housewares and gifts supplier, Rex London (recently receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade – see News page 11) is one of those companies that have already established new bases in European countries for direct sales and to avoid any additional custom clearances. However the company has warned that any shift in order processing may have a long-term impact on UK staffing numbers.

Of course, we all hope that future trading relations will remain positive for the many European brands that are part of the fabric of the UK’s well-loved housewares offering. Meanwhile, UK cookware and bakeware manufacturer Samuel Groves recognises that it is well placed to supply domestic orders should there be any disruption with housewares imports (see pages 44-45).

Recent weeks have been eventful on the issue of responsible knife sales, and there is plenty of coverage in this issue. Housewares retailers are now making sure that they are compliant and the new toolkit for knives retailers is a welcome resource (at https://nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance), as well as BHETA’s forthcoming Challenge 25 materials (see News page 5, BHETA page 14 and Food for thought pages 40-41).

Good luck with the run up to Christmas – with so many products that bring together function and design, let’s hope it’s a good one for giving housewares.

Jo Howard

Editor

In this issue 4-13 News

in house

44 Advertorial feature: Samuel Groves

14 BHETA news

46-47 Product focus: Eco products

JO HOWARD Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk

15 Bira news

48-51 Market focus: Utility products

JAKKI BROWN Editorial director jw@max-publishing.co.uk

17 Holly Wilson’s From the frontline

52-53 Advertorial feature: Beldray

18-21 Picture perfect: The Excellence in Housewares Awards night

55 Product focus: Utility

JOHN BARRY Advertising manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk ROB WILLIS Publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk

56-57 Advertorial feature: Eddingtons

EMMA CAIN Product page editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk

22-35 The Excellence in Housewares Awards winners

58-59 What’s cooking for Christmas?

SARAH WELSH Contributing editor sarahw@max-publishing.co.uk

36-39 Market focus: Knives

60-61 Christmas product focus

MARK GRAYSON Creative director markg@max-publishing.co.uk

40-41 Food for thought: Knife sales

62-63 What’s new?

WARREN LOMAX Joint md warren@max-publishing.co.uk

43 Product focus: tableware PROGRESSIVE

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Right: Jarrold’s cookshop team with their gia certificate: Josey Connor, Kerry Allen, Chris Parsons, Jo Read, Mandy Jackson.

TOP STORY

The winners crowned

Below: Honorary Achievement winner, Philip Hart with sons Graham and Johnathan.

The winners of the coveted Excellence in Housewares Awards were revealed at a glitzy ceremony held on October 2 at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel. Organised

by PH in conjunction with Bira, the Awards brought together 400 movers and shakers of the housewares industry to celebrate into the early hours. Awards’ host, the popular televised comedian Stuart Goldsmith entertained the crowd with his witty observations on life and housewares.

In what was a notably lively event, celebrating two decades of Excellence in Housewares, the annual gathering was full of fun and peppered with surprises, including the return of popular highlights such as the KitchenAid Cocktail Station, popcorn from SMART Worldwide, a Glitter Station, and classic casino tables - this year sponsored by Expose Travel (see separate news story).

Above: Eddingtons’ Richard Walker and Adam Rob Willis, publishing director of Progressive Smith with the inaugural Eco Award.

Housewares acknowledged that: "The 20th Excellence in Housewares Awards night was a real coming-together of our industry, and it's clear that the sector unites to celebrate their achievements as a collective - which is exactly the spirit to have, especially in this tough trading climate."

Morleys Group was a double award winner – for the Group’s visual merchandising acumen and for Elys, Wimbledon (which won the Best Department Store – Multiple Branch or Group Member award). Richard Poulson, Morleys’ buyer described winning the accolades as: “superb” and “a great reflection on the display team who have really upped their game.”

Carly Bullock, electricals buyer for Lakeland - which also picked up two awards reflected that it was “a great evening to catch up with industry colleagues,” and that it was “wonderful to win.”

Coinciding with the company’s 15th anniversary in October, Haus picked up three trophies – Plugged-In and The Innovation in Product Award for two models of Véritable Indoor Gardens and The Icon Award for Wüsthof Classic Knives.

The Honorary Achievement Award went to Philip Hart, retiring md of Harts of Stur, which celebrates its centenary as a family business this year.

See the winners’ page plus photos from the big night pages from 18-35. l Excellence in Housewares Awards sponsors included: Ambiente and Sherwood Events, Bira, Bira Direct, BHETA, Burton McCall, David Mason Design, The DRH Collection, Expose Travel, EKO, Exclusively Shows, FKA Brands, GreenPan, HousewaresNews.net, The Inspired Home Show, Joseph Joseph, KitchenAid, KitchenCraft and Lifestyle Brands, Le Creuset, Meyer Group, OXO UK, PR Direct, RKW Wholesale, Spring and Autumn Fair, SMART Worldwide (an SMA Worldwide Company), Tefal, Tramontina and Ultimate Products.

The lucky casino winner The casino tables at The Excellence in Housewares Awards were full to bursting with people playing for fun, glory – and the incredible Star Prize.

Housewares sector travel experts Exposé Travel (official UK travel agent to the Inspired Home Show / IHA) teamed up with The Excellence in Housewares Awards to offer the winning player a trip for two over to ‘the windy city’ in March 2020, to spend a few days at the Above: The casino tables added some extra fun show but also an extra three nights to explore all that to the Excellence in Housewares Awards.

Chicago has to offer.

Paul Vasdev, managing director at Exposé Travel said; “We are lucky to work with a number of different sectors, though our work in housewares really is a firm favourite as the shows are so interesting and the people are so great to work with. And so it’s a huge pleasure to be a part of the best night of the year for this sector and add some fun into the mix.”

The winner of the star prize was Elaine Hawes, creative lead at Lakeland. Missing out in second place was Jeff Moody at Bira followed by Martin De La Fuente at Ocado.

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Jarrold celebrates as gia UK winner Jarrold – the family owned department store in Norwich – is celebrating being the UK gia (Global Innovation Award) winner for 2019-2020. The prestigious accolade coincides with the store’s 250th anniversary next year.

The announcement of the gia winner was made at the Excellence in Housewares Awards, where Jarrold also scooped the Best Department Store (Independent) Award.

As the UK’s gia winner, Jarrold wins a trip to Chicago to attend the gia awards night next March, where its gia UK trophy will be presented, with time to explore The Inspired Home Show (March 14-17) and the city itself. The show will showcase all of the gia winners from around the globe in its Hall of Global Innovation, representing the best housewares retailers in the world.

The gia programme is organised and internationally sponsored by The International Housewares Association (IHA) and The Inspired Home Show in Chicago (previously known as the International Home +Housewares Show). Its UK sponsor is Progressive Housewares magazine. l Of around 30 national winners, five national winners will also win the ultimate international prize for housewares retailing – the Global Honoree awards, which are judged by an international jury and presented on March 14. See www.housewares.org/show/gia-retail.

Tefal’s sweet sensations Tefal is running a three-month influencer campaign to promote its innovative Cake Factory. The product is the Above: Tefal’s Cake Factory.

UK’s first precision cake maker, which claims to revolutionise home baking for beginners and perfectionists alike. Its five automatic programmes overcome baking challenges such as temperamental ovens and accurate cooking times.

The brand is sponsoring a number of high profile influencers, who are producing Cake Factory blogs and videos to be shared across their social channels.

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Church leaders say ‘no bloody point’ Church of England bishops have called for the re-design of kitchen knives in order to reduce knife crime. In a recent letter to the Government published in The Sunday Times, with Above: The National Monument against Violence and Aggression, signatories also Knife Angel (photo by T S including crime and the Peters, Creative Commons gang culture experts Attribution) has been on display and MPs as well as outside cathedrals. the clergy, reference was made to a five-year study in Edinburgh, which found that 94% of the sharp instruments used in homicides were kitchen knives. Suggesting that rounded ends for knives would reduce knife crime by making fatalities less likely, the letter urged the Government to ‘take urgent measures to promote the sale of safe kitchen knife designs and restrict those designs, which have been used in so many acts of violence.’

The signatories acknowledged that: ‘Historically, we needed a point on the end of our knife to pick up food because forks weren’t invented. Now, we only need the point to open packets when we can’t be bothered to find the scissors.’

They also wrote: “The UK has worked for the public good by restricting handguns, paracetamol, smoking in public and plastic bags – now it is time to say ‘no bloody point’.”

TOP STORY

Industry contributes to Offensive Weapons Act consultation Members of the housewares industry have contributed to the consultation for The Offensive Weapons Act 2019.

The consultation period finished on October 9. BHETA coordinated a challenge to the latest draft of the Act following a meeting of its taskforce on responsible knife retailing (comprising leading retailers and suppliers of knives).

The current draft of the Act revealed several changes from earlier versions, as well as several discrepancies.

These included a revised definition of ‘bladed item’ to include cutlery, scissors and garden secateurs.

The BHETA taskforce also raised the issue of contradictions between different parts of the document and imprecise meanings in critical aspects of the draft legislation. Specific examples included what constitutes a Above: Cutlery has appeared defence regarding the different terms covered in the new Act; the in the current draft of The Offensive Weapons Act 2019. lack of clarity in the definition of a residential address, given the prevalence of home working and the role of distribution companies in carrying out retailer or supplier compliance.

BHETA’s marketing manager Steve Richardson commented, “Given how serious and complex the issue of knife crime is, it is worrying that the proposed legislation remains so contradictory and poorly defined. The responsible retailing of bladed items depends on the ability of all parties to collaborate effectively.” He called for the forthcoming legislation to be “both sensible and clear.” l See BHETA news page 14 and Food for thought pages 40-41. l Reacting to the new Offensive Weapons Act 2019, Royal Mail has proposed a ban for bladed items being sent through all of its standard postal services, including its Universal Service. Meanwhile, it is developing a new age verification product.

Trading Standards exposes underage sales Sainsbury’s saves the pan-et Sainsbury’s and Tefal have been encouraging consumers to recycle old pots and pans and, in return, get 30% off Tefal’s new So Recycled cookware range, which is made from 100% recycled aluminium.

The initiative ran for three weeks (from Recycling Week from the end of September) with over 300 Sainsbury's stores hosting dump bins for pan recycling.

Right: Canopy glassware from LSA at its pop-up shop, The Greenhouse.

Test purchasing data published recently by National Trading Standards shows that children have been able to buy knives at some major high street retailers and independent stores. Of 2,231 tests, carried out by Trading Standards in England and Wales between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019, retailers failed to prevent the sale of a knife to a child on 344 separate occasions (equating to 15% of the tests).

Poundland, Home Bargains, Asda and Tesco sold knives to children at least 15 times each during the tests. However, Above: Asda removed single knives retailers have taken action since the tests began to introduce steps to from its shelves in April. prevent under-age knives sales in stores. For example, Poundland announced it would stop selling kitchen knives last year, while Asda removed single knives from its shelves in April and updated its staff training (with Challenge 25 policies in place). Since the test searches, Tesco has made changes including keeping single kitchen knives in locked cabinets in larger stores with two staff members checking a customer’s age.

Trading Standards also carried out 100 online test purchases, which found that children were sold a knife on 41 occasions.

LSA pops up with Canopy As part of designjunction, held during September’s London Design Festival, LSA International created The Greenhouse - a fourday pop-up shop at London’s trendy Coal Drop Yard in Kings Cross. A major feature was Canopy, the company’s 100% recycled, handmade licensed glass collection, launched in collaboration with the Eden Project.

Scott Brothers gets the hanger of it UK homeware supplier Scott Brothers has added more than 400 products to its catalogue with the acquisition of H&L Russel.

Established in 1888, H & L Russel is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of garment hangers and holds a prestigious Royal Warrant as suppliers to the Queen. In addition to garment rails and clothes care products, its product range also kitchen utensils and laundry items.

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Inspire The latest cook, bake, table and barware, plus kitchen essentials that bring fresh inspiration to the home.

50,000+ visitors 2,500 exhibitors 17 show sectors Get your free ticket: springfair.com

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TOP STORY

Borough Kitchen to open in Islington Above: Theo Paphitis at Autumn Fair.

Theo Paphitis on ‘seismic change’ Returning to the Autumn Fair (Birmingham September 1-4) as a keynote speaker for the second consecutive year, Robert Dyas owner Theo Paphitis told delegates that, with so much changing around us in the world today, we can also expect a seismic change in retail too.

Theo stated: “What we have all learned about retail over the past 30-40 years is that very little is now relevant. So much has changed in the way that our customers trade and the habits that they have got themselves into. For example, today’s consumers are promiscuous, and by that I mean that they love you today and move on tomorrow, just with their finger. Click. It’s so easy in terms of products and services.”

He continued: “Disruption is still majorly in existence. If you think what we have seen so far is disruption, the next five years will put that in the shade. However, wherever there is disruption there is opportunity.”

Asked whether, if he was starting out in retail today, he would have shops, Theo admitted that he wouldn’t. “It’s so easy to get customers today,” he pointed out. “You can reach them in so many different ways.

You can reach customers and ship to them on the other side of the world, so I would definitely start with an online space.”

Autumn Fair speakers also included Mary Portas, who highlighted the importance of women in leading retail roles.

Porridge champ praises the spurtle The 26th Annual World Porridge Making Championship provided a boost for a wooden kitchen tool – the spurtle. The championship – which took place in October in Carrbridge, Scotland – brings together porridge cooks who compete to win the Golden Spurtle trophy.

Interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, this year’s winner Lisa Williams admitted to owning seven spurtles in her kitchen in Surrey. Not just for stirring porridge, Lisa said the wooden tool is excellent for stirring soups and cake batters rather than a spoon “because it doesn’t have the bowl so it gets into the corners of the pan.”

Right: An FSC beech wood spurtle from T&G.

Below: An impression of Borough Kitchen's new space in North Arcade, Islington Square. (Image courtesy of And-Then Studio).

Borough Kitchen will open its fourth location at Islington Square, London this autumn.

The venue is a new premium retail and leisure destination on Upper Street housing over 30 shops, restaurants and services. Borough Kitchen’s new store will features its full product range as well as its most central Cook School.

The Islington store will also be the hub of Borough Kitchen’s rapidly growing online platform, interior design programme (working with interior designers and architects), and marketing initiatives.

The retailer is due to open a pop-up location on the Boulevard in the development in November, moving to its permanent store in the North Arcade in early 2020.

According to Borough Kitchen, the new location will help it to champion its wide range of partner brands ‘in a more lively and engaging way.’

Co-founder Justin Kowbel commented: “Given we already have strong existing customer relationships in the area, we’re excited to better serve Islington and east London from this new home.”

The new Cook School will continue to focus on Borough Kitchen’s signature, intimate 10-person classes, but has the ability to hold up to 20 guests for private parties, especially cookbook launches and corporate events targeted at urban professionals. Students at the Cook School will learn using the knives, pans, and other products sold in the stores.

Vileda says cleaning is ‘liberating’

Below: Cleaning with Vileda.

A survey on spring cleaning habits conducted by leading cleaning brand Vileda has found that more than half of respondents in the UK between 18 and 44 find cleaning ‘liberating’.

These findings seem to confirm a surge in popularity of influencers, such as Marie Kondō, whose books and Netflix series inspire an audience of millions. "For suppliers of high-quality products, this trend can be an opportunity, which is why we as a brand manufacturer are keeping a very close eye on this development, and how this affects instore consumer behaviour,” says Emmah Littlewood, general manager at Vileda.

Emmah observes that a tidy home is becoming a lifestyle. She acknowledges: “Overall, we see that consumers are less dispassionate about cleaning than they were a few decades ago.” She compares this development with cooking: "Providing for the physical well-being of the family used to be largely perceived as a housewife's duty," says Emmah. “For many people today, cooking is an expression of individuality and quality of life across all genders and we are seeing a similar trend when it comes to cleaning. Young and old, women and men, singles and extended families have different preferences for cleaning. What they all have in common, however, is that they now clean less and less out of tradition or for their partner, but out of a personal state of mind - for the good feeling afterwards.”

Emmah also recognises that consumers are increasingly opting against a one-off weekly cleaning marathon but cleaning in a more 'fragmented' way, such as room by room. Consumers increasingly expect products to be quick and easy to use and effective at the same time, notes Emmah.

She concludes: "The demand for innovations that combine ergonomics and efficiency, ie core properties that consumers associate with Vileda products, is also increasing.” (See Utility market focus pages 48-51).

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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MAKING Let KitchenAid’s 100 Year Limited Edition Queen of Hearts collection inspire you to make memories in the Kitchen.

Celebrate KitchenAid’s anniversary and join us as we look forward to another century of making.

Please contact your KitchenAid rep for more information.

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The Inspired Home Show supports indies The Inspired Home Show (Chicago, March 14- 17, formerly the International Home + Housewares Show) will hold a one-half day educational and networking event on Friday, March 13 focusing on how to succeed as an independent retailer.

This pre-show event, to be held at the exhibition’s venue, McCormick Place the day before the Show opens, is exclusive to independent retailers that sell home and housewares goods. It is open to UK independent retailers and there is no charge, but an RSVP is required. Above: Visitors at last year’s show in Chicago.

Below: Trends expert, Tom Mirabile.

“The retail landscape is changing rapidly and all stores – whether mass, specialty, independent, gift or some combination of these – are looking for ways to evolve, compete and win in this new economy. The International Housewares Association (IHA) recognises the unique challenges - and opportunities - that come with being an independent retailer of home goods in 2020,” explains Jon Jesse, vice president, industry development at the IHA (organiser of The Inspired Home Show). He emphasises: “We are keen to help independent retailers find solutions to the challenges they face.”

The Independent’s Day programme includes a presentation on how ‘On-Trend Products’ can boost sales, by Tom Mirabile, co-founder and principal, Springboard Insights, and IHA’s consumer trend forecaster.

The agenda also includes ‘Proven Techniques to Increase Sales, Profit and Cash Flow’ by Paul Erickson, director, marketing and sales of Management One, as well as presentations on ‘Using Social Influencers’, and ‘Sidelines That Sell, Merchandise Strategies to Help Your Store Succeed’.

Jon Jesse also reflects on the importance of independents in the housewares market: “Independent retailers are a key customer for housewares suppliers and are critical to the success of The Inspired Home Show’s exhibitors.” He continues: “They have become a brand ambassador for the brands they carry and can explain the benefits and differences between products, educating their customers in a way that larger retailers can’t.”

Jon also notes: “In addition, independent retailers can react quicker to changing trends and dynamics in the marketplace, such as the desire by consumers to want homes that reflect their personalities and lifestyles. The rebranding of the International Home + Housewares Show to The Inspired Home Show does just that by aligning the industry’s premier marketplace with consumer trends shifting from functional home design to aspirational lifestyle development. “ l Independent retailers from the UK can reserve their place at the Independent’s Day, by visiting TheInspiredHomeShow.com/IndependentsDay. To register for a Show badge, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

What More invests in apprentices What More UK (the Lancashire-based manufacturer of Wham plasticware, bakeware and cookware) is investing in the future of employees and young adults in education through funding apprenticeship and NVQ courses.

Employees in education at Wham receive real working experience on the factory floor, which has seen recent investment of over £1 million in the tool room.

A number of existing employees, including James Howell and Alex Graham, have recently completed their NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship in Performance Engineering Operations. Meanwhile, two young adult Above: Some of the What More team with its apprentices. learners, William Moat and Izaak Holden are close to completing their respective courses.

William commented: “What More UK has provided a fantastic learning opportunity for me, and many others.”

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Above: Part of EcoSoul’s portfolio.

Horwood acquires EcoSoulife Horwood Homewares has expanded its offerings of sustainable housewares products with its acquisition of the Australian company, EcoSouLife.

EcoSouLife is an environmentally conscious company whose mission is to deliver guilt-free disposable and reusable alternatives to plastic and foam. By using agricultural waste combined with the newest technologies, it has been able to create affordable and accessible products that are kinder to the environment.

The EcoSouLife brand will be part of Horwood Life, a subsidiary of Horwood Homewares, which will focus on driving sales, distribution and awareness across all relevant sales channels globally. The portfolio dovetails well with Horwood’s Smidge brand, (launched earlier this year) with its wide array of design-led, functional products that provide alternatives to single-use plastic.

Rob Jones, Horwood Homewares’ managing director comments: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the entire EcoSouLife team. Their passion, experience and knowledge of this category will help to continue to create and develop product solutions in an area of extensive consumer interest and importance.”

Haden hits the spot British heritage appliance brand Haden and luxury lifestyle brand Poodle & Blonde have joined forces to create an exclusive limited edition range of high quality kitchen appliances adorned with Dalmatian spots and retro pink.

The Margate kettle and toaster set (inspired by Haden’s pioneering kettles, originally launched in the 1950’s) features Poodle & Blonde’s best-selling Tottenham Dalmatian print.

“We are thrilled to be working with Poodle & Blonde,” says Sachin Bagga, director of Haden Appliances, adding: “We absolutely love their unique British style and passion for all things interior.”

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Fiskars UK Limited Tel: 0a1782 204141 Email: sara.ward-evans@Fiskars.com www.royaldoulton.co.uk

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John Lewis & Partners on what’s hot

Above: Good service - electricals retailer AO.

The best for service Online SDA stockist AO.com was voted best electricals retailer for customer service in the annual consumer survey published by Which? It was ranked as the sixth best retailer for customer service in the UK with an overall score of 84%. Other electrical retailers featured in the survey included John Lewis at 16 and Argos at 21.

Meanwhile, housewares specialist Lakeland came second in the survey (after First Direct) with a score of 87% and acknowledgement of its helpful and knowledgeable staff. In third place was Marks & Spencer for its homewares and clothing departments, while Waitrose took joint fourth place.

The survey involved nearly 4,000 consumers who were quizzed on their best and worst experiences of customer service.

CellarDine breaks downs wine snobbery CellarDine (from PHA Kitchessential) – renowned for its wine enhancing tools and gadgets - has teamed up with Alchemy Wines in a joint effort to increase the general public’s understanding of wine. Alchemy is a leading wine producer offering significant choices in grape varieties and excellent value.

Peter Dunne, CellarDine’s md explained: “In partnership with Alchemy Wines, we are working to breakdown the "snobbery" in the world of wine and help consumers get the best out of their wines and understand the basic terms when describing the taste and terminologies.” The partnership has produced a free ‘wine tips’ booklet, which will be given out at all of CellarDine’s ‘Meet the Maker’ events between now until Christmas.

Tips include how to let red wine breathe, matching wines with food, buying Champagne and finding the best value for money.

John Lewis & Partners says the ‘war on plastic’ has been a major influence in its sales over the past year. The department store has published its annual retail report on ‘How we shop, live and look.’

Sale of reusable bottles continues to grow, increasing by 15% over the past year. The recent addition of portable cutlery has seen a 176% increase in sales. With the forthcoming ban on plastic straws, consumers are investing in stainless steel reusable straws – with sales up by a whopping 1573% for John Lewis & Partners.

Highlighting its launch of collapsable coffee cups, reusable travel cutlery and reusable beeswax sandwich wrappers over Top: Sales of drinks trolleys are up - image from the last year, JL&P’s report states: ‘Travel mugs, reusable water John Lewis & Partners’ retail report: ‘How we bottles and lunch boxes are now everyday essentials. A growing shop, live and look.’ range of brands are innovating with new materials and designs so staying eco-friendly while eating your leftovers is not a problem.’ It acknowledges: ‘One water bottle might not be enough and customers are purchasing a range of sizes and styles for their gym bags, commutes, desks and handbags.’

Products that have declined in popularity include the fish kettle – delisted by the retailer this year due to the decline in formal dinner parties. Oven to tableware declined by -8% and soufflé dishes are falling out of vogue as more consumers choose to cook and entertain with simple, hearty, one-pot meals. Hence casserole dishes are increasing in popularity.

Cocktails shaker sales have dropped by -20%, but home bars are ‘big news,’ according to JL&P. Sales of drinks trolleys are up 136% and decanters are back in vogue. With the trend for artisan spirits and infused tonics, consumers are becoming home mixologists, with spirit measurer sales up 33%.

According to John Lewis & Partners, home organisation expert Marie Kondo ‘kick-started the tidy revolution’ in January, pushing sales of storage boxes up 47%. Meanwhile the hot summer weather contributed to a 120% increase in the sale of fans.

Looking ahead to 2020, the retailer predicts the increasing popularity of the pressure cooker and for growing food in small urban settings.

The report also highlights the continued rise of experiential shopping stating that: ‘With the high street under more pressure than ever, experience is set to play an even more vital role when consumers “pop to the shops”. Transforming shops into destinations is high on the agenda for next year.’ * The John Lewis Partnership reported a loss of £25.9m in its results for the half year ending July 2019. John Lewis & Partners’ operating losses increased by £42.5m, driven partly by ‘the impact of subdued consumer confidence.’ The latter has affected sales in Home and Electricals in particular, according to the retailer.

In his chairman’s statement, Sir Charlie Mayfield delivered a stark Brexit warning, stating: “should the UK leave the EU without a deal, we expect the effect to be significant and it will not be possible to mitigate that impact.”

Rex London achieves Queen’s Award Representative deputy lieutenant for the London Borough of Ealing, Richard Kornicki has presented the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade to housewares and gift supplier Rex London. The Award recognises the company’s spectacular export growth. It products include bestselling lunch bags and drinks bottles. However, sales director Nigel Biggs warned of the impact of a hard/no deal Brexit.

Since 2012, the company’s exports – to over 70 countries worldwide – Above: Rex London’s sales director Nigel Biggs is presented with the have soared by more than 250%, accounting for around 55% of total Queen’s Award for Enterprise: sales last year. More than 60% of those international sales went to the EU International Trade, by deputy lieutenant for the London Borough – with France, Germany, Spain and Belgium being the key markets. of Ealing, Richard Kornicki.

Nigel highlighted the importance of staying connected with international customers, attributing Rex London’s successes to this outward facing strategy. “We are excited and proud to receive this recognition of our hard work,” Nigel commented. “We take a global outlook – with a particular focus on Europe.”

He continued: “Clearly, we are worried that a hard or no-deal Brexit would affect the continued growth of our business, and our ability to expand further into European markets. That’s why we have recently established bases in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium so we can sell direct to local retailers. This presence will also act a foothold in the EU should the UK leave without a deal, allowing us to avoid additional custom clearances while maintaining prompt delivery to our customers.”

Nigel cautioned that any shift in order processing may have a long-term impact on staffing numbers in the Acton-based UK operation.

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TOP STORY

NEWS IN BRIEF

Glanvilles turns 100 Glanvilles of Wadebridge has been celebrating its centenary by “giving back to customers.” The independent cookware, housewares and lighting store is the oldest shop in the Cornish market town. Proprietor Rosemarie (Rosie) Hamm took over the family business from her parents, Charles and Brigitte Glanville. Rosie told PH: “We wanted to give something back to our customers and thought the best way to do this was with a freeto-enter raffle with a hundred prizes.”

Raffle prizes included an especially commissioned wooden chopping board created by T&G, depicting the Above: T&G’s Patrick Gardner pictured cutting the centenary cake with Wadebridge Bridge. The image is from an historic Glanville’s Rosie Hamm and some of the Cookshop team. Patrick also helped photography licensed from Cornwall Museum and to draw the winning raffle tickets. “shows stunning detail,” notes Rosie. T&G’s managing director Patrick Gardner joined the store for its celebrations and presented Rosie and her team with another commemorative T&G board marking the centenary.

Brabantia provided prizes, including its celebratory Patrice retro bin and breadbin.

KitchenCraft supported the centenary by donating £1,000 worth of gift vouchers.

Frederick Hill – one of KitchenCraft’s historic trading names – is the first name on Glanvilles’ very first sales ledger book.

Celebratory activities included a Wüsthof knives in-store demonstration hosted by Haus’ chef Christian Derbyshire. Glanvilles’ window has featured an array of historic treasures, including a sewing machine used in the old saddler business, a wooden till and the first ledger book.

Ernest Glanville Senior founded the business when he returned home from the First World War. Ernest was a saddler by trade but started to sell ironmongery and household goods on his visits to local farms. In the 1930s, three cottages were purchased in the town as the premises for Glanville & Sons. Today, the ground floor of the store is dedicated to cookware, tableware and other housewares.

Left: Having grown up in the family business, a young Rosie is pictured in Glanvilles with a rep from Goblin who was demonstrating the Teasmade.

Celebake with Brabantia Brabantia’s second wave of new product launches for its centenary year includes the introduction of a new category – bakeware. Aptly named, the Celebake range includes loaf tins, springform cake tins, muffin tins and a baking set with high quality scratch resistant Whitford Quantanium non-stick.

Earlier this year, Brabantia marked its 100 years of trading with the re-launch of its retro Patrice flower print – a Above: Prof. Dr W van de Donk, King’s commissioner in the Province of Brabant, bestseller from 1969. Bryan Edgar, Brabantia UK’s national the Royal Designation account manager notes that the print is “an iconic design to presented certificate to Brabantia’s ceo Tijn van this day.” He notes: “Being an interior design-led brand lends Elderen at special event earlier this year. itself perfectly to this eye-catching design.”

Brabantia’s special year has also been marked with the award of Royal Designation from His Majesty King Willem Alexander of The Netherlands. The announcement was made at a centennial event in Eindhoven, where Prof. Dr. W. van de Donk, King’s commissioner in the Province of Brabant, presented the certificate to Brabantia’s ceo Tijn van Elderen.

Tijn commented: “It is an honour for our family to have the right to use the royal designation at Brabantia. It crowns our 100 years of craftsmanship and the courage displayed by my father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncles and all of the Brabantia family today.”

Brabantia started in 1919 as Van Elderen & Co in Aalst Netherlands and began by producing milk cans, jugs, sieves and funnels. (See Utility market focus pages 48-51).

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l Reflecting the enduring popularity of the classic TV comedy show, Friends, the Friends Homewares from Pyramid International was crowned the Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range at the Licensing Awards 2019, organised by PH owners, Max Publishing. l After 18 years ago at the Oxo Tower, black +

blum has moved to new premises, reflecting the company’s growth. Still on London’s South Bank, the new hq is at 40 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB. l The site of Beales in Hexham, Northumberland

is re-opening as an Outlet store, run by Beales, offering outlets for home and fashion brands, with an expanded homewares section. l The John Lewis Partnership has announced its

Future Partnership plan, which will see John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners managed by a single executive team responsible for business strategy and performance. Current chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield acknowledged that there is to be: “considerable change” as the two businesses will be working more closely together. l Distributor and supplier RKW is now the exclusive retail distributor for Italian designer kitchen electricals brand Smeg, most famous for its 50s retro style products, including coffee makers and toasters. l Dunelm Group has reported that total like-for-

like sales increased by 6.4% in its first quarter (ending September 28), with total growth of 7.5%, including the benefit of new stores. . l Eagle-eyed kitchenware aficionados may enjoy spotting a traditional style Mason Cash mixing bowl in the kitchen in the trailer for the newly released Downton Abbey film as well as searching for it in the film itself. l Sainsbury’s has announced a reorganisation, which will see the closure of 60-70 standalone Argos stores. Around 80 new Argos outlets will be integrated into Sainsbury’s branches.

2020 trends by Ambiente International trade fair Ambiente (February 7-11 2020, Frankfurt) will present exhibitors’ products in three zones in its popular Trends display. Above: An image reflecting the ‘precise + architectural’ trend.

The three ‘trend worlds’ are: ‘shaped + softened’, ‘precise + architectural’ and ‘artistical + diverse’.

Ambiente Trends are researched and curated by design studio Stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano. The studio studies influences across design, art, architecture, fashion and lifestyle areas. It then selects products from the collections of nearly 4,500 Ambiente exhibitors. Nicolette Naumann, vice president of the international show explains that Ambiente Trends “help our visitors at Ambiente to prepare thoroughly for the coming business year.”

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PEOPLE l Portmeirion Group has announced that

Lawrence Bryan, its director and chief executive for nearly 20 years, has retired from his executive duties.

However Lawrence will continue to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to the business as a nonexecutive director on the board.

Having worked closely with all parts of Portmeirion Group for the last two and a half years, Mike Raybould has Above: Newly appointed been appointed chief chief executive Mike executive. Mike joined as Rayboud. finance director and has made a significant impact on Portmeirion Group’s strategy and business as the Group continues on its path of growth and evolution into a diversified homewares company.

Chairman Dick Steele commented: “I struggle to find words that are adequate to describe the huge contribution that Lawrence has made to the Group. Without his leadership, commercial expertise, commitment and perspicacity the Group would not be the force that it is in homewares today.” l The Meyer Group has

appointed Claire WhalleyLivesey as sales director.

Meyer’s chairman and managing director Mark Ivory commented: “Claire joins us at a particularly exciting time as Meyer expands its leadership position in gourmet Claire Whalleycookware and invests further Above: Livesey at the recent across its kitchenware brand Excellence in portfolio, providing a full Housewares Awards. service proposition for our customers. We are delighted to welcome Claire to the Meyer team. “ He added: “With her extensive knowledge gained from a distinguished career, her positive contribution will be a real benefit to the success of Meyer and our retail partners.”

Claire has worked across a number of nonfood categories throughout her career including Baylis and Harding both in the UK and mainland Europe, as part of its senior executive team. l Following its business expansion Scott

Brothers has appointed Carol Baxendale-Potter as marketing and product development manager. Carol has over 25 years’ experience of strategic brand work at companies including Wedgwood, The Rayware Group and Russell Hobbs.

TOP STORY

Tala’s ‘Ready Steady Bake’ With the new series of BBC’s The Great British Bake Off in full swing, the Tala brand (from George East) made the most of the nation’s baking fervour with its own ‘Ready, Steady, Bake’. The baking challenge was hosted by the Divertimenti Cookery School in London, and was attended by a group of food bloggers, journalists and influential peers in the baking world.

Six teams of two battled it out, with identical ingredients, to recreate a recipe for Choux Pastry Swans - selected and demonstrated by Tala’s own baking professional, Hannah Wiltshire. Divertimenti’s Cookery School Above: The bakers presented their Choux Pastry Swans to the Tala judges.

Belowe: Tala’s Nick and Laura Squire. manager Samantha Harvey helped with the competition, which was judged by Hannah as well as Tala’s Nick and Laura Squire.

Publications and blogs represented at the event included Good Housekeeping, Bella, That's Life and Take a Break, Metro, Eat Cook Explore, Delicious, BBC Good Food, Olive, Waitrose Weekend, End of the Fork, Suzy Pelta Bakes, My Gluten Free Guide and Gluten Free Cuppa Tea. The bakers used Tala’s iconic cooks measure, Tala mixing bowls, sugar shakers, baking gadgets and Tala Performance nonstick baking trays. To decorate they used a selection of Tala icing bags and nozzles, cake smoothers and plunger cutters.

Laura Squire of Tala described the evening workshop as “great fun” and “in a wonderful venue.” She reflected: “Even long-established brands like Tala need to assist retailers in selling their products. And we recognise how today’s consumer is influenced by social media and digital marketing. Influencers have a close relationship with their audience and therefore high levels of trust. They are enthusiastic about product performance and capabilities and demonstrate these to their audience.”

She also noted: “Unsurprisingly, Tala Performance bakeware was a real hit with the bakers. One team member even added how delighted she was not to have to line her baking tray as she does with her bakeware at home.”

Right: Simon Maghnagi from Forma House at Top Drawer with re-usable bottles from Root 7.

Top Drawer delights Housewares buyers enjoyed exploring the Home, Gift, Spotted and Craft sections at Top Drawer’s Autumn/Winter edition (September 810). The show took place at London’s Olympia, with exhibitors unveiling everything from cutting edge to classic designs.

Forma House launched three new colours in its Concerto tableware range. Simon Maghnagi, business development manager, also highlighted that Forma has updated its website to make it easy for customers to navigate.

Other new products at the show included Corkcicle’s hybrid re-usable bottles and the tripled walled Canteen collection (from Auteur).

Looking ahead, design will be at the core of Top Drawer S/S 2020 (January 12-14), with the January show featuring a new, inspirational Live Design campaign.

DKB to distribute AdHoc in 2020 DKB Household will distribute premium German housewares brand AdHoc from January 2020. DKB’s parent company, Swiss-owned Diethelm Keller Group, acquired a major stake in the AdHoc Entwicklung und Vertrieb in June 2019. The development supports the Group’s mission to be a leading supplier of high-quality lifestyle products.

AdHoc will be managed as an independent company within the Diethelm Keller Group. Grant Race, DKB Household’s global marketing and NPD director commented: “We are all really excited about adding this beautiful German designer brand to our assortment and selling it here in the UK. It is a perfect partner to our house brands and adds some great depth and breadth to our line-up”.

DKB will take over from Mistral Brands, which has been AdHoc’s agent in the UK. Right: AdHoc Orient Glass Teapot.

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Wilko Meet the Buyer BHETA (The British Home Enhancement Trade Association) is to host another of its Meet The Buyer retail networking days with Wilko, the home and hardware retailer with over 400 stores in the UK (mostly on high streets). The whole Wilko buying team will attend the event on November 13 (Shelley Suite, Best Western West Retford Hall in Retford, Nottinghamshire).

Wilko’s listings include kitchen and dining, storage, cleaning and household. It positions itself as providing simple solutions to help families get their day to day lives Above: Wilko is the next retailer in BHETA’s sorted as quickly, easily and affordably as possible. At the Meet the Buyer programme.

Meet The Buyer event, Wilko buyers are looking for companies who can offer a wide variety of products. Current supplier rationalisation means that prospective suppliers must be able to offer multiple lines.

Will Jones, BHETA’s chief operating officer commented: “We are delighted to be providing members with another great opportunity to schedule face to face meetings with the key buyers for their categories.”

Companies participating in the event will be allocated a 20-minute appointment time. A maximum of two people from each supplier company will be allowed and suppliers are urged to use the time available to concentrate on the features and benefits of the products they are offering, supported by cost price proposals.

Will continued, “This event is sure to attract a big response and there will be a limit to the number of people that can be accommodated on the day.”

Contact Helen Farnell in BHETA Member Services on 0121 237 1130 or email hf@bheta.co.uk.

At your service BHETA is hosting a Service Provider Forum aimed at showcasing its comprehensive offer of added value and special rate business services for members. The event takes place on November 19.

The forum agenda covers topics including: Cyber Security, Employment of EU and Non-EU workers, Environmental issues affecting business such as packaging, Finance, Intellectual property, Logistics, Market data and Online trading. There will also be an export clinic.

Contact Samantha Miah, BHETA’s Member Services Team on sm@bheta.co.uk.

BHETA to work with Scotland Yard Ahead of the new Offensive Weapon Act (see news and Food for Thought pages), BHETA has been invited to join Scotland Yard’s retailer steering group. The involvement follows several informal conversations, together with BHETA’s success in securing the extension of the Challenge 25 initiative from alcohol sales to cover the responsible retailing of kitchen knives.

The application of Challenge 25 to kitchen knives will not only include point of sale items as in the original campaign but will for the first time include supplier packaging and distribution company outer packaging.

The enforcement of the law to ensure that under 18s cannot purchase knives will be made easier for retail and distribution staff by packaging that will carry the Challenge 25 graphics.

This development has interested Scotland Yard as part of its production of training resources to help reduce the theft and underage sales of knives in conjunction with the National Business Crime Centre [NBCC], Trading Standards and Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (London).

BHETA’s Steve Richardson who, together with BHETA’s president Alastair Fisher (of Taylor’s Eye Witness), has attended a number of police consultations on responsible knife retailing, states: “Working with Scotland Yard on the project is clearly a major opportunity to create a hard-hitting campaign representative of the whole industry. BHETA’s objective is to ensure members are fully compliant with future legislation while safeguarding the legitimate purchase of kitchen knives and cutlery.”

BHETA’s involvement follows its initiation of a consultative taskforce comprising many of the top kitchen knife retailers and suppliers, including John Lewis & Partners, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Lakeland, Dunelm, T K Maxx, Morleys Group, Harts of Stur, Taylor’s Eye Witness, Amefa, Fiskars, Meyer Group, Haus, Burton McCall, Kuhn Rikon, The Rayware Group and Robert Welch Designs.

Right: The Funky Appliance Company’s Joe and Sadie Sillett (photo by Christopher Pledger).

Three new members join up The Funky Appliance Company (hitherto The Funky Iron Company) has combined form and function bringing a new concept steam iron to the market. Its retro looks in signature cream plus a choice of contrast colours are quirky and distinctive, while its functionality is attracting rave revues. The British company is also environmentally cutting edge and is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Scheme and the European Recycling Platform.

Nedis offers electronic-related solutions and products, for indoor or outdoor use, including table fans.

Its ethos is ‘making life smarter, easier, healthier and more fun’. Domu is based in Manchester and delivers a range of functional, practical and innovative products including food preparation appliances.

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Above: A view of Fenwick Brent Cross.

Fenwick is headline speaker Kieran McBride, Fenwick’s director of buying for furniture, home and food was the headline speaker at BHETA’s retailer forum at the end of October. Having undergone many changes with a restructure to central buying over the past year, Kieran brought BHETA members up to speed on new projects and developments. He also discussed how suppliers can support future developments and further establish trading relationships.

The agenda also included Dan Black, co-founder and lead designer at black + blum. Dan talked about sustainable product design and the challenges faced by designers. Meanwhile Phil Pond of trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus provided insights into the issue of sustainability and ecofriendly goods and how advances in technology have led to innovation in manufacturing processes, material recovery possibilities and product design.

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Below: Andrew talking to guests at the Excellence in Housewares Awards.

I joined Bira last September and the Excellence in Housewares Awards was the first industry event I was invited to. I soon realised just how highly regarded these awards are, which made it even more excited to be returning this year. This year’s awards were also particularly special because it was the 20th year of what can rightly be described as the ‘Oscars’ of the housewares sector.

In my first 12 months involved with independent retail businesses I have seen and met some really fantastic people – innovative, determined and brave. I say brave because as we all know retailing on the high street is one of the toughest places to have a business these days.

The Excellence in Housewares Awards are evidence that the challenges faced today can be overcome. I saw figures recently stating that independent shops were in fact growing. There is something of a ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ within the world of independent retailing, as we see creative business people rise to the challenge of saving the high street. I applaud these independents for leading the way, especially as the larger, more traditional high street chains are finding it so difficult.

But no matter how good you are, all retailers, especially the smaller independent ones, need support from the outside. This time last year we were asking the Government for a significant reduction in rates – we had just launched our campaign. Earlier this year (April) we saw rates reduce by 30% for many retailers. Yes, this was a success, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Given the economic and political uncertainty, Bira recognises that even more needs to be done and so we are asking for the complete overhaul of rates, changes to the valuation office, incentives for investment, shopper friendly parking initiatives and investment in town centres and high streets to increase footfall.

Our mantra is to ‘level the playing field’ in comparison to the pure and very large internet traders.

If you want to talk to me about the challenges you face, or any ideas you have to improve the general trading environment, please do so by calling the Bira office on 0121 446 6688.

To celebrate 120 years of independent retail support, we’re offering retail membership at a reduced rate until the end of 2019. This represents a 41% discount on the standard price. Visit bira.co.uk/join for more information.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo, Bira

Bira asks for Brexit clarity Bira has joined a number of associations in writing to Andrea Leadsom, the secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (pictured) to ask for greater clarity on what Brexit will mean for the UK workforce.

Bira recognises that many independent businesses rely heavily on foreign workers, both within its membership and that of the British Agricultural Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA, which comes under the Bira umbrella). The associations say that the suggested £30,000 minimum salary threshold would seriously damage the ability of independent businesses to employ these workers.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira commented: “The task of retaining and recruiting employees in retail is already very difficult and the changes due to Brexit will make it even harder. We need a commonsense approach to support independent retail businesses.”

Confidence low but staff numbers up Bira’s business confidence barometer, which forms part of Bira’s annual Wages Survey showed 50.8% of retailers are feeling anxious, which is significantly higher than in 2018 (40.83%). The number of retailers feeling very confident showed a decline too, with only 7.1% feeling very confident, which is down on 2018 and 2017 (8.28% and 12.5%).

The Wages Survey is an annual questionnaire of Bira’s membership to gauge how employment costs are affecting their businesses and also to see how confident they are about the future.

Despite the lack of confidence, retailers have been able to increase the number of full-time staff they are employing with 76.2% of respondents currently employing full time staff, which is a big improvement on 2018 (53.46%).

However, only 17.3% of respondents said they were currently recruiting. Bira speculates that this may be due to an increase in retailers being able to support flexible working, with more staff being retained. Some 82.6% of retailers said they were able to accommodate all flexible working requests from staff.

Some 64.3% were also able to offer a pay rise this year, another way to retain staff.

Wages are also showing positive signs with the full-time hourly staff rates at an average of £8.53 per hour, 32p above the current National Living Wage of £8.21.

Rebates? It must be Christmas!

Buying group Bira Direct has launched a new rebate scheme, which allows members the opportunity to receive a 1% rebate on their spend between October and December 2019. To qualify for the rebate members must increase their spend between October and December 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018.

Managing director of Bira Direct, Jeff Moody, said: “We are delighted to be able to reward our members for their loyalty to our buying group. For the first time we are also offering the rebate to any new users of Bira Direct too, so it’s a great opportunity to sign up and start using us to do your seasonal buying.”

Bira Direct users that want an easy way to increase their spend without drastically changing their purchasing habits can download and complete a supplier switch form (returning it to alan.kempson-byrne@bira.co.uk).

Bira members that have not used Bira Direct before can open an account by calling the credit control team on 0800 028 0245.

In 2019 Bira Direct has brought on over 50 new suppliers that offer competitive terms, reduced minimum order Inset: Bira Direct members may be values and 30 days end of month credit when invoicing through Bira Direct. New developments on biradirect.co.uk enjoying some rebates this festive season.

(Photo by Suzy Hazelwood, Pexels). mean that members can browse products and suppliers more easily.

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HousewaresNews.net is the online resource for the entire housewares sector. From the publishers of Progressive Housewares, and the organisers of The Excellence in Housewares Awards, this e-newsflash portal and website delivers and is the hub of the very latest news, views and analysis from across the housewares sector – covering both supplier and retailer aspects of the trade.

With an expertly qualified email subscriber base of 3547 (and rising) readers, the twice-weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fastpaced sector. A modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade too, offering pithy news, indepth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Housewares, and much, much more.

All advertising on the website is duplicated to each and every newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and a direct connection with retail buyers for a whole calendar month.

HousewaresNews.net is published by housewares sector experts, for housewares trade experts.

To sign up for the HousewaresNews.net newsletter please visit www.HousewaresNews.net

Advertising and commercial opportunities: John Barry advertisement manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk Rob Willis publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk Editorial and content opportunities: Jo Howard editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk 16_HW_Sept Oct 2019.indd 1

24/10/2019 16:20

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Holly Wilson’s

From The Frontline Right: Holly and Fatima (manager of Richard Dare) with the Bira Cookshop and Housewares Retailer of the Year trophy at the Excellence in Housewares Awards

Here we are again! Into the last quarter! The summer was a mixed bag. Prep had a strong summer but Richard Dare was not quite so buoyant - those Primrose Hill folk know how to holiday!

However with all the uncertainty I think that it could have been a lot worse.

Counting down T here is definite nervousness around spending and footfall is quite noticeably down in both locations.

September’s arrival and return to school didn’t give the normal kick to trade but come the end of September things started to pick up and October is looking promising. Let’s make hay before whatever happens from the 31st onwards.

So I’ve applied for my EORI number and have now completed my TSP form. I am putting off looking at tariffs and customs software until we really know what’s happening but I’ve got the bare minimum done in the fateful event of ‘no deal’. It at least feels slightly more reassuring that we are getting more information on steps to take to prepare.

We are being told to stock up pre-October 31 but who can actually afford to hold all their Christmas stock in advance and who has a stock room big enough? Certainly not me! So as ever I am winging it, getting in the stock I can hold for now and hoping for the best. I can’t do anything else.

As an aside, I just want to address an issue that I find incredibly frustrating. That is reps and agents dropping in without appointments. I find it incredibly disrespectful if I’m being totally honest. I know that times are hard and I also know

that I can be quite hard to pin down or get hold of - I’m a busy single mum of two, running two businesses and trying to move house in the last quarter! But rest assured, if I need to see someone I will. Let me forewarn you, dropping in as you "were passing” will not get you an appointment!

Even if you are just popping in to say hello or have a quick look around it is courteous to give a phone call first to see if it is convenient. No one has ever been able to come in and not expect a moment of mine or my staff’s time and I think this is hugely unfair. We have a lot to do, especially at this time of year, and we plan our time accordingly. This already gets messed up by those pesky customers and deliveries, so we need to use the rest of our time in store for the jobs that need doing and we have planned for. So please respect our time and make an appointment.

We are now in preparations for Halloween, which is a big deal in Stokey. Window displays are going in and events are being planned on the street. We are also working as a community in Stokey and Primrose Hill to put on Christmas events. They can be quite hit and miss in their success but its

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always nice to have a festive coming together of traders and kickstart people’s Christmas shopping locally.

And to finish, Woohoo!! It was so brilliant to win Bira Cookshop and Housewares Retailer of the Year at the Excellence in Housewares Awards. It really was such a surprise! I wasn’t expecting it all with such great stores in our category. Sadly Janeta was sick so couldn’t attend but Fatima and I had a wonderful evening being hosted by our faves, Bira. The comedian Stuart Goldsmith was great and whipped through the awards, and then it was onto the casino tables where I spent most of my time trying to stand next to people with big piles of chips and then copying them (to try and win the big prize of a trip to Chicago). It worked for a while but eventually I crashed out. Maybe next year Chicago!

Best of luck with Brexit everyone and let’s hope that the stock continues to flow in smoothly and we all have prosperous and busy Christmas trade. We can but hope!

Holly Wilson is the owner of North London’s Prep Cookshop in Stoke Newington and Richard Dare in Primrose Hill.

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Excellence in Housewares 2019

Inset The winners on stage with the PH team and host Stuart Goldsmith.

Picture perfect

The housewares industry came together in style for the 20th Excellence in Housewares Awards night organised by Progressive Housewares and Bira. PH looks back at the glitz and glamour.

Left: Stax’s Nigel and Laura Wright with Bira Direct’s Jeff and Joanne Moody.

Right: The ladies from Lords At Home: Rita and Rachna Dewan.

Below: BHETA’s Will Jones, Auteur’s Vivienne Cudahy, Jenny Dahlman and Kirstie Pendry, BHETA’s Stephen Richardson and Bira’s Andrew Goodacre.

Below right: Meyer Group’s Claire WhalleyLivesey, Dunelm’s Mary Rose, Mel Harper and Claire Barton with Meyer’s Fenella Bateman at the champagne reception.

Right: Shining examples – Silver Mushroom’s Emmie Brockman and Becky Kane are among the Awards finalists.

Left: The chaps in caps are Mark and Jason Wilkes of Birmingham’s Bert & Gerts.

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Excellence in Housewares 2019

Above right: Lakeland’s Elaine Hawes and Carly Bullock with Burton McCall’s Mohamed Hajat.

Right: Robert Dyas’ Louise Lee, Janet Perez, Sonia Devi, Joyti Gohil and Jocelyne Harper.

Top left: Fashionable figures: TJX’s Jullie Blytheway and Next’s Nancy Blythe join the Tower Housewares/RKW group.

Below right: Gloria and Christopher Vaughan-Roberts of Peppercorn, Llandeilo.

Above: Employee of the Year nominee, Connie Bishop of Beales, Yeovil with Natalie Colley of Beales.

Below: The industry’s travel experts, Expose Travel’s Zoe King and Paul Vasdev, who provided the casino winner’s prize of a trip to Chicago.

Left: PH’s John Barry with ESA’s Chris Hoyle.

Bottom left: Ocado’s Martin De La Fuente, T&G’s Chris Mancini, Heidi Jensen and Jenny Handley with Dexam’s Bryony Dyer.

Below right: Sarah Groves and Gillian Steenson of independent department store display finalist, Wardens of Newtonards.

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Far left: The glorious goody bag contents – with thanks to Addis, Auteur (Hip), Burton McCall (Niteize), JWP, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Lesser & Pavey, OXO, PHA Kitchessentials, Tatay, RKW (Tower frypan), Scoof, Ultimate Products and Whatmore UK, plus Bira for its 120th anniversary shopping bag.

Left: Finishing touches to the tables included napkins and wine glasses appropriately sponsored by The English Tableware Company (from David Mason Design).

Below left: Seema Grantham of BHETA weighs up the fabulous goody bag.

Below: Guests raise their casino cash or dinner menus in the Higher Lower game. The menus themselves added to the evening’s fun as they contained a crossword puzzle sponsored by The DRH Collection in celebration of its 15th anniversary – with a chance to win £100 off an order.

Below centre: The winner of the Higher Lower game, Matthew Couchman from John Lewis & Partners is presented with a magnum of champagne by James Robinson from Horwood, the game’s sponsor.

Above: More winners! Excitement mounts as the raffle is drawn, raising much needed funds for The Rainy Day Trust and The Light Fund charities. The sensational prizes (including a mini break, lunch at the Waterside Inn and gift cards of up to £300 from Harvey Nichols, Ticketmaster and Eurotunnel to name just a few) were donated by: BHETA, Bira, Exclusively, Burton McCall, Mhairi Coull of McM Marketing, Royal Lancaster London, Le Creuset, Addis, Grunwerg, KitchenAid, The Heritage Fruit Tree Company and Smiffy’s.

Below: Beam Group’s Ashlea Gathercole enjoys a cocktail from KitchenAid.

Above: Lucy Richards from The Kitchen Range in West Wickham and Haus’ Lyndsey Parry join the glitterati (thanks to the glitter station).

Above centre right: Awards host Stuart Goldsmith brought the house down with his witty observations on life and housewares.

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Inset: Surinder and Kiran Josan from All Seasons DIY are among those at the casino tables, where guests played for a trip to Chicago (donated

by Expose Travel).

Above: Forget the Strictly troupe – this is the Utimate (Products) team – with guests from Tesco and Robert Dyas.

Below: Tower Housewares and guests hit the dance floor.

Above: Very clever sensor bins – almost moving to the music – from EKO. Above left: The Excellence in Housewares Awards DJ hits the decks.

Left: Paul Moore of WinterMoore Associates (If You Care) celebrates.

Bottom right: It’s all smiles.

Right: The Bira team with Bira Cookshop & Housewares Retailer of the Year winners, Holly Wilson and Fatima Ait Hammou of Prep and Richard Dare.

Below left: Robert Welch Designs’ Sharon Harris sparkles!

Want to see more?

The full gallery for the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2019 can be found at www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk

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SPONSORED BY

RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Criteria: Nominations were sought for retail employees who make a difference, with their enthusiastic, attentive and knowledgeable service (and who could be considered ‘the unsung heroes’ of the shop floor or customer services team.)

In all cases their managers or retail owners submitted a citation as to why they are worthy winners of this award.

Winner

Eamonn Ferry, home improvements business manager, Leekes

Above: Tramontina UK’s marketing consultant, Mhairi Coull presents the award for Employee Of The Year to Leeke’s home improvements business manager, Eamonn Ferry.

Initial Reaction: “It was an unexpected honour to be nominated and win the Retail Employee of the Year. I have worked for Leekes Department Stores in a wide variety of roles over a 32 year period but have only worked in the buying team for the last year. I’ve enjoyed bringing my shop floor experience to the buying role and look forward to continuing to grow the Home Improvement category for Leekes.”

Eamonn Ferry, home improvements business manager, Leekes

Right: Eamonn Ferry smiles for the camera with his winning trophy

SPONSORED BY

MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER Criteria: Nominees had to be a new cookshop or housewares business (not including new branches of cookshops), which has opened or started up in the UK over the past three years (I.E since 1 July 2016).

Winner Chef’s Ware, Hastings

Far right: Tracy Carroll, category sponsor OXO’s associate marketing director presents the Most Promising Newcomer award to Chef’s Ware’s coowner, Angus Francis.

Below: Angus Francis proudly holds his trophy in the air, celebrating Chef Ware’s win with pride.

Initial Reaction: “After winning the raffle prize of a wonderful new state of the art Bamix blender kindly donated by Burton McCall and the wonderful meal at the Royal Lancaster hotel, I had forgotten that we at Chef's Ware had even been nominated for the award. So to my surprise when mine and my father's business was called up I was over the moon. All of this would not have been possible without the organisers of the event and all our wonderful suppliers and Bira. Me and my father at Chef's Ware are so privileged to be welcomed into the housewares family and wish to enjoy many years dealing in retail cookware.”

Angus Francis, co-owner, Chef’s Ware, Hastings PROGRESSIVE

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SPONSORED BY

EXCELLENCE IN DIRECT RETAILING Criteria: Nominees could be retailers of housewares that use one or more non ‘bricks and mortar’ channels as a highly significant or primary route to its consumers. Retail channels could be internet, catalogue, TV or a combinations of these.

Left: Dr Sam Attia, chairman of category sponsor, SMART Worldwide presents the winning trophy to Lakeland’s electrical buyer, Carly Bullock.

Below right: Carly takes a moment in front of the camera for a picture with the trophy for Excellence in Direct Retailing.

Winner Lakeland

Initial Reaction: “We were proud to have received the Excellence in Direct Retailing award on behalf of the team back at Lakeland. It’s wonderful to have the many positives changes to the website, and all the hard work, acknowledged by industry peers. Many thanks to those who voted for us!”

Carly Bullock, electrical buyer, Lakeland

EXCELLENCE IN RETAILING TRAINING SPONSORED BY

Criteria: This award is for a retailer’s approach to training for its team. This could be an on-going training programme or specific training initiative that has been instigated (or been particularly significant) in the last year.

Winner

Borough Kitchen, London Below: Simone, Louisa and Justin celebrate winning this award for a secomd consecutive year!

Right: Tower Housewares’ sales director, Simon Oliver presents the trophy to Borough Kitchen’s co-founder Justin Kowbel (second left), buyer Simone Hillman (second right) and sales associate, Louisa Doyle.

Initial Reaction: “We're delighted to win the Excellence in Housewares Retail Training Award for the second year in a row, as this truly recognises the efforts of our entire team. Thank you to the panel of judges and Max Publishing.”

Justin Kowbel, co-founder, Borough Kitchen, London

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SPONSORED BY

EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL DISPLAY Criteria: Nominees had to be an independent retailer. This award is for window and/or in-store displays from the last year which are either specific to one product range or of a more generic nature which demonstrate originality and maximise visual impact.

- INDEPENDENT

Left: Claire Whalley-Livesay, sales director of category sponsor Meyer Group presents the award to owners of Wooodbridge Kitchen Company, Kirsteen Torrance and Paul Venediger.

Below right: Paul and Kirsteen revel in their win and pose with their trophy.

Winner

Woodbridge Kitchen Company, Woodbridge

Initial Reaction: “We're delighted and hugely flattered to have won such a prestigous award against impressive competition. This award means a great deal to us and our staff team and is a great boast ahead of our most important trading period. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening which went off like a finely oiled machine. Well done to everyone involved."

Paul Venediger, joint owner, Woodbridge Kitchen Company, Woodbridge

EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL DISPLAY - MULTIPLE SPONSORED BY

OR DEPARTMENT STORE Below right: Groupe SEB’s channel controller, Steve Marsh presents the winning trophy to Morleys Group’s cookware and electrical buyer, Richard Poulson.

Winner Morleys Group

Criteria: Nominees could be a multiple retailer, a department store chain or independent department store. This award is for window and/or in-store displays from the last year, which are either specific to one product range or of a more generic nature, which demonstrate originality and maximise visual impact.

Below: Richard beams with pride as he holds his trophy.

Initial Reaction: “Absolutely thrilled to have won. We have a great VM team who work so hard to pull the buyers’ vision together and inspire customers to come in store through exciting windows. This award is the icing on the cake!”

Amanda Bell, buying director - home and Richard Paulson, group cookware and electrical buyer, Morleys Group

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SPONSORED BY

EXCELLENCE IN RETAILER INITIATIVE Criteria: This award is for a single recent initiative that has been executed in the last year to promote the sale of housewares products and/or raise the profile of the retailer and foster customer loyalty (from any housewares retailer, whether independent or multiple).

Winner

Potters Cookshop, Hockley for its Community Eco-Warriors campaign Left: Guy Furby, GreenPan’s UK national account manager presents the award for Excellence in Retailer Initiative to Potters Cookshop’s director, Tom Carter, and visual merchandiser, Alison Hobbs.

Right: Tom and Alison move from the stage for their special moment in front of the camera with their trophy.

Initial Reaction: “This award is very special to us as it involved the community and local school who we cannot wait to take the trophy to.

The children will be so happy! What an honour!”

Tom Carter, director, Potters Cookshop, Hockley

SPONSORED BY

EXCELLENCE IN NON-SPECIALIST MULTIPLE RETAILING Criteria: Nominees must have four or above stores and stock housewares as part of their selection of goods. This includes supermarkets, home improvement stores, garden centres, home furnishing stores and general stores (but does not include department stores). The award is for excellence across the retail spectrum including product range, marketing and promotion, display and (if relevant) multi-channel retailing.

Winner Dobbies

Above: Category sponsor Burton McCall’s managing director, Michelle Dickinson presents the award to Gary Freeman, accepting on behalf of Dobbies.

Left: Gary celebrates Dobbie’s win with a smile for the camera.

Initial Reaction: “We are absolutely delighted to have taken the trophy home for excellence at this year’s Housewares Awards and been recognised by industry experts as the overall winner within the category. The award is a testament to the hard work of the whole team, and a great start to the Christmas trading period.

We would like to thank the judges, plus say a huge congratulations to our fellow award-winners.”

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive, Dobbies PROGRESSIVE

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EXCELLENCE IN SPECIALIST RETAILING - MULTIPLE AND LARGE INDEPENDENTS Winner Lakeland

Above: Category sponsor KitchenAid’s UK country manager, Mark Ridealgh presetns the award to Lakeland’s senior merchandiser, Becky Lowery.

Above right: Becky takes a moment to celebrate Lakeland’s win.

Criteria: Nominees had to be a specialist retailer (other than a department store chain) with three stores plus an online store, or four or more stores. They needed to demonstrate excellence in areas across the retail spectrum including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, display and (if relevant) multi-channel retailing.

Initial Reaction: “We were surprised and delighted to have won two awards. It’s great to have some recognition for the amount of hard work that all our departments have put in over the last 12 months and beyond. We were also up against some strong and prestigious competition which made the wins even more valuable. Thank you to everyone that voted for us!

Becky Lowery, senior merchandiser, Lakeland

BEST DEPARTMENT STORE - INDEPENDENT SPONSORED BY

Winner

Jarrold, Norwich

Criteria: Nominees had to be an individual independent department store or branch of a small group of up to three stores. They should have shown excellence in areas across the retail spectrum, including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, display and (if relevant) multi-channel retailing.

Initial Reaction: “We are honoured to have won both the Excellence in Housewares for Best Department Store and the Global Innovation Award 2019-20 and wish to thank all those who nominated us. These awards showcase all the hard work of our colleagues who make sure that the customer experience here at Jarrold is as special as it can be. Winning these accolades have come at the perfect time as we are celebrating our 250th anniversary in 2020, so to go into this year with the honour of being the best independent department store gives us even more reason to celebrate.”

Chris Parsons, deli & housewares manager, Jarrold, Norwich

Right: Bira’s chief executive, presents the award for Best Department Store - Independent to Tracey Rushton-Thorpe on behalf of Jarrold.

Left: Tracey proudly holds the gia certificate on behalf of Jarrold.

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SPONSORED BY

BEST DEPARTMENT STORE MULTIPLE Criteria: Nominees had to be a specific branch of a department store chain or group of above three stores (including members of the Fenwick Group).

Excellence in areas across the retail spectrum, including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, display and (if relevant) multi-channel retailing.

BRANCH OR GROUP MEMBER Winner

Elys, Wimbledon Below: A smiling Richard holds the winning trophy proudly.

Initial Reaction: “This was a real surprise as so many great retailers were in this category.

As a smaller independent store it is great to be able to deliver an exciting and commercial cookshop and compete against the bigger store groups.”

Amanda Bell, buying director Home and Richard Poulson, group cookware and electrical buyer, Morleys Group

Above: Craig McAuley, Joseph Joseph’s head of market activation presents the award to Morleys Group buyer for housewares and electrical, Richard Poulson.

BIRA COOKSHOP & HOUSEWARES RETAILER Criteria: Nominees had to be independent Bira members (currently and through to 2020). They should have demonstrated excellence in areas across the retail spectrum, including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion and display (and, if relevant, multi-channel retailing.)

OF THE YEAR

SPONSORED BY

Winner

Prep Cookshop and Richard Dare, London

Right: Philippa Howarth, Le Creuset’s sales controller presents the Bira Cookshop & Housewares Retailer of The Year award to Holly Wilson, owner, Prep Cookshop and Richard Dare.

Left: A happy Holly and her winning trophy

Initial Reaction: “It was such a lovely surprise to win! We really weren't expecting it in such a strong category. We feel very honoured and it’s lovely to be acknowledged for our hard work.”

Holly Wilson, founder, Prep Cookshop and Richard Dare, London PROGRESSIVE

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25 year guarantee (see website for details) Email: trade@robertwelch.com Telephone: +44 (0)1386 840880 trade.robertwelch.com

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SPONSORED BY

Criteria: All products which have an electrical plug and whose use is concerned with the processing of food/drink or the carrying out of household tasks, and were launched or modified between June 2018 and June 2019.

PLUGGED-IN AWARD Winner

Véritable Smart Arctic White Indoor Garden from Haus

Left: Lindsay Hoyle, sales director, Exclusively Shows presents the Plugged-In Award to Paul Shelley, managing director, Haus.

Right: A happy Paul enjoys his moment and celebrates winning in this category.

Initial Reaction: “We added Veritable to our portfolio this year and are very proud to represent this innovative brand in the UK. I am passionate about all our products, so to see them recognised by the prestigious Excellence in Housewares Awards is a very exciting moment for us.”

Paul Shelley, managing director, Haus

SPONSORED BY

Criteria: All knives, scissors, cutting equipment, allied storage items, chopping boards and sharpeners, which were launched at UK retail or modified between June 2018 and June 2019.

Winner

CUTTING EDGE AWARD Right: Laurie Marrington, key account manager for category sponsor, Spring Fair, presents the award to the Robert Welch Designs creative team, Kit (second-left) and Paul De Bretton Gordon.

Below left: Paul and Kit are all smiles after winning in this category.

Signature Book and Prism Knife Block Sets from Robert Welch Designs

Initial Reaction: “We’re thrilled to be awarded the Cutting Edge category trophy for the second year running, especially as we were up against some amazing products and brands. The Signature Book and Prism blocks have been tremendously popular since they launched earlier this year and to be considered so highly by the judges is an honour! “ Paul deBretton Gordon, design director, Robert Welch Designs

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EXCELLENCE IN COOKWARE Criteria: All cookware and bakeware products in metals, glass, ceramic, silicone, plastic or any other material, which were launched at UK retail or modified between June 2018 and June 2019.

Winner

GreenPan Featherwights from The Cookware Company Left: Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of Bira returns to the stage to present the award for Excellence in Cookware to Guy Furby, UK national account manager, The Cookware Company.

Right: Guy poses proudly with the winning trophy.

Initial Reaction: “We’re delighted that GreenPan Featherweights scooped the Excellence in Cookware Award – it’s a real honour! We were up against some stiff competition but we know from feedback from buyers and at trade shows that Featherweights is really meeting a need in the market. It has the look of cast iron, the lightweight convenience and expert performance of cast aluminium, together with our Thermolon ceramic non-stick - a winning combination!"

Guy Furby, UK national account manager, The Cookware Company SPONSORED BY

TOP TOOL OR GADGET Criteria: Any gadget, tool, utensil or range of the same - whether practical, aesthetic or fun (includes mills), which were launched at UK retail or modified between June 2018 and June 2019.

Winner

Initial Reaction: “Wow! Thank you! This is such amazing validation for Hip CleanStraw only a few months after we launched – the combination of sustainable solutions coupled with innovative design has proved to be a winning formula with our customers.”

Vivienne Cudahy, managing director, Auteur

Hip Clean Straw from Auteur

Right: Staying on stage, Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of category sponsor Bira presents the award to Vivienne Cudahy (second-right) and Jenny Dahlman, managing director and sales and marketing manager for Auter.

Left: Vivienne and Jenny celebrate their win with beaming smiles to the camera.

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SPONSORED BY

EXCELLENCE IN HOMEWARES Criteria: Kitchenware products not covered in other categories that assist in preparation of food and drink, such as storage containers, scales, measuring equipment and household products that assist in cleaning, laundry, utility storage and waste disposal, which were launched at UK retail or modified between June 2018 and June 2019.

Winner

Stojo Brooklyn and Stojo Mini Range from Auteur

Below: Mark Chapman from category sponsor, The Inspired Home Show’s UK office, welcomes back to the stage to accept their second award of the evening, Vivienne Cudahy, managing director and Jenny Dahlman, sales and marketing director, Auteur.

Above: Round two of the celebrations for Vivienne and Jenny.

Initial Reaction: “Stojo is going from strength to strength. In such a competitive category we are absolutely thrilled that Stojo has won. Stojo’s collapsibility has really struck a chord with a generation of space saving and eco friendly consumers. We are delighted Stojo solves the impact of single serve alternatives. There is new innovation coming for Stojo in 2020 – watch this space…”

Vivienne Cudahy, managing director, Auteur

Criteria: All tableware, glassware, tabletop accessories, serveware and tabletop textile products, which were launched at UK retail or modified between June 2018 and June 2019.

SPONSORED BY

TOP OF THE TABLE

Winner

Bee Happy from David Mason Design

Right: Thomas Kastl, director of Dining for Ambiente, presents the award to David Mason Design’s key account manager Deb Hilse (second-left), and Uk retail sales manager Rachel Proctor.

Left: Deb and Rachel beam out winning smiles.

Initial Reaction: “Well we couldn’t ‘Bee Happy-ier’ for receiving this award for ‘Top of The Table’ for the Bee Happy range.

This beautiful collection, with its fantastic array of products, is now in its 3rd year. It still remains fresh and new but we are not complacent and continue to create new additions every season to support our customers as well as winning new business. More products to come in early 2020.”

Rob Blackburn, director of sales and sourcing, David Mason Designs PROGRESSIVE

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SPONSORED BY

THE ECO AWARD Criteria: Products that cut down consumers' use of single-use plastic/waste and/or whose main features promote sustainable living.

Winner

If You Care from Eddingtons

Left: Sarah Seltzer, managing director of category sponsor PR Direct presents the new Eco Award to Eddington’s marketing manager Adam Smith (second-left) and Paul Moore, director of WinterMoore Associates.

Right: Adam and Paul share the limelight with the new Eco Award trophy.

Initial Reaction: “We were delighted to have two brands nominated in the Eco category, an area we have been working hard to develop and grow over the past few years. For us we couldn’t call it between If You Care and Bee’s Wrap and were thrilled to hear If You Care get called out and to be the first recipient of the new Eco Award.”

Adam Smith, marketing manager, Eddingtons

THE INNOVATION IN PRODUCT AWARD SPONSORED BY

Criteria: A new innovative product or any innovation that demonstrates improved functionality to an existing product. The innovation must be launched between June 2018 and June 2019.

Winner

Véritable CONNECT Garden from Haus

Right: Rob Willis, co-owner and director, Housewaresnews.net presents the Innovation in Product Award to Paul Shelley, managing director, Haus.

Left: Paul’s winning streak continues as he poses once again for the camera.

Initial Reaction: “On behalf of my team and our distribution partner, Haus, I am very proud to receive two awards for our brand. Launching the Veritable smart indoor garden required almost three years of research and development and four international patents. We are honored to be rewarded by our fellow experts.”

Nicolas Gehin, ceo for Véritable PROGRESSIVE

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SPONSORED BY

THE ICON AWARD Criteria: Classic housewares products that have withstood the test of time. Products can only win this award once, after which they join the Icon Gallery. Previous winners of this Award are the Dualit toaster, the Ceramic Pestle and Mortar, the traditional Cafetière, the Pyrex Jug, the KitchenAid mixer, the TG Green Cornish Blue Dreadnought Jug, Le Creuset Cocotte, the Kenwood Chef, the Mason Cash mixing bowl, the Krisk Bean Slicer, Emma Bridgewater Half Pint Mug, the Magimix Food Processor, the Chichester Carving Tray, the Tala Conical Measuring Jug, the Bialetti Moka Espresso Stovetop, Kilner Jars from Rayware, Rushbrooke’s Striped Butcher’s Apron and Thermos Flasks from UK Thermos.

Initial Reaction: “The team and I are thrilled to have won this award. We have represented Wüsthof here in the UK for 15 years and have an amazing relationship with the brand. To win this award for the is a very proud moment for us.”

Paul Shelley, managing director, Haus

Winner Wusthoff Classic Knives from Haus l l

Right: FKA Brands’ managing director, Simon Bluring presents the Icon Award trophy to Paul Shelley, managing director, Haus.

Left: Paul is all smiles as he celebrates his third trophy of the night.

SAVE THE DATE! The Excellence In Housewares Awards 2020 will take place on October 7 - get this date in your diary now as the industry will come together to celebrate the awards' 21st birthday! #HousewaresAwards2020 @Prog_Housewares www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk www.max-tickets.net

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SPONSORED BY

THE SUPPLIER AWARDS Criteria: To arrive at the finalists (and winners) for these three awards, PH and HousewaresNews.net polled housewares retailers asking them to state which housewares suppliers they feel are the tops when it comes to marketing, innovation and service.

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD Winner Dexam

Right: Seema Grantham, BHETA’s housewares sector manager, presents the Excellence in Innovation Award to Dexam’s managing director, Bryony Dyer.

Initial Reaction: “Fantastic! We are delighted to have won the Excellence in Innovation Award this year as it is a true reflection of the hard work that the whole team have put into creating a Dexam for the 21st century. We are ensuring that we source our innovative products as conscientiously as we can: not just in terms of the material used but also the quality of the end product and also where it is made."

Bryony Dyer, managing director, Dexam

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING AWARD Winner Le Creuset

Right: Seema Grantham, BHETA’s housewares sector manager, presents the Excellence in Marketing Award to Le Creuset’s UK sales controller, Philippa Howarth.

Initial Reaction: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised once again by the housewares industry with the prestigious 2019 award for Excellence in Marketing. Le Creuset remains totally committed to creating engaging marketing support programmes to help our trade partners deliver the very best in-store experience for their customers. We are all feeling very proud."

Philippa Howarth, sales controller, Le Creuset

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD Winner Horwood

Right: Seema Grantham, BHETA’s housewares sector manager, presents the Excellence in Service Award to Horwood’s managing director, Rob Jones.

Initial Reaction: “Winning this award for the second year in a row, for us is a confirmation that the hard work we do to provide consistent high level service for our customers is worthwhile and does not go unrecognised. We will always continue to strive for excellence: for our customers, products and legacy of a British business which has been around since 1896.”

Rob Jones, managing director, Horwood PROGRESSIVE

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SPONSORED BY

HONORARY ACHIEVEMENT Criteria: This very special award was presented to an individual who has contributed greatly to the UK housewares industry. Nominations are invited from across the industry.

Winner

Philip Hart, managing director, Harts of Stur Before Philip’s name was announced, PH editor Jo Howard made this Honorary Achievement Award speech:

”The recipient of tonight’s award is never one to stand still - being open to new ideas and embracing the journey of steering a well-established business in a new direction.

This person has been a visionary – exploring new possibilities, recognising what is successful, listening to customer needs and adapting the business model.

This individual recognises the strength of family not only in encouraging the skills of family members but treating employees as extended family, forging strong loyalties. As a result, some members of staff have been with the company for decades.

Tonight’s Honorary Achiever respects the importance of communities – communities of employees, supplier partnership, consumers, and, of course, the local area – initiating and contributing to local events and supporting local charities with vigour and passion.

This person has created a forward thinking, customer focused business, embracing innovative practises, new initiatives and championing customer service. In fact this individual personally reviews all customer feedback in order to keep improving.

Renowned for a larger than life personality, this person is credited with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious laugh.

A pioneer in moving the family business into retail, our Honorary Achiever recognised the potential for a housewares business supported by mail order, which was followed by one of the first transactional websites – highlighted at the time in an article by a national newspaper.

From placing the first pots and pans order from a nagging rep to building up one of the UK’s largest instore and online housewares retailers, this person’s long career has seen a constant ‘raising of the bar’.

Despite handing over the reins to the next generation recently, our Honorary Achievement winner isn’t retiring until he has overseen an ambitious expansion plan that will bring more benefits for customers.

Tonight we would like to recognise an individual’s hard work and dedication in taking an independent family business into its 100th year.”

Initial Reaction: “As soon as Jo started describing the receipient of this award it soon came apparent why my sons were very keen for me to attend. There are not words to describe this wonderful honour especially following in the foot steps of my good friends, Jeremy Horwood and Richard Plant. It is especially rewarding in our centenary year and would like to thank every one for their support and kind words on the night.”

Philip Hart, managing director, Harts of Stur

Top: Darren Nickolls, sales director, Lifetime Brands presents the Honorary Achievement Award to Harts of Stur’s managing director, Philip Hart .

Above: Philip says a few words at the lectern.

Right: A very proud Philip cherishes his trophy and smiles with the final award’ of the night.

*On collecting the Award, Philip stated: ”There is something very special about working for a family business,” and thanked his sons Johnathan and Graham, in addition to Hart’s David Conduit, who is regarded as an “adopted son.” Having spent 40 years in the housewares industry, Philip also highlighted the “great support of our suppliers who have also become very good friends.”

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Market Focus Inset: Zwilling’s SharpBlock keeps knives well maintained.

Cutting

Below left: Wüsthof’s Urban Farmer range has a commitment to sustainability and inspiring creativity in the kitchen with fresh, home-grown produce.

edge

thinking Good knives continue to be an essential part of any cook’s essential kit – so what’s new? Innovative thinking includes a focus on the efficient use of kitchen space and recognition of consumer habits. In addition, some knives suppliers are considering ‘safer’ knife design, as well as considering new ways to display knives in the retail setting.

Clever blocks For the many fans of Signature knives, The Excellence in Housewares Awards’ Cutting Edge winner, Robert Welch Designs’ Signature Book Oak Knife Block is a welcome addition to any wellstocked kitchen. “Efficient use of space is a perennial requirement for kitchens – whatever their size,” notes Robert Welch Designs’ design director Paul deBretton Gordon. “The Signature Book Oak Knife Block was designed as an effective space saving solution.

The block is made from solid oak, has silicone feet and is ideal for placement against the wall, under a kitchen cabinet or side of kitchen workplace. The distinctive design ensures the knives sit comfortably in an upright position and can be easily accessed through the vertical apertures, sliding them out of the front.”

Meanwhile, even among those that treasure their quality knives, essential maintenance is not always given the priority status it deserves! Well aware of consumer habits, Zwilling has launched its SharpBlock concept of selfsharpening knife blocks: “an ideal solution for those who do not have the time or technique to sharpen knives themselves,” notes Matthew Dennison, general manager of Zwilling UK. He explains: “Each time a knife is PROGRESSIVE

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removed from and replaced in the block it is automatically sharpened by the ceramic sharpening modules that sit within the knife slots integrated into the block.”

Matthew confirms: “This ‘Keep It Sharp’ technology maintains the knife with a factory-sharp cutting edge, keeping the knives sharper for longer without the need to maintain and sharpen with steels, a pull through sharpener or whetstone.”

The SharpBlock concept is available in Zwilling’s Life, Gourmet, Four Star, Professional ‘S’ and Pro series (covering entry level knives to fully forged blades).

Losing the point Prestige (from Meyer Group) and Viners (from The Rayware Group) are two brands that have considered how changing the point of knives can make them safer.

Medical experts (including the Institute of Surgeons) and crime experts, as well as bishops and MPs have all called for the redesign of knives so that rounded blades

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Market Focus

Above: Norden from Fiskars – with a premium quality high-carbon stainless steel blade and birch wood handle.

Using nature’s best

Inset: Viners Assure Safety Knives.

become more commonplace – potentially leading to fewer injuries and a reduction of crimes using kitchen knives.

Carl Wright, marketing director for Prestige highlights that Prestige’s Pointless Knives also have home safety in mind, lessening the chance of injuries resulting from the points of knives: “Accidents happen, whether it is a knife falling from the counter top – often narrowly missing feet, children and pets – or a little hand ‘helpfully’ reaching into the dishwasher.”

The Pointless range from Prestige has other notable design features that contribute to high performance, including air pockets created by dimpled blades that prevent food from sticking to the blade, and comfortable non-slip handles.

Due for launch in early 2020, Viners’ new Assure Safety Knives have also been developed to reduce and prevent kniferelated injuries, accidents and fatalities in and around the home. Sally Owens, marketing manager at The Rayware Group explains: “Designed in the UK, the knives feature a square shaped tip and perform in the same way as a traditional kitchen knife, while eliminating the sharp point, providing a safer solution.” The range is made from high quality stainless steel, with “ergonomic soft touch handles and black non-stick coating to reduce cutting friction.”

Re-thinking knife display At Exclusively earlier this year, Amefa and Robert Welch Designs unveiled new in-store display concepts for the safe retailing of knives.

Robert Welch Designs’ new concept features ‘Try Me’ knives and ‘Buy Me’ cards.

Consumers can try the handles and feel the weight and comfort of sample knives, which have no blade edge, are encased in a toughened plastic sleeve and tethered to the display.

The display offers consumers clear guidance on the intended purpose of each knife – from dicing, slicing and peeling to trimming, boning and filleting. Once a knife has been chosen, a ‘Buy Me’ card is then taken to the till for purchase. There is no stock is held on the shop floor, reducing the risk of theft.

Joint managing director Alice Welch, said: “We’re very conscious of the issues

As a family business and German manufacturer dating back to 1814, it is no surprise that Wüsthof takes provenance seriously. Wüsthof has teamed up with accomplished German designer, Bjoern Berger for its Urban Farmer range, which reflects the ‘story’ of home cooking from farm or garden to table. The natural look, sustainable wooden handles and designs such as ‘harvesting knife’ are “about reconnecting us to our food, respecting our environment and returning to the joy of homegrown,” reflects Lyndsey Parry, marketing manager for Haus (UK partner for Wüsthof).

Lyndsey acknowledges: “Wüsthof understands that cooking doesn’t just start at the cutting board. It begins on our farms, fields and gardens, where fresh, wholesome ingredients are lovingly grown and prepared over time. It’s this passion and commitment to food that we celebrate with the Urban Farmer collection – a unique series of knives inspiring culinary creativity from garden to table.”

Dexam’s Forest and Forge - one of this year’s Cutting Edge Award finalists – also celebrates provenance, sustainability and the beauty of the natural world. Crafted using wind damaged boughs from country estates in North Yorkshire, each knife has a unique wooden handle with a grain and shade that is personal to the owner. The range has expanded to include a limited edition 20cm chefs knife with a bog oak handle, a cheese knife with an applewood handle and a set of four steak knives – all appropriately gift boxed.

As Finland’s oldest working business (dating back to 1649), it is fitting that knife expert Fiskars has been considering the origins of the materials for its new Norden range (launched in selected John Lewis & Partners in September). “Norden knives have been constructed from premium materials according to traditional Finnish knife-making methods,” states Georgina Taylor, trade marketing manager for Fiskars. “The knives are finished with beautiful details made of heat-treated Finnish birch wood, which is repeated in our Norden cast-iron cookware for a harmonious look.”

surrounding knives and we want to support retailers in their efforts to have kitchen knives on sale in store, safely and securely. It’s vital for consumers to be able to hold our knives and the ‘Try Me’ knives allow people to feel the qualities of the design.”

Amefa’s prototype fixture for Richardson Sheffield ranges enables consumers to hold handles of samples housed in perspex. A digital screen provides information and an ‘Add to basket’ option for purchases, so that consumers can then collect their knives from designated counters.

Left: Part of Robert Welch Designs display concept, launched at Exclusively Housewares.

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Cutting Edge p38-39.qxp_Pages 46-49 24/10/2019 15:08 Page 1

and the very best materials, the Opinel

This stylish four-piece pizza cutlery set is one of many new gift lines from Tramontina, all featuring the company’s renowned style and high quality, which will offer endless gift dilemma solutions on the run up to the festive season. Along with other sets comprising best-selling steak knives, cutlery sets, cutlery and carving sets and more, this pizza set is exquisitely presented in stylish rustic dark wooden presentation cases with illustrated sleeves.

Tramontina UK

Intempora collection of kitchen knives brings

T: 020 3176 4557 / 020 3176 4558

French culinary excellence to the home kitchen.

E: contact@tramontinauk.com

Ranging from Paring to Santoku knives, each Intempora

W: www.tramontina.com

CUTTING EDGE Crafted with modern design know-how

knife features a POM handle with fibre glass reinforcement and a corrosion resistant 12C27 Sandvik modified stainless steel blade with a high carbon content for effective cutting.

Slice, chop, cut and dice food like a pro with Haden Perth Acacia

The full tang blade runs along the entire handle and gives

knife block set. This set includes five durable stainless-steel knives

each knife durability and balance.

with tapered precision grind for superior slicing, comprising of a

Whitby & Co

chef, bread, carving utility and paring knives. The knives are

T: 01539 721032

perfectly balanced with comfortable ergonomic handles and the block comes with sturdy non-slip feet. Each Perth Acacia wood block is beautifully designed with a rustic look and feel, giving a contemporary and clean look for the kitchen counter top.

Sabichi T: 0208 799 7417 W: www.sabichi.co.uk

Responding to a plea from medical experts and judges, including the Institute of Surgeons who appealed directly to knife manufacturers for help in curbing the current knife crime epidemic, Prestige has launched a range of kitchen knives designed specifically to tackle the issue. Prestige’s Pointless Knives range is designed for high performance in the kitchen, with Japanese steel providing additional strength, ensuring that they retain their precision edge over a long-life span. Air pockets created by dimpled blades prevent food from sticking to the blade, making for easy cleaning, while non-slip handles give a comfortable and confident grip, allowing for expert control.

Meyer Group

The Signature Book Oak

T: 0151 482 8180

Knife Block was designed

W: www.prestige.co.uk

as an effective space saving solution. Made from solid oak with silicone for stability, the distinctive design ensures the knives sit comfortably in an upright position and can be easily accessed through the vertical apertures, sliding them out of the front.

Robert Welch Designs T: 01386 840522 W: www.robertwelch.com

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Both in name and in design, the Victorinox Allrounder Cutting Board Medium is a catch-all food preparation surface that’s essential to taking on any kind of culinary challenge. Simple and smooth, and with a circular hole for hanging, its creation in environmentally friendly wood fibre exhibits the Victorinox commitment to creating products with a sustainable edge. A practical board that doesn’t dull knives and includes a practical juice groove, our allrounder can also be used as a trivet, making it a top accessory in any kitchen.

Burton McCall T: 0116 234 4646 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

Previewed in Spring this year and launching for the second half is the extensive new range of Comfort knives, from Zyliss. The range features high quality Japanese stainless steel blades with a taper ground edge.

Designed for comfort, the knives feature patented touchpoints and a soft touch secure grip handles that give the user more control. There are 11 different blade profiles and a series of knife sets in popular combinations including a three-piece and the six-piece (pictured). Each knife comes with a blade sheath for safe in-drawer storage that also

The Classic (Icon) – A cut above.

protects the blade.

Already a Classic in both name and reputation, the Classic

DKB

range from Wüsthof, alongside household and professional

T: 0870 160 1319

quality recognition, has now achieved Icon status from the

W: www.zyliss.co.uk

Progressive Housewares Awards for 2019. Over 70 different Classic knives to choose from, precision forged and proudly manufactured in Solingen, Germany.

Imported by HAUS T: 01782 572910

This year, Tower expanded its Rose Gold theme with the launch of Marble and Rose Gold – a combination of the soft, polished beauty of the bright white rock and on-trend rose gold accents and covering SDA and housewares. The knife set comprises five high quality stainless steel knives – chef’s, bread, carving, utility and paring – with fine-edged non-stick coated blades. The knives are housed in a stunning acrylic stand with a transparent window to showcase the colour and design to the best effect.

Tower T: 0333 220 6070 W: www.towerhousewares.co.uk

The Radford collection complements every dining experience. A modern translation of the Georgian style, with long tines and blades and a classic heel. Yet the range has a softness and ergonomic curve which is both classic and contemporary. Robert Welch cutlery is made using the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel.

Robert Welch Designs T: 01386 840522 W: www.robertwelch.com PROGRESSIVE

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CUTTING EDGE

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Food for thought

Sharp

dealings

Tragically knife crime never seems to be far from media headlines, and this is impacting on the housewares industry in various ways. The law is changing for online knives retailers, and test purchasers are checking on retailers’ compliance both in stores and online. Moreover, knives suppliers are considering investing in solutions for the safe and responsible sale of knives. PH hears some of the industry’s comments.

KNIVES We do not sell knives to anyone under the age of 18.

IT IS ILLEGAL If you look under 25, we will ask for proof of age.

What all knives stockists need to know It has been an eventful year surrounding the sale of knives. PH recaps some of the key happenings: l Earlier this year The Offensive Weapons Bill 2019 received the Royal Assent becoming The Offensive Weapons Act 2019. The Act contained crucial amendments to the Bill’s original proposal for all knives to be banned from delivery to residential addresses. It now allows delivery to residential addresses under restrictions.

Firstly, the retailer has systems in place to check the purchaser is 18 or over. Secondly, knives delivered to a residential address must be made by a recognised age verification delivery service. l The Act underwent a public consultation, which ended on October 9.

It will become law on the Home Office’s confirmation. BHETA’s taskforce of leading knife retailers and suppliers submitted comments to the consultation, for example, querying the new addition of cutlery and scissors in part of the Act.

l Meanwhile, BHETA is encouraging knife retailers to embrace the ‘Challenge 25’ strategy to prevent underage sales in store.

Suppliers will be able to use the Challenge 25 graphics on packaging. l The Metropolitan police, Mayor’s Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC) and London Trading Standards (LTS) recently launched a toolkit for knives’ retailers (following input from Bira and its members as well as BHETA). The toolkit includes a series of short training modules that are designed for everyone involved in the sale or delivery of knives including managers, retail staff and delivery drivers (see https://nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance) * See other developments in knife display and ‘safer’ design on pages 36-37.

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Above: Knife crime is reported as ‘an epidimic’.

Below: Alastair Fisher of knives manufacturer and distributor, Taylor’s Eye Witness spearheaded the campaign to amend the original Bill that would have banned all knives deliveries to residential addresses.

Alastair is currently BHETA president and a member of the BHETA taskforce for the responsible sale of knives.

Left: Signage for retailers - part of a toolkit.

“The problem is not with knives themselves” Alastair Fisher, joint managing director, Taylor’s Eye Witness acknowledges: “Everyone in the kitchenware industry is horrified to see our products being misused in such a terrible way. The law has to be brought up to date with the growth of online retail, but with the added costs, it will make selling knives online more difficult for smaller players.

Online retailers need to get systems in place to be ready for when the Offensive Weapons Act becomes law and ensure knives that they sell never get into the hands of anyone who is under 18. Trading Standards will be looking to prosecute

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Food for thought

“Not a level playing field”

Above: When the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 becomes law, knives retailers will need to ensure packages containing knives are not delivered to those under 18.

retailers that aren’t taking the necessary steps (to check the age of the purchaser and use an age verification delivery service from the likes of UPS and Fedex).

However this law is not a solution to stop knife crime. It will still be possible to purchase new knives from overseas without age checks. Moreover, the evidence is that people use old knives in crimes rather than new ones. There are an estimated 420 million knives in circulation in the UK. The problem is with those that carry knives rather than knives themselves. I am delighted that there is a London trial of body heat scanners to detect knives that are being carried - this will do something to prevent crime.

We also need to encourage education around the use and care of knives for cooking – they should be a favourite piece of kitchen equipment and not weapons.”

Good for bricks and mortar?

Angus Francis, co-owner, Chef’s Ware, Hastings, winner of the Most Promising Newcomer Award hopes that the effect of The Offensive Weapons Act, coupled with the withdrawal of some knives from supermarket shelves will help to boost sales for independents: “I am optimistic that sales of knives in independent specialist shops will go up in the future as long as online sales and supermarket sales of knives decline. This will be good for bricks and mortar shops and good for consumers who can get quality products at different price points from independents, as well as getting

Right: Chef’s Ware prides itself on a wide stock of knives with expert advice for its customers.

Below right: Haus’ Paul Shelley was presented with the Icon Award for Wüsthof Classic Knives at The Excellence in Housewares Awards.

Far right: Challenge 25 point of sale will be available for knives retailers.

An independent cookshop urges fellow independents to invest in order to meet the demands of The Offensive Weapons Act, but highlights how online sales of knives have plummeted: “At the moment there is not a level playing field for the sale of knives. We have spent £2,500 on age verification software which checks that the customer is on the electoral role and we are using an age verifying signedfor delivery service. We charge an extra £10 for a delivery containing knives to cover this.

However I am gobsmacked at how many online retailers don’t have age verification software. We are haemorrhaging sales; customers are not buying from us when they see the extra cost. Understandably, they are ordering from other online retailers that don’t charge or don’t check for their age.

We have also invested in locked cabinets for knives sold in the shop, as well as tags on knives that have to be unlocked.

An industry colleague conducted his own test purchase recently and ordered a knife from an online giant that was then delivered into the hands of his teenage daughter – this does not seem morally right.

It is not clear when the new law regarding age verified delivery comes into force but it is soul destroying when it is not level, and it feels like the high street is being penalised.

Having been through a prosecution for one mistake in the past (prior to installing the software) when a teenager test purchaser managed to buy a knife with a prepaid credit card on our ecommerce site, I would urge fellow independents to ensure they are fully compliant before they are test purchased instore and/or online. The minimum fine is £5K and there is no maximum as it is based on turnover.

However, it is positive that fines are being put towards initiatives that are aimed at reducing the social reasons behind knife crime. After all, until the causes of crime (and the reasons for young people to carry knives as a weapon or for defence are addressed), those that are going to carry knives will find them in houses.

Of course, we want to be responsible as retailers and ensure we never contribute to the problems, let alone the horrendous fatalities – but sadly they aren’t going to disappear just because teenagers can’t buy new knives.”

good advice on how to get the best from knives. As well as our large range of knives, we offer a knife sharpening service which helps to build up customer loyalty.”

Taking action together Paul Shelley, managing director at Haus Marketing and Distribution reflects: “For many years, responsible knife brands have made all efforts to securely and safely offer knives to consumers via like-minded retail partners. The current negative media for knives has highlighted to us that there is a serious lack of control by a few retailers, specifically when it comes to knife legislation and primarily the sale of knives to those under 18. Trading Standards is rightly using new methods to check that retailers conform to safe knife sales. Some retailers have even taken positive steps to speak with their local trading standards to check conformity.

Our trade association, alongside many knife brands and concerned retailers, has discussed packaging, display, training, the Challenge 25 focus and overall an ethical and supportive stance, to ensure that retailers are supported in how they tackle this situation.

It is without a doubt affecting sales; we can see this nationwide. All brands have a responsibility to add to their offer a supportive focus for their chosen retailers, be that training, displays or, if required (and subject to the price point), packaging. Standardised signage and enhanced training is required by all partners and a responsible and ethical attitude must be taken by all.”

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England DU: 14.11.2019

.

2 .

1 1 — 7. — 2O 2O S K O LO OD GO

70146-003_AM_Dining_Progressive_Housewares_216x303 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • js: 16.10.2019

the show

Good design comes with a wealth of ideas. New products have a platform. The Ambiente consumer goods trade fair offers the most attractive prospects anywhere in the world and is the numberone global marketplace for table, kitchen and household.

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

44_HW_Sept Oct 2019.indd 1

18/10/2019 12:01

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Bring texture, style and detail to your kitchen and table with T&G’s new large presentation, display wooden board with cast iron handles. Made from rustic hevea this board is designed to suit a variety of purposes; use it as a serving board, sharing platter for informal delights from mezze, antipasto to artisan breads and cheeses. This elegant and substantial board makes a great centre piece when entertaining providing the finishing touch to a table or entertaining space or look great hanging as statement in the kitchen!

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

Pictured is Notos by Costa Nova - award-winning tableware to stand out from the crowd. Marrying German design with the finest Portuguese stoneware, this modular range combines metal, wood and cork materials in a highly professional yet casually interpreted collection. Perfect for Asian-inspired or tapas style cuisine, as a

Lyonnaise, the epitome of easy sophistication and graceful design in an updated French style, is a modern take on an original 19th century handmade La Rochère design inspired by the Florentine Renaissance. The

stunning statement range or for everyday dining.

My Gifts Trade T: 0161 946 1234 E: sales@mygiftstrade.co.uk W: www.mygiftstrade.co.uk

collection’s exquisite interlacing pattern adds a mesmerising touch, setting the mood for all kinds of entertaining and festive celebrations and adding something special to striking and creative table dressing.

Tradestock T: 01823 661717 E: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk W: www.tradestockltd.co.uk

Artesà is the quintessential brand for stylish serving solutions and the latest lines to be added include sophisticated, dramatic serveware with a heavy focus on trends. Oozing eclectic hues and mixed materials, a unique design adorns these new serveware pieces with a stunning combination of brass coupled with a blue mottled effect featuring across a footed serving stand and serving platters/bowl combos. These new lines add an extremely sumptuous touch, whilst still maintaining the established key element of the collection.

KitchenCraft T: 0121 604 1111 E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk Burton McCall’s Appolia range of ceramic dishes are available in rectangle, square, oval, terrine and tart dishes, giving you the opportunity to use for multiple dishes from mains to desserts. They also come in an array of sizes for individual or group meals. The Peugeot Appolia ceramic dishes retain heat and keep food warm for up to 30 minutes, making them ideal for oven to tableware. They also support freezing temperatures allowing you to safely pass directly from the freezer to a preheated oven, without risk of a thermal shock. (from 25° to 250°C) Burton McCall T: 0116 234 4646 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE – SAMUEL GROVES

Left: Stainless steel tri-ply by Samuel Groves.

Pans for life With its focus on sustainability and innovation, Samuel Groves intends to put British cookware manufacturing on the world map.

PH visited the artisan Birmingham factory that creates cookware and bakeware that will be lifetime companions.

M

anaging director Lee McDonagh admits that he has sometimes received a “puzzled look of disbelief” when saying that he manufacturers cookware here in the UK (Yardley, Birmingham to be precise). But times are changing, and there is a rising interest in artisan manufacturing, sustainability, and UK production, both in the domestic market and worldwide.

Heritage brand Samuel Groves has a lot to offer that other brands cannot.

Since acquiring Samuel Groves six years ago (see ‘Family affair’), Lee has been focusing on the retail market, addressing trends and listening to customers. “We’ve evolved massively – we saw the value of combining Samuel Groves’ tooling capacity with advances in materials to create world class cookware for discerning home cooks.”

The brand has moved a long way from its traditional aluminium products for the wholesale catering market. Samuel Groves produces unique hand finished cookware, which uses innovative materials and addresses the rise of induction cooking.

Its ranges include Stainless Steel Triply, which combines the heat conductivity of aluminium in the core

A lifetime of cooking

Above: Md Lee McDonagh with Sharon Haines, business manager and Dominic Fraser, production manager for Samuel Groves.

Below: Hand pressing in the factory.

layer with the benefits of dishwasher safe stainless steel. With a 3mm pan body, it provides the heaviest quality on the market, with greater thermal efficiency as heat travels up the sides, rather than stopping in the wedge base typical of other cookware brands. “There is an even cooking temperature and less energy is used,” highlights Lee. Samuel Groves’ innovation includes induction compatible 4-ply Copper. “We have developed a process of polishing the outer base layer of copper, revealing the magnetic layer of 430 stainless steel for induction cooking,” Lee explains. “This keeps the excellent thermal conductivity of copper but, unlike other pans on the market, is not a bonded sandwich base and as a result PROGRESSIVE

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Samuel Groves has launched a Pan for Life refurbishment scheme, meaning that consumers can return their Samuel Groves pans for recoating and repairs.

The scheme comes after consultation with retailers.

Consumers will be encouraged to register their Samuel Groves purchases to make use of the service.

Lee reports: “ All non stick coatings degrade over time and the number of dishwasher cycles, so we are able to recoat all of our nonstick cookware, and replace any worn or damaged rivets. We will then re-polish our pans back to the state when they first came off the production line giving the consumer a true pan for life.”

The cost of refurbishment will be approximately 25% of the cost of a new pan.

Below: Pans are packaged in a reusable jute bag.

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE – SAMUEL GROVES A family affair Samuel Groves started manufacturing in 1817, initially making brass candlesticks. By the 1870s, production had expanded to electroplated teapots and trays and the company started to become a significant exporter in the 1910’s. It stayed in the Groves family until the early 20th century. During the Second World War, manufacturing expanded due to a government contract to produce aluminium trays.

In the 1950s Samuel Groves introduced the Mermaid brand and the latter half of the century saw growth in

Above: Tom Kerridge inspects his pans in the Samuel Groves factory.

Above right: Tom appreciates Samuel Groves’ artisan manufacturing skills.

has greater efficiency and will last a lifetime.”

The Ultimate Carbon range is an example of another new process that brings considerable benefits to the end user. At half the weight of traditional cast iron, Ultimate Carbon has greater conductivity than cast iron – again needing less energy. It is particularly good for induction cooking, oven safe and is eco-friendly, with no chemicals leaching or peeling. “Ultimate Carbon will not rust or crack, and the more you use it, the better it gets,” states Lee. He adds: “It is fantastic for cooking meat – once it reaches temperature it sears and caramelises the steak to perfection.”

Meanwhile, the Tri-ply Ceramic Frying Pan has just received a glowing report from The Independent for its Indy Top Ten Best Non-stick Frying Pans. The newspaper says ‘it performed perfectly,’ and states: ‘Made in Britain, the pan looks every penny of its upscale price tag, with an embossed Samuel Groves signature on the handle and a satin steel finish.’ Highlighting the lifetime guarantee, The Indy says the pan is ‘an investment buy that could be with you forever.’

constructed pan, he says his brand stands for “artisan, British, robust, solid.”

Samuel Groves recently manufactured a stainless steel range for the designer ‘micro brand’ Crane Cookware, which supplies the Conran Shop and Selfridges.

Lee comments: ‘Being a small company, we can adapt to customer demands, whether it is seasonal trends, using a particular type of coating, or working with completely new ideas.”

When it comes to making bespoke cookware, Samuel Groves embraces new challenges. ‘It's the difficult projects we love – not many people can do them!” exclaims Lee. Aware of the scourge of plastic packaging, Samuel Groves packages its pans in jute bags, which are biodegradable, but more importantly, reusable as a pan protector or even for storing potatoes.

However, there is far more to offer when it comes to sustainability. Samuel Groves’ lifetime guarantee and new Pan for Life scheme (see breakout) are perfectly timed for the new age of Understandably, Samuel Groves’ consumers who are realising that enthusiastic retail customers include disposability comes with a high price for many specialist cookshops, while there is the environment. increasing interest from Below: Nadia Sawalha will be Moreover, it seems fitting larger retailers. “We’re using Samuel Groves products in that UK consumers also seeing more traction her new series. concerned with reducing abroad – the USA likes food miles and knowing the ‘Made in the UK’ and the provenance of their heritage aspects of the ingredients should apply brand and we’ve recently the same ethos to their completed bespoke cookware. orders for a large wellWith uncertainty known chain there,” says surrounding international Lee. Meanwhile, the trading relations after brand is also set to As seen on TV Brexit, Samuel Groves establish a distribution Samuel Groves ‘ products can offer reassurance to agreement in China. have been selected for use UK customers as a UK Other customers on two new ITV Sunday manufacturer, and has include celebrated chef programmes. Nadia’s the ability to ship smaller Tom Kerridge – who Family Favourites begins on orders to those that do worked with Samuel November 3 starring Nadia not want to hold large Grove to create his own Sawalha. Beautiful Baking amounts of stock. range of cookware. Tom with Juliet Sear (the face of With a growing order ditched all of the top end baking on ITV’s This book and continued pans at his two-Michelin Morning) will feature investment in machinery, starred Hand and delicious comfort food for Lee is intent on building Flowers pub in order to autumn and winter. brand recognition. use his own range. Like Cookware, bakeware and “Quality, artisan, Made in all visitors to the factory, utensils from Samuel the UK – we have a Tom appreciates the Groves were chosen for strong message,” he skills used in the their quality and variety, states. “I would like to manufacturing process. with both shows loving the make Samuel Groves a Highlighting the fact that products are made household name.” importance of a well in the UK.

its manufacture of cookware, bakeware, holloware and utensils.

Fast forward to 2014, when Lee’s family business, U Group purchased. U Group has been a manufacturer of barware since 1974. “We recognised the great pedigree of the Samuel Groves brand, and moved all of the machinery and remaining staff to our factory in Yardley.”

Having focussed on developing Samuel Groves’ premium cookware over the past few years, there are new developments for Mermaid bakeware in 2020.

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Eco products p46-47.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2019 11:42 Page 1

Combining sustainability, functionality and style, Natural

Eco products

Elements eco-friendly range embraces natural materials to offer a stylish, sleek unique organic feel to the home whilst being kind to the environment. In a variety of feel-good colours, the collection offers items made from bamboo fibre or other natural materials in order to reduce use of single use

The Klean Kanteen Insulated TKPro is a high-

plastics in our kitchenware, and includes travel mugs with a

performance, 100% plastic-free thermal

recyclable silicone ribbed sleeve grip, bread bins, storage

Kanteen. With its integrated double-wall

canisters and a lunchbox, which seal in airtight freshness, as

stainless steel cup and 360-degree pour-

well as compostable food/freezer bags and sandwich/snack

through functionality, the TKPro features

bags as alternatives to cling film.

Whitby’s new TK Closure™ internal thread

KitchenCraft

design, which provides cutting edge thermal

T: 0121 604 1111

performance for both hot and cold

E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk

beverages. Whether sipping hot coffee miles

W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

from the nearest road or pouring ice cold cocktails in the heart of the city, the TKPro is your built-to-last solution.

Whitby & Co T: 01539 721032 E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk W: www.whitbyandco.co.uk

T&G is proud to launch the featured ceramic soap dishes and organic soap. These new

Bee’s Wrap is a natural alternative to plastic wrap

ceramic soap dishes available in white, grey,

for food storage. From start to finish; close

blue, cream, taupe and green are perfect for

attention is paid to the ingredients and materials

a full-size bar of soap, practical and easy to

used throughout the entire production process.

clean. With a solid glaze and vintage enamel

Bee’s Wrap products are reusable,

look, the raised edges also stop the soap

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same farm-to-table spirit that celebrates

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waste, less climate pollution and as they

packaging is recyclable and plastic-free.

contain less water they last longer and are

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We’ve all heard we should be buying better items that will last us longer, and like clothing, not all bakeware is built to last. The supreme quality Whitford Eclipse non-stick coating used on Tala’s Performance range of bakeware makes them lifelong purchases, rather than cheap throwaway pieces. There’s no need to line your Performance bakeware with parchment paper either, which only adds to landfill waste – food is flawlessly cooked and effortlessly released thanks to the coating.

George East Housewares T: 01225 859635 E: info@george-east.com W: www.george-east.com

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Eco products

EasiYo is incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to make requiring no moving parts or electronics to make fresh yogurt that keeps for up to two weeks in the fridge. In addition, EasiYo helps consumers to dispense with the need for single-use plastic yogurt pots. One sachet of EasiYo makes 1kg of fresh yogurt, saving 8 x 125g single-use plastic pots from entering the supply chain1. 11kg of fresh EasiYo yogurt (made from a sachet containing 5.6g of plastic) can replace 8x125g filled, single-use plastic pots from entering the supply chain.

EasiYo T: 01332 850 468 W: www.easiyo.com

If You Care kitchen and household products are carefully and deliberately crafted to have the least environmental impact and the lightest carbon footprint possible,

Stasher is exclusively distributed in the UK by

while at the same time, delivering to

PHA KitchEssentials and one of the newest

the consumer, the highest quality and

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most effective results. If You Care

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analyses the entire life cycle chain in

meaning they’re great for food, liquids and

developing products, from raw

everyday use too. Made from pure-platinum

materials sourcing, to production

silicone (which makes them a lightweight

process, to packaging and disposal.

alternative to other sustainable storage

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materials), Stasher bags are free from BPA and

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contain no fillers, phthalates or latex. The Stand-

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well as non-food uses like travel toiletries or even Christmas wrapping essentials!

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Even when it comes to babies the consumer is looking to be

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and Pavey is to be congratulated and welcomed. Primary colourful

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pirates come out to play in this five-piece bamboo feeding set, which includes feeding tray, bowl, beaker and cutlery. This range and others are all re-usable and environmentally friendly made from ecofriendly, sustainable and natural bamboo fibre. Dishwasher safe and

The Smidge Natural Collection

is BPA and Phthalate free.

features a variety of stylish,

Lesser & Pavey

eco-friendly products that not

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only help make a difference in

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reducing single-use plastic but

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also seamlessly fit into your lifestyle. Created from natural plant derived from corn, these products return to the soil without leaving a single trace on the environment. Products from the Smidge natural collection come in a variety of colours to suit your own personal style.

Smidge T: 01179 400000 E: sales@wearesmidge.com W: www.wearesmidge.com

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Market Focus

Useful and

beautiful

Laundry, refuse containers and storage solutions arguably weren’t something to get excited about in years gone by. But factor in streamlined design, sustainability and a social media and entertainment phenomena and the stakes have changed.

PH spoke to a range of big players in the utility sector to find out the latest…

Top: Beldray combines fashion trends with functional household needs in its new rose gold collection.

Below: Addis’ new eco collection is made entirely from recycled plastic and was inspired by Wales’ stunning Pembrokeshire coast.

H

ands up if you’ve spent a Saturday ‘tidying up’ with Marie Kondo. That is spending hours folding colour coordinated t-shirts into perfect, tiny squares and then standing back to admire your work in the finished drawer.

Are you the one who enjoys watching ‘cleanfluencer’ Mrs Hinch imparting her dust-free wisdom on This Morning?

Perhaps you’re one of Lynsey, Queen of Clean’s 160,000 plus followers on Instagram?

Well you’re not alone, because thanks to a rise in people turning to cleaning to help combat anxiety and mental health issues, a return to people looking forward to mopping their own kitchen floors rather than hiring someone to do it for them and the current heightened buzz around utility products of all types, this is a housewares sector that is booming.

Flat mates: laundry and ironing Addis is an award-winning company based in South Wales. Inspiration for its latest ranges – including a new eco-collection has come from the stunning nearby Pembrokeshire National Park, a visual reminder if ever there was one of the importance of sustainable designs and using recycled materials.

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Market Focus The eco range is made from 100% recycled household plastic, sourced in the UK and is also made in Britain. It includes a kitchen caddy for composting waste, pedal and recycling bins, a 30L storage box and a fold flat laundry basket.

The stylish, collapsible laundry basket folds completely flat when not in use for easy storage, yet has a large 38 litre capacity when open. It can be placed discreetly in a cupboard or fits by the side of the washing machine.

Household name Tefal has also tapped into consumer demand for space-saving technology with its new IXEO ultralightweight powerful steam iron. It comes with an integrated smart board for simple, versatile use, and a portable steam unit for touch-ups around the house.

With 1600w of power and five bars of steam, IXEO is the ultimate tool for fast and effective crease removal. Plus, the smart board can be positioned three ways – for classic ironing, upright steaming and at a 30° angle. The one litre removable tank also means less filling and hassle-free cleaning and IXEO can be folded vertically.

Beldray is a brand adept at combining fashion finishes with everyday household chores, and its rose gold collection is no exception. “Rose fold has been a huge trend in homewares and there’s no reason cleaning can’t get involved,” says Duncan Singleton, trading director, Ultimate Products. “Why do products have to be boring to be functional?

“Beldray’s rose gold collection instantly updates the home and keeps cleaning fun.

Key products include the garment steamer.”

Other items in the range include a 2 in 1 cordless iron, Airgility cordless vacuum cleaner and the Multicyclonic vacuum cleaner.

Shining examples: Cleaning Whether it’s in the form of washing dishes or sprucing up your computer keyboard, cleaning has been hitting headlines both for its massive popularity across social media and as a tool for tackling poor mental health.

Cult American brand Scrub Daddy is one that has now also taken off across the UK and Ireland, partly thanks to ‘cleanfluencers’ like Mrs Hinch and her contemporaries shouting about it.

Beth Eccles, marketing executive for Evo Lifestyle, that distributes Scrub Daddy in the UK, explains: “Since the rise of the cleaning influencers on Instagram we have seen a huge change in how cleaning is perceived. Whereas a year ago people saw cleaning as a chore, it’s now become a hobby for many.

Lynsey Queen of Clean and Mrs Hinch have created content where they have made cleaning fun and it’s no longer being perceived as ‘work’.

“Mrs Hinch has also spoken openly about how cleaning keeps her mind busy when anxiety tries to take over and her following have thanked her for helping them with their struggles.

“The Scrub Daddy range was already becoming a must-have in every household, but the effect of Mrs Hinch’s recommendation has made customers seek desperately to find it in their local stores.”

Scour Daddy is a new tougher product from the line. It has the same FlexTexture core as Scrub Daddy, but comes with an ArmorTec mesh coating and in a three pack of multiple colours for colour-coded cleaning. Plus, the new multipack Sponge Daddy product

contains four coloured dual-sided sponges with a scratch-resistant side and super absorbent ResoFoam on the other.

Sustainability is the name of the game for Greener Cleaner, a brand created by homewares company Vitality House’s Megan Smith eight years ago, while working with suppliers with the aim of reducing the amount of ‘virgin plastic’ in everyday household items. Trend experts Scarlet Opus highlighted the range as ‘On Trend’ at this summer’s Exclusively Housewares.

Director Megan says: “The innovative

collection is uniquely made from 100% recycled plastic, helping to reduce single use plastic. Our products continue to be durable and perform at least as well as any non-eco alternative.”

Household expert OXO has recently launched a new tech cleaning range, featuring a portfolio of ingenious products.

There’s a keyboard and screen deep cleaning set that tackles bacteria lurking inside gadgets we use every day, and comes with three different attachments. The ‘sweep & swipe’ laptop cleaner ensures tech always looks as good as new, while the electronics cleaning brush is ideal for small cleaning jobs that even children can do – such as cleaning console handsets, tablets and mobile phones.

Added sparkle: Floor cleaning AirCraft Home is an innovative home appliance company with a specialism in floor cleaning. The brand has also featured at The Gadget Show Live and on This Morning. Managing director, Guy Fridja, says the company’s new PowerGlide model is so clever it has ‘opened up a brand-new category in floor care.

“PowerGlide turns floor cleaning from a thing of drudgery and dread to something that’s fast, easy and fun,” he says. “It’s a product we’re really proud of that our customers love using day after day.”

PowerGlide comes with powerful rotating microfibre pads that take the hard graft out of cleaning floors. Yet the machine is so light that the design experts at AirCraft say you can guide across your floors with just one finger.

Another option for sparkling floors is the flat head mop and bucket from much-loved retro brand Kleeneze (another of Ultimate Products’ leading brands). The two in one set has two distinct compartments, one for soaking and another for wringing, and is also neat and compact to store with a sleek design and on-trend colourway of bright pink and muted grey.

The 180 ° swivel mop head means you can effortlessly reach into corners and under furniture – and once you’re done Above: OXO’s clever new simply chuck the mop head in the washing machine! tech cleaning collection is so simple to use that children For vacuum cleaners with design flair combined with clever tech, look no further than the latest models from Swan Eureka. can master it.

The brand’s PowerPlush Turbo 3-in-1 cordless vacuum cleaner comes equipped with two interchangeable heads ensuring a thorough clean. It is lightweight and portable, has an indicator light for real-time battery status and a simple one-touch power button, plus is also perfect for pet owners, picking up hair and fur without clogging or tangling.

Inset: AirCraft Home’s Meanwhile the Eureka Swan HyperClean vacuum cleaner has an LED display, allowing users to PowerGlide floor cleaner enables consumers to say switch power seamlessly from hard floor to carpet – plus it has a turbo button for stubborn dirt. goodbye to the mop and LED lights also illuminate dark areas, such as under sofas and beds, plus it has a handy crevice bucket option. tool ideal for radiators and blinds.

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T IN EX N S N E TIO ES GY H T LU PR LO O D O EV OL HN C C TE

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Market Focus

Inset: The new X Cube Recycling Bin from EKO has an antibacterial coating and colour coded buckets for easy waste separation.

Above: Brabantia has brought out the stylish vegan leather Bo Touch Bin as part of its 2019 centenary celebrations.

Extraordinary bins: Waste management British households alone generate 27,000 tonnes of waste each year, so the need to re-use and recycle has never been more important.

Joseph Joseph’s Totem is an awardwinning collection of bins designed to help separate waste at home, combining all refuse and recycling within one compact unit. The range was launched back in 2015 and has been redesigned for 2019, also winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation last year.

Joseph Joseph’s head of market activation, Craig McAulay, says: “Totem models feature two compartments arranged vertically, which saves space and makes them very easy to fill and empty.

“Each compartment has a removable bucket that can be fitted with a single standard liner for general waste or two smaller bags, using the integrated bag hooks, for separating different types of recycling. Totem also features a ventilated odour filter in the main lid that helps reduce moisture and odour build up from waste.”

Totem is available in two sizes, Totem Max (60 litres) and Totem Compact (40 litres).

Stainless steel versions of the bins feature a fingerprint-proof coating, while other models have an easy-clean powder-coated steel finish.

Iconic brand Brabantia is celebrating its centenary year in 2019, marking the occasion with a range of retro Patrice designs as well as a Dutch Design’s vegan leather Inset: Tatay’s BOABAB laundry and storage Bo Touch Bin , and a new solutions range comes in Celebration Ironing Board, that different models, sizes and a trendy set of colours. comes in two sizes, resplendent with a gold confetti print.

The Bo Touch model is unique,

Tatay’s storage solutions Family Spanish brand Tatay (represented by ESA Sales in the UK) was originally founded in Barcelona in the 1930s, and has been offering chic solutions for the home ever since.

Its latest BOABAB collection of storage baskets and organisers is no exception, and is a modern and easy solution to banish clutter from every discerning home.

The range contains laundry baskets and hampers and storage baskets with lids, and are available in several sizes, with a virtual burst of trendy colour options. Blue mist, anthracite grey, white Pergamon and taupe are just some of the options – and all the pieces are designed and made in the Catalonian capital.

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with high legs and is ‘dressed’ in vegan leather by international kitchenwear designers, Dutchdeluxes. It comes in shades of warm cognac and dark espresso, and is a limited-edition release, with only 500 of each shade having hit stores worldwide, firstly back in April.

Bryan Edgar, national account manager for Brabantia UK, reflects on a major year for the brand: “During a centennial event at the Evoluon in Eindhoven, 300 guests gathered to mark the company’s 100th birthday party and we were very proud to be awarded Royal designation! His Majesty King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands has conferred the right to use the designation Royal on Brabantia.”

EKO is another style-conscious waste management brand, focused on ‘reimagining homes’ with innovative, designled solutions and manufacturing technologies that deliver helpful homewares. The company also identifies five key trends in the utility sphere, as: design aesthetics, health, space optimisation, tech and sustainability.

“Our new EKO X Cube Recycling Bin has a unique antibacterial coating that helps keep the bin and kitchens clean,” expands Brian Walmsley, commercial lead at EKO UK. “EKO also offers a new Deluxe Phantom Sensor Recycling bin, which helps encourage recycling at the same time as providing a hygienic no-touch solution to consumers. I’m delighted that this product has just won the Canton Fair Design award and was also a finalist at this year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards."

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE – BELDRAY

Steaming ahead

Going for Gold with Beldray

BELDRAY TWO-IN-ONE CORDLESS 360 °

Beldray, one of Ultimate Products’ leading brands, has a reputation for clever design and innovative thinking. Its portfolio provides a wealth of products to help consumers achieve a gold standard level of cleaning and laundry care – including its stylish new rose gold range. PH looks at some Utility product highlights with good looks that are anything but utilitarian.

A touch of glamour and harmony BELDRAY ROSE GOLD IRONING BOARD AND GEO LAUNDRY HAMPER Beldray has already recognised a trend towards style creeping into the usually functional world of laundry. Its rose gold ironing board has all the features you would expect and looks great too, with an adjustable iron rest and seven adaptable positions to suit user height. The Beldray team says: “We knew rose gold would be a big hit and it’s certainly opened our eyes to combining style and practicality.”

Meanwhile, coordinated living has been a really big trend; achieving symmetry across different products to achieve a harmonised look. Beldray’s laundry hamper stylishly matches the ironing board print; tying in the whole laundry range.

Beldray’s Two-in-One Cordless 360° iron is a really sleek alternative to usual irons. Rose gold accents help it to stand out and look stylish, but the 360° charging base is the real highlight.

Holding the iron secure while charging, the base has a simple lock/unlock mechanism to switch from corded to cordless use. It is so versatile and efficient, and really switches up the ironing game. Ready to use in just 25 seconds, the iron can also be used vertically for powerful steam bursts.

The Beldray team reports: “Just like we’ve seen with floorcare, consumers are looking for something quicker and easier for their ironing and garment care. Instead of leaving ironing as a big job to tackle at the weekends, this sleek model means it’s just as easy to do a few items here and there.”

Right: Making ironing a breeze – Beldray’s Two-inOne Cordless 360° iron.

Right: A union of style and practicality: the Beldray Rose Gold Ironing Board.

Below: Beldray’s Geo laundry hamper co-ordinates with the stylish ironing board.

Love your laundry GLISTEN ROSE GOLD CLOTHES AIRER If you’re someone who always has your washing out, why not make a feature of it? In a stylish rose gold finish, this large drying rack won’t look out of place in a modern and contemporary interior. It offers a whopping 15 m of drying space, with garment hooks for hanging up to 28 items.

Despite the space it offers, it’s foldable and compact, and so can just as easily be hidden away in a cupboard when not in use.

Right: You can be proud of having your clean laundry on display with the Glisten Rose Gold Clothes Airer.

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE – BELDRAY

Inset: Clean and dirty water is separated

Convenient cleaning BELDRAY REVO Beldray is seeing a real demand for no wires; the convenience that cordless offers is unrivalled, and no longer equates to a lack of power. Handheld cleaners like Beldray’s Revo are perfect for quick spills. Consumers are asking for products that beat the dirt before it builds up, to try and get on top of cleaning their homes. It’s something that can easily be put away into a drawer, but also looks great on a countertop or table. Having a tool like this always on hand offers a real change to cleaning routines.

Above and below: Looking good enough to leave on the countertop, Beldray’s Revo is perfect for the trend towards ‘little and often’ cleaning.

One stop floor solution BELDRAY CLEAN & DRY CORDLESS Providing the opportunity to never clean with dirty water again, the Beldray Clean & Dry Cordless is an allin-one wash and vacuum solution that washes, cleans and then dries hard floors. It does all of this while being cordless and rechargeable so it’s also delivering real flexibility around the home. Sealed wood, vinyl, tile and laminate can all be cleaned Above: Clever floor cleaning with the effectively, with a swivel floor head to Beldray Clean & Dry Cordless. move around corners and underneath furniture. The clever dual-tank system separates dirty and clean water; a completely new way to clean floors.

A history of innnovation Beldray was originally called Bradley and Co and was established in the small market town of Bilston, West Midlands back in 1872. During World War I it became known as Beldray, adopting its first company logo in 1914.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Beldray became the biggest manufacturers of cleaning and safety equipment in the UK. This period was one of huge innovation for the brand and when it first delivered the adjustable height ironing board – now of course a household essential.

Since its earliest days the Beldray label has stood for reliability, trust and consumer loyalty, and over the generations has developed an envied reputation as being the one-stopbrand for housewares.

These days Beldray continues to produce everything you could need for the home, from airers finished in stunning metallic shades to the best steam mops on the market.

Everything is created in Ultimate Product’s awe-inspiring design studio in Manchester, and innovation is still the brand’s watchword.

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“When you buy Beldray you’re buying a piece of national heritage,” says Ultimate Products’ ceo Simon Showman. “The Beldray story is a very British story, and I think that’s really important to our end consumers. That they are buying into something that started and has grown exponentially in the UK.”

Primary Logo

Environmentally friendly kitchen and household products, from start to finish and beyond.

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The new Appolia ceramic bakeware collection from Peugeot 8 varieties 2 colours Order through Burton McCall Ltd T: 0116 234 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com www.burton-mccall.co.uk

24/10/2019 11:56

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Full Circle is committed to the health of the environment for this and future generations. The manufacturing process is designed to preserve resources and reduce waste while creating longlasting products from safe materials. Every material used is carefully selected for its durability, giving you more time before each one

The kitchen is the beating heart of every family

ends its lifecycle. Full Circle reinvents the form

home, keep it nice and tidy every time the

and function of homewares products to delight

family gathers, cooks or eats. Our Haden sensor

consumers.

bins match the iconic Perth slate colour and

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household, keeping the kitchen clean and

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hygienic. The lid opens via sensor technology and closes at the end of a timer, letting you keep your hands and the kitchen clean. A large 58l capacity makes it an ideal fit for busy families.

Sabichi T: 0208 799 7417 W: www.sabichi.co.uk

New from Addis are the Seal & Store vacuum storage bags - a must-have listing as customers start to organise next season’s clothing and bedding.

Addis believes the Seal & Store vacuum storage bags are the best storage bags you will ever use. Featuring a unique patented secure seal where you simply swipe shut to close so no more fiddly zips to create the vacuum. These bags can be compressed by hand or by vacuum cleaner, are reusable and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Addis T: 01656 66 44 55 W: www.addis.co.uk

Sponge Daddy is now available to retailers across the UK and Ireland,

The new even tougher product from the Scrub Daddy line, Scour Daddy is now

the new multipack product from Scrub Daddy. Four different coloured

available to retailers across the UK and Ireland. With the same FlexTexture core as

dual-sided sponges with the same material as the famous Scrub Mommy with one side being our scratch-resistant FlexTexture® and the super absorbent ResoFoam® on the other but now in the familiar rectangular shape form.

Evo Lifestyle Products T: 03302200671 E: info@scrubdaddy.uk W: www.scrubdaddy.uk

Scrub Daddy, but with an ArmorTec mesh coating, it’s a scouring pad but as you’ve never seen them before. Scour Daddy comes in a three-pack of multiple colours for colour coded cleaning all scratch-resistant and durable enough to handle the toughest of burnt on food.

Evo Lifestyle Products T: 03302200671 E: info@scrubdaddy.uk W: www.scrubdaddy.uk

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE – FULL CIRCLE

Established in 2009, Full Circle Home was founded in an effort to transform the way people think about the products they use every day. Bridging the gap between environmentally conscious and intelligently designed products that are also stylish, Full Circle is determined to eliminate the sacrifice of either beauty, function or sustainability when it comes to the home. Full Circle's innovative offerings span across multiple categories: clean, dry, compost and keep. A certified B Corporations, Full Circle continues to unveil innovative, sustainable and lasting products that people can be proud to display in their home.

ABOUT FULL CIRCLE WHAT MAKES OUR PRODUCTS DIFFERENT You shouldn’t have to compromise. That’s why we developed a line of products that are as beautiful as they are balanced, using innovative materials and thoughtful practices. It’s not just about extending the lifecycle of products in your home or reducing landfill waste – as consumers and creators, we truly believe that even the littlest changes can have a big impact (even if it’s just choosing a better dish brush).

CORE VALUES 1. SUSTAINABILITY At Full Circle, we are committed to the health of our environment for this and future generations.

Our manufacturing process is designed to

preserve resources and reduce waste while creating long-lasting products from safe materials.

2. DESIGN We reinvent the form and function of home care products to delight our consumers.

Thoughtful features for better functionality, beautiful design and unique materials bring inspiration and fun to daily household rituals.

3. FAMILY Families take many forms, but they all share one goal: a better future for their children. We believe this starts at home. Through education and product innovation, we promote healthy, vibrant environments for all.

Inset: Tiny Team Mini Brush & Dustpan together with the Micro Manager - deep cleaning for hard to reach places.

Above: Full Circle Sink Caddy complete with Be Good Dish Brush, Walnut Scrubber, Bubble Up Dish Brush & Soap Dispenser.

PRODUCT ELEMENTS At Full Circle, we’re committed to developing safer, more beautiful, super functional products that contribute to a healthier planet. ◾ SAFE FOR YOU All Full Circle products are made without harmful coatings, dyes, plastics and chemicals to make sure your family gets a healthier, BPAfree clean. ◾ EARTH FRIENDLY Clean is pretty dirty if it means being wasteful.

That’s why our products use long-lasting, renewable, compostable or recycled resources whenever possible. ◾ RESPONSIBLE LIVING From composting to nixing plastic water bottles, you make all the right choices for a more conscientious lifestyle. Our products just help make it a bit easier to tackle every day. ◾ REPLACEABLE We design many of our products with parts you can replace once they’re looking a little less than fresh, extending the life cycle, saving resources and money. ◾ INTENTIONAL DESIGN Beauty means nothing without the brains to back it up. We design our products to be gorgeous and functional, including self-storage options and little extra feel-good details everywhere we can.

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE – FULL CIRCLE WHAT WE USE Every material in our products is carefully selected for its durability, giving you more time before each one ends its lifecycle. We choose options that take less energy to produce and cut back on greenhouse gases and harmful chemicals, making them as conscientious as they are long lasting.

HERE’S A CLOSER LOOK: BONTERRA™ - Meaning “good earth,” this petrochemical-free plastic alternative is made from plant cellulose and starches.

NATURAL LATEX - Natural rubber latex provides a healthier and more sustainable alternative.

GLASS - Our non-toxic, 100% recyclable glass, is non-porous & doesn’t leach, which means less bacteria & chemicals in your drink.

ORGANIC COTTON - One of the most popular organic fibres, grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers.

BAMBOO - Mighty strong, mighty fast to grow, this renewable powerhouse grass requires zero pesticides and fertilization.

RECYCLED PLASTIC - An old friend you know and love that uses 1/3 of the energy virgin plastic needs for production.

CELLULOSE - A squishy sponge alternative that’s 100% plant-based and biodegradable without nasty additions like triclosan.

PLANT-BASED MATERIALS - We find new uses for plant-based powerhouses, like walnuts as scrubbers and Tampico fibres as bristles.

PRODUCTS FOCUS

Above: Get your dishes squeaky clean with the Be Good Dish Brush, Clean Reach Bottle Brush and Splash Patrol Rubber Gloves.

Team, there were no exceptions - a non-toxic coating on the bamboo and BPA-free recycled plastic make this product absolutely safe for you (or your kids!).

NEAT NUT Walnut Scour Pads – £6.95 Scrubbing pad made from walnut shells for natural scouring power. Gentle on surfaces, yet effective and durable. Walnut shells have serious scrubbing power but that doesn't help if you're allergic to nuts.

Not to worry, these pads won't cause a reaction.

Set of 3 scour pads. Non-toxic

WIPE OUT Pivoting Squeegee £12.95 Meet the tool designed to leave tile and glass gleaming and cleaning enthusiasts beaming in their newly polished mirrors. Simply put, Wipe Out polishes mirrors, shower walls and corners like a pint-size pro.

Your smooth surface clean streak starts now.

Made from Bamboo, recycled plastic, plastic

THE RING Veggie Brush - £5.95 Get your organic produce squeaky clean with this little earth-friendly wonder that works on everything from the firmest peppers to the most delicate peaches. Eating veggies are always a healthy choice, but not when you're worried about toxic by-products on the tools that are helping you get them clean. The Ring has non-toxic coatings on the bamboo, and the recycled plastic and plant fibre bristles are BPA-free making it safe for you.

KIND CLOTHS PLANT-DYED DISH CLOTHS £12.95 The cloth is beautiful, quick-drying, and made of organic cotton. We like to use them in place of paper towels to dry off wet hands or wipe down messy counter tops. Using nature as a paint box, the dye-making process for our Kind Cloths ditches harsh chemicals in favour of a naturedyed alternative. Naturally dyed with pomegranate, tea leaves, and aster flower. 100% organic cotton, breathable weave dries quickly and 100% organic cotton. 12" x 12"

BE GOOD Dish Brush - £7.95 It's easy to be good with this little helper leading the charge. Made with a sustainable bamboo handle and recycled plastic bristles, its one awesome way to be a little better to the planet.

TINY TEAM Mini Brush & Dustpan Set - £11.95 From under-the-highchair clean ups to litter box overflow, no job is too small for this adorable pair. Measuring a mere 7”x 7”, they’re totally cute and limitlessly useful. Safety is all about the little details. And with the Tiny

DISTRIBUTED BY EDDINGTONS LTD t | +44 (0) 1488 686572 f | +44 (0) 1488 686941 e | sales@eddingtons.co.uk w | www.eddingtons.co.uk

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What’s Cooking?

FOR CHRISTMAS? Four independent retailers predict six bestselling products in the run-up to Christmas.

Francis and Angus Charles, owners, Chef’s Ware, Hastings Having expanded considerably since opening in November 2017, Chef’s Ware scooped the Most Promising Newcomer Award at The Excellence in Housewares Awards.

Cast Iron Cookware from Le Creuset

Without a doubt a great seller for us as now we have been established for two years customers are coming back to build up their Le Creuset collections. Besides the cast iron classics, Le Creuset's colourful stoneware mugs are also a popular gift.

Kai Shun Knives from Taylor’s Eye Witness

High quality knives that make an excellent gift for serious home cooks - including the carving set in the run up to Christmas.

MasterClass Cast Aluminium Casserole from KitchenCraft Anolon Nouvelle Copper Frypans from Meyer Group

Casseroles are a winter favourite and this is lightweight with a tough non-stick coating and a self basting lid.

These are steady sellers throughout the year but would make a perfect Christmas gift for foodies.

Aprons, Tablecloths and Oven Mitts from Dexam

Customers appreciate the good quality fabric of Dexam’s textile range. We are now stocking extra long aprons by popular demand as men often do more cooking over Christmas.

Dexam provides a wide variety of designs so we have something for everyone.

A good range of mills from a bestselling brand. To encourage gifting, Cole and Mason put Christmas sleeves on its packaging, which is a very nice touch.

Cole & Mason Mills from DKB

Left: These Kai Shun Knives from Taylors Eye Witness are the ideal cutting/ chopping/carving option. A high-end gift to make any serious home chef smile!

Left: For those classic winter dishes, KitchenCraft’s MasterClass Aluminium Casserole is all you need light-weight but resiliant!.

Emmie Brookman, social media and marketing manager, Silver Mushroom This family run online store offers premium kitchenware and was a finalist in the Excellence in Direct Retailing Award.

Set of Six Rainbow Mugs from Le Creuset Traditional Kettle in Black from Le Creuset

These make a fantastic gift for Christmas as they are a ready made gift, and bring a dash of colour into the home, which is never a bad thing!

A classic piece that every home needs: the traditional whistling kettle is sure to be a big seller this year. Our entire office has their eyes on them for this Christmas!

Kilner 8 Litre Dispenser from The Rayware Group

A winner for every season, the Kilner Dispenser is perfect for serving up those delicious Christmas cocktails.

Typhoon Elements Marble/Acacia Round Serving Board from The Rayware Group

We are excited about this entire range this season. With precious elements and gold galore, each piece makes a gorgeous statement and is just perfect for gifting. The Round Serving Board is our favourite piece for sure!

An absolute classic; we love teapots all year round but this berry colour is just perfect for winter. We predict big things for this colour this year.

Price and Kensington Six Cup Berry Teapot from The Rayware Group Signature Round Cast Iron Casserole Dish 20cm in Almond from Le Creuset Right: Colourful, classic and a great gifting option - Le Creuset’s Set of Six Mugs will cheer up any kitchen.

This is an investment piece that every home needs. We always predict big things for our casserole dishes around Christmas time but this Almond colour is sure to be a winner this year.

Right: Typhoon Elements Marble/Acacia Round Serving Board from The Rayware Group is part of a beautiful range of serving items - make a bold statement and set your dining table alight!

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What’s Cooking?

Matt Fendall, director, Essentials of Hazlemere With a loyal customer base that appreciates good customer service, this family run housewares store is 32 years old.

Super Sharp Knife Sharpener from Neat Ideas The Snowman Cake Decorating Range and Tableware from Anniversary House/Creative Party The Nutcracker Tableware from KitchenCraft

This sharpens knives in preparation for the Christmas turkey carving and scissors for wrapping. The TV screen in store shows customers the benefits.

This is a great new range including party bags, cups and plates that all feature designs from Raymond Brigg’s cartoon.

Christmas Loo Roll from NJ Products Bottles from Chilly’s

A unique product – just when you think you have everything for Christmas!

This is still our hottest (or coldest) gift line. The smaller sizes to fit in a handbag are selling the fastest now.

Animo Glass Whisky Tumblers from The Milford Collection

These boxed individual whisky glasses etched with sports or animal scenes make great gifts.

Selling well in October, this nice range features quirky, original designs that make great gifts, including eggcups and cake stands, although we don’t have enough stock.

Right: For those that love ‘everyting’ about Christmas - NJ Products offer these festive fun Loo Rolls to brighten up any little girl’s or little boy’s room!

Right: A great gift for Christmas - these Animo Glass Wisky Tumblers from The Millford Collection are a classy choice.

Sherri Singleton, owner, The Mistley Kitchen, Mistley near Manningtree The Mistley Kitchen combines a cookery school and shop stocked with supplies and gifts for cooks.

Four-Sided Box Grater from Microplane International Ratchet Grater from Kuhn Rikon Zwilling Pro 2 Carving Set from Zwilling J.A.Henckels Fred Good Measure Gin Recipe Glass from KitchenCraft Lime Squeezer from KitchenCraft Glass Bottle Matches from Archivist Left: These Christmas themed Glass Bottle Matches from Archivist are great for the festive season.

All the Microplane graters in one handy box!

Fantastic for grating and storing parmesan. We love the lever action and use them in our Italian restaurant, Lucca Enoteca. Great stocking filler.

We swear by Zwilling knives and use them exclusively in our cookery school. This carving set may be for Christmas but it will last you a lifetime.

Fun, quirky little gift for any gin lover. Great for your Secret Santa!

Great stocking filler - useful for cooking and cocktails! Heavy duty and brightly coloured. This is a bestseller of ours all year.

These make a great little gift all year round with their different colours and designs. We love the Christmas themed ones, perfect for those open fires over the festive season.

Left: For all your grating needs, the Ratchet Grater from Kuhn Rikon grates perfectly everytime - a nifty kitchen gadget.

Above: A lifestime of slicing and carving - J.A Henckel’s Zwilling Pro-2 Carving Set will make quick work of the Christmas roast!

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What’s cooking for Christmas Gifts &

What better gift to give the coffee lover in your life than the Seattle 3-in-1 Brewer Set from La Cafetière. The set offers

Festive Preparation?

three brewing methods in one – cold brew, pour over and press and comes stylishly packaged to make it a gift of

Urban style, organic garden - the Veritable indoor

distinction with a difference. Included in

garden achieved two prestigious awards at the

the set is a glass pour over carafe, a pour

recent Progressive Housewares awards. Veritable®

over cone, a lid, A French press plunger,

enables everyone to grow aromatic herbs, mini

a cold brew coffee maker and a 12 page

vegetables, edible flowers and baby herb salad, all

‘how to’ guide.

year round, at home, effortlessly. Discover our

KitchenCraft

Veritable® Indoor Gardens and the Lingots® : Mint,

T: 0121 604 1111

Chives, Basil, Parsley, Tomato, Chili, Mizuna,

E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk

Watercress…& many more!

W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Imported by HAUS T: 01782 572910

BarCraft has exploded with vibrancy and style with a host of new AW19 lines. Create a cultured tropical vibe with the Palm House collection or bring a sophisticated art deco feel to the proceedings with Midnight Blue, where bold brass and gold tones contrast with a rich shimmering blue. Alternatively, strike a dramatic yet sumptuous look with a collection of accessories such as a cocktail shaker, wine bucket and this ice bucket, made from glass with a striking zinc fired finish.

KitchenCraft T: 0121 604 1111 E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

TKPro A 100% plastic-free e thermal Kanteen

The h TKPr TKP o is i a 100% plas l ticti free, versatile drink or food container with h an integrated cup, twist & po our cap with unique 360˚ pour-thr p ough design all back ked by cutting edge thermal perf p ormance.

www.kle eankanteen.co.uk/ph19m m

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What’s cooking for Christmas Gifts &

Featured is the new ‘Faithful Friends’ range from Lesser and Pavey. Presenting fun illustrated

Festive Preparation?

images of dogs and cats with bones and fish accordingly, the quality illustrations depicted seek to capture the fun-loving nature of these domestic pets, the pleasure they bring to our lives and the cheeky expressions of man’s best friend. This brand new range captures dogs and cats separately on fold away pet bedding with mattress, pet water and feeding bowls, treat tins and fine quality mugs, plus three sizes of trays for pet owners or simply lovers of dogs and cats.

Lesser & Pavey T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk Stylish and understated, Tala’s iconic Indigo & Ivory range combines vintage charm with a classic colour palette for a look that will compliment any kitchen. There’s something for everyone in the range - It would make for the perfect gift for anyone from the novice baker to someone looking for timeless kitchen décor. Why not go one step further and bake your loved-ones homemade Christmas food gifts this year – and package them inside the beautiful Set of three Cake Tins from the range.

George East Housewares T: 01225 859635

For a sparkling Christmas, these glitzy new Built

W: www.george-east.com

Glitter Bottles, available in purple, silver and rose gold, make the most ideal gift. Fully embracing the growth in hydration and the move to a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, they are double-

In line with the launch of the

walled and vacuum-sealed, keeping cold drinks

new Flavour Revival campaign

insulated for up to 24 hours and hot for up to six

comes the perfect range of

hours. The Perfect Seal technology ensures that the

Christmas gifts for every type of

bottle lid is leak-proof making it perfect for popping

cook, suited to every budget.

into a work or gym bag.

For a vibrant Christmas table,

KitchenCraft

the Cast Iron range in rich

T: 0121 604 1111

Cerise. For the kitchen, the 3-

E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk

ply Stainless Steel 35cm

W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Rectangular Roaster or the Toughened Non-Stick 26cm Sauté Pan with Glass Lid are perfect gifts. Finally, for a pop of colour this Christmas, gift the Stoneware Rainbow Sets and

Circulon has launched three new ranges, Total.

colourful Mills, available in

Excellence and Style. Each range contains the perfect

various shades such as new

centre piece for the Christmas table. Total is available

Ultra Violet.

both in Hard Anodised and Stainless steel, Excellence is

Le Creuset

a comprehensive hard anodised cookware collection

T: 01264 343909

and finally, Style is exclusive to John Lewis and not only

W: www.lecreuset.co.uk

looks beautiful but is built for performance. All collections are suitable for all stove tops including induction. Featuring oven safe handles and lids up to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4, their stylish appearance means they look the part too and are the perfect size for serving from the oven to table top.

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New Products p62 and IBC.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2019 11:18 Page 1

New Products Made in the USA, the photo-etched, ultra-sharp Microplane® blades, or teeth, of the Mills effortlessly grate without ripping or tearing. The Gourmet Chili Gift Set with Precise Pressure™ Engineered Tension Spring comes with a tin of Spicebar Birds Eye Chilis. The Gourmet Spice Set includes a Spice Mill and a sachet each of whole Spicebar Nutmeg and Long Pepper. Both mills are essential for passionate food lovers.

Microplane International W; www.microplaneintl.com

The Salter Eco Bamboo Electronic Kitchen Scale and Eco Electronic Bathroom Scale are Salters most environmentally friendly products yet.

These innovative scales will launch in 2020, Salter’s 260th Birthday year!

Engineered from solid Bamboo and featuring a rechargeable USB-C battery, quality has not been compromised whilst plastic use has been reduced to a minimum. Packaging is 100% recyclable and plastic free. Plus with a 15-year guarantee, you can be sure, there is nothing single use about these products.

FKA Brands T: 01732 378 557 W: www.fkabrands.com

4PC KITCHEN ITCH HEN KNIFE SET atile and efficient, the Simple, versatile Opinel Fifties 4pc Kitchen Knife Set contains four small knives which cut beautifully and are suitable for everyday nife, a serrated knife, a use: a paring knife, vegetable knife and a peelerr..

Each knife featurres a Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with high carbon content and a tinted hornbeam handle.

Available online at: Av www.whitbyandco.co.uk/ph19m

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New Products

The Kilner® Set of two Fermentation Jar Set provides an easy way for beginners or experts alike to create smaller batches of fermented foods packed with vitamins, minerals and probiotic cultures. The glass weights sit on top of the vegetables to ensure they are kept under the brine solution. The jar lid has a silicone valve which releases the gases inside the jar while ensuring that the atmospheric air does not enter. Perfect for creating live cultures of sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles.

Rayware Group T: 0151 486 1888 E: sales@rayware.co.uk

NEW from Le Creuset is the Toughened Non-Stick 26cm Square

W: www.kilnerjar.co.uk

Roaster. Versatile, practical and ideal for everyday cooking, it is perfect for sweet and savoury traybakes, roasting meat, fish and

Modern storage baskets designed and made in Barcelona of high quality BpA free

vegetables and for delicious baked desserts. Featuring the Le

plastic. Available in four sizes, they are perfect for storing all kinds of household

Creuset ultimate non-stick coating inside and out, it is durable and

products in a practical and elegant way. Their double utility allows for stacking or

long lasting and can withstand the use of metal utensils.

fitting together. The baskets with their lids transform into storage boxes. There are six

Le Creuset

trendy colours: white, blue mist, lilac, taupe, brown and grey.

T: 01264 343909

Tatay

W: www.lecreuset.co.uk

T: +34 935 444222 E: tatay@tatay.es

Brew is a range of tea and coffee making, serving and

W: www.tatay.com

drinking essentials to elevate your brews beyond the ordinary. Available in Halo, Studio Blue and new Studio Grey, the cleverly designed pieces cover the spectrum from your first large morning cuppa to the art-form of your favourite artisan tea or slow-filtered blend of coffee.

Created for use in the home or restaurant, the ‘Brew’ collection is produced from Denby’s beautiful, versatile and durable ceramics perfected over 200 years in their Derbyshire pottery.

The Denby Pottery Co T: 01773 740770 E: sales.admindept@denby.co.uk W: www.denbypottery.com

New to the Le Creuset colour range is Ultra Violet. Stylish and vibrant, the new shade will brighten any home. Available cross category across cast iron, stoneware, mills and textiles, encompassing a vast range of the Le Creuset cookware and kitchenware offering, Ultra Violet is the new must have shade this year and the perfect gift, from Le Creuset.

Le Creuset T: 01264 343909 W: www.lecreuset.co.uk

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NIC BREAD BIN.

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Brabantia (UK) Limited Tel: 01275 810600 Email: sales.uk@brabantia.com 00_HW_Sept Oct 2019.indd 1

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