Anna Ryder Richardson has been announced as one of the keynote speakers of this year’s programme. As one of the country’s best loved interior designers, and currently working within the kbb sector as a design consultant for Magnet, Anna is perfectly placed to discuss the latest news and developments in kitchen design. Anna will be join the show on Monday 5 March, curating much of the day’s programme, managing the Q&A sessions and presenting her own seminar.

Commenting on her appearance, Anna says: “I’m passionate about interior design and love to share my experiences and that’s why I’m thrilled to be involved in this year’s kbb Birmingham as I know I’ll be talking directly to the industry. With consumers paying particular attention on how best to maximise their space and get the best ‘bang for their buck’, I’m looking forward to sharing my insights on how design can play such an integral part in the journey from the showroom to the home.”

Speaking publicly in the UK for the first time, and exclusively at kbb Birmingham, will be legendary kitchen guru Gerd Bulthaup, the driving force behind the design and philosophy of bulthaup kitchens since 1978.

“This is a real coup for kbb Birmingham and a seminar not to be missed by those with any real investment in kitchen design,” says kbbnews editor Grahame Morrison, who will talk to Gerd about his views on kitchen design.

“A leading authority, bulthaup has inspired manufacturers and impressed retailers for years and his influence can be felt across the industry. I’m thrilled Gerd will be joining us at this year’s event and know that everyone, not only those in the kitchen industry can learn from his years of experience.”

Gerd will be joined by bulthaup’s CEO Marc Eckert who will talk about the next phase in one of the world’s most iconic brands of kitchen furniture.

With the increased importance of social media and online marketing being placed across the KBB industry, the retail and interior design audiences will find the series of Marketing Masterclasses not to be missed. Presented by Econsultancy, these hands-on masterclasses will discuss ecommerce, website, email and digital marketing and provide insights into strategies that could help shape their business for the coming years and provide a competitive edge in the marketplace.

This FREE programme will run over the event’s four days, 4-7 March, at the NEC, Birmingham. To view the full programme,www.kbb.co.uk. For daily show updates and design news, follow kbb Birmingham on Twitter @kbbnews

Made from over 90% natural quartz crystals, Silestone by Cosentino worksurfaces have nearly four to five times the flexural strength of granite and a high resistance to scratch, stain and heat. Extremely hygienic, Silestone is available in over 60 distinctive through-body colours with a shade and consistency that is not found in natural stone. With a ten-year warranty, Silestone is the ideal surface for use in a wide variety of applications, including worksurfaces, bar/ reception tops, flooring, splashbacks and wall cladding.

Silestone by Cosentino Integrity DUE Sink

The new Silestone Integrity DUE sinks are made from one piece of Silestone, which integrate perfectly with Silestone worktops for a continuous sleek design. Available in a wide range of colours, including the striking Carbono finish from the Platinum collection (pictured), the DUE sinks are available in two sizes and benefit from clean straight lines for drainage. The first sink measures 37x34x15.5 and is ideal for double sink spaces; while the second, with dimensions of 37x51x15.5 is a great choice for a single sink. They can also be teamed together to create a popular one and a half sink design. The original Silestone Integrity ONE sink measures 41x51x15.5cm.

Available in an array of beautiful colours, the stunning ECO by Cosentino® range of worktops are composed of 75% recycled materials, including mirrors and glass for striking designs that are also extremely durable, with a high stain, scratch and scorch resistance. The surfaces are available in jumbo slabs of 327x159cm as well as standard tile sizes. Responding to the varying market needs, the slabs are available in 1.2cm, 2cm and 3cm thickness. ECO by Cosentino® worksurfaces come with a ten-year warranty.

Benefiting from an innovative treatment, which gives greater protection against stains, Sensa by Cosentino worksurfaces can withstand very high temperatures, as well as being water and oil resistant. The two and three cm thick granite worksurfaces can be used inside and outside, as they are UV resistant so sunlight will not affect the colour of the surface. With a ten-year warranty, Sensa by Cosentino worksurfaces are currently available in 13 distinctive colours and in polished or leather-effect (slightly textured matt) finishes.

This year’s stand will incorporate two room set displays showcasing Impey’s luxury wetroom products.

The first room set will comprise of the brands 1000mm Aqua-Screen Vision wetroom panel installed on Impey’s unique 1000x1000mm Aqua-Dec Linear floor former and drainage solution, complete with a shower basket accessory.

The second room set will include the 1200mm Aqua-Screen Pure panel installed as a walk-though shower design, on a 1300x800mm Aqua-Dec floor former.

Impey’s stand will present visitors with a lavish selection of fully dressed wetroom sets that are easy to create through the use of their innovative and user-friendly solutions.

Marketing Executive, Gemma Rickard has said “We are really excited to have a presence at KBB. As one of the most prominent trade shows in the industry it is fantastic to be able to showcase our products and communicate with those that are visiting. We are looking forward to being able to express the Impey brand and highlight the innovation and simplicity behind each of our products.”

Matt Earle, Marketing Manager, Robert Lee Distribution Ltd has said “This year we are looking to explore new avenues that will work to further enhance the Robert Lee Distribution brand and we believe the expertise of Publicity Engineers will enable us to achieve this goal. Robert Lee Distribution is arguably the number one bathroom distributor in the UK, so it seems only right that we take this opportunity to publicise what we can offer.”

Speaking on behalf of Publicity Engineers, Managing Director Rob Nicholls says “We are delighted to be working with Robert Lee Distribution Ltd. With over 27,000 product lines, including its own ‘Arley’ brand, this is a very respectable distributor that should have a great deal of recognition within the industry. The use of PR will enable any developments, investments or product launches to be clearly communicated.”

Robert Lee Distribution Ltd is a key supplier to retailers and merchants. Distributing products from 83 manufacturers the company is able to cater for all needs from sanitaryware to water treatment solutions.

For further information on Robert Lee or its product offering call  0800 376 5554, or visit www.rlee.co.uk

Gemma Rickard, Marketing Executive, Impey Showers Ltd has said “It is a very exciting time for Impey with many developments and product launches due to take place. The decision to appoint Publicity Engineers was therefore an easy one to make as we trust their expertise and feel assured that they will be able to guide us in the right direction in promoting what Impey has to offer.”

Speaking on behalf of Publicity Engineers, Managing Director Rob Nicholls says “We are delighted to be working with Impey Showers. The products that this brand has to offer are truly innovative and make them experts in the market, it seems only right therefore that we communicate this with the trade press.”

Impey Showers is a Somerset based company and are specialists in wetroom design offering unique and practical solutions for easy installation and flawless results. All shower enclosures and bathscreens are made in the UK and designed to be both a effortless and stylish addition to any bathroom or wash space.

For further information, call 01460 256 080, visit www.impeyshowers.com or email info@impeyshowers.com

New on the roster is the Keller Kitchen Centre, Altrincham – a family business founded 18 years ago and set in the heart of delightful Cheshire.

The Keller Kitchen Centre acts as an approved outlet for Keller Kitchens in the Netherlands, and was the first Keller Design Centre to be opened in the UK.

MD Geoff Sharpe says: “We’re looking forward to enjoying the benefits the KBSA has to offer. We first became aware of the KBSA on a display stand at the KBB exhibition many years ago, and our decision to join was prompted by the current business climate. They have so much to offer in the way of advice and support, both to us and our clients.”

Graham Ball, chief executive officer of the KBSA, said: “We look forward to working with The Keller Kitchen Centre. We like to think we provide great value to all our members in whatever way they require – especially in the current volatile business climate.”

Expanding its profile within the UK, Ex.t will once again be exhibiting at the Clerkenwell Design Week, 22-24 May 2012. ‘Award Winning’ Designers from Ex.t will demonstrate their influence, presenting 12 new designs at the Show, certain to make a lasting impression.

Tony Robson, of Plug in Design has said “I really believe that not only our retail business, but also our Design Consultancy and Distribution Services will really benefit from the exclusive Ex.t range. Plug has become UK & Ireland’s sole exclusive distributor of Ex.t and we are looking for ‘like minded’ dealers, strategically located throughout the UK, to make use of the Services we have available. If anyone is interested about getting involved or simply to know more, please contact me.’’

“The depth of versatility with this range is a designers dream and I am certain that the Ex.t style will be embraced by consumers looking for something with the wow factor. It provides us with the ultimate freedom of design as well as encouraging more freedom of expression for today’s homeowner ’’ comments Hayley Tarrington, Creative Director of Plug in Design.

The Leicester based company Plug in Design, hailed by many as the Midlands most innovative home interior designer and retailer, is continuing to buck the current market trend by expanding its business. Forging new relationships and increasing its portfolio, enhances the services available to the homeowner and most importantly, design specific retailers and specifiers.

The new Trend Interiors range has been designed for those aspiring to the ‘look’ in terms of quality and style, but with an affordable price tag, opening up a new potential customer base for Mereway and for its specialist retailer network.

However, according to sales and marketing director Graham Jones, the most exciting aspect of the new range is that it embraces the Internet channel, with leads and even orders driven directly to the retail network.

“Mereway has adopted new technology and invested substantially both in developing a distinctive new brand for Trend Interiors and in building an interactive, buy online website, for which we have to thank Declan Laffan and his team from EQ Software’s eStore division ” says Mr Jones. “Consumers can browse through the kitchens and review the range content and, then either order a brochure, submit an order online or request assistance with design and planning. In each case, the lead or order is sent directly to a Trend partner retailer.”

“We believe this is a real innovation in the industry and will enable us to compete in a market which until now has been dominated by the large chain store retailers. With Trend Interiors and eStore, we can provide customers with the convenience of online shopping and competitive prices, but with the added support and service of a network of experienced kitchen specialists.”

EQ Software, market leaders in the kbb business management sector, launched eStore at KBB 2010 and has developed well over 75 eCommerce websites for retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in the kbb industry. Declan Laffan, Project Manager for the eStore division at EQ notes “The Trend Interiors project just shows how far we have developed our knowledge and expertise in this field in under 2 years. The biggest barrier to retailers expanding their businesses into eCommerce is what products to sell online. EStore and Trend Interiors as a package are unrivalled in the kbb industry as it offers retailers a complete sales and marketing strategy for branded kitchen furniture through their physical showrooms and of course online.”

For more information on Trend Interiors, call 0121 765 3601, Stand K92 at kbb Birmingham or visit www.trendinteriors.co.uk

For more information on eStore fro EQ Software call 0845 603 1370. Stand N80 or visit www.eqsoftware.net

When the American based company needed an inspirational kitchen space to shoot their new TV advertising campaign, Symphony’s 20,000 sq ft purpose-built facility, known as ‘Inspire by Symphony’, proved the perfect backdrop.

Located in Barnsley, the suite has become the largest fitted furniture trade showroom in the UK. It will now be seen by millions of people alongside OXO’s kitchen products when the TV advert airs on the SKY and the BBC Freesat network on 28th February.

Simon Collyns, Marketing Director at Symphony, comments, “It’s testament to our stunning facility that OXO chose to film their TV ad at our HQ. We were more than happy to accommodate filming and we’ll be tuning in to see the end result in February.”

A spokesperson from OXO adds, “Symphony provided a great platform to showcase our products, with their cutting-edge show area and display of the latest in furniture design which complemented our products perfectly.”

Since opening in April 2011, the Inspire marketing suite has hosted over 2,000 visitors, who have been introduced to Symphony’s full portfolio of market leading brands. Divided into ‘zones’, the suite features Symphony’s bespoke offerings for the social housing, private developer and retail sectors, as well as specialist displays for emerging markets, including hotel accommodation. With a vast space and stunning centrepiece of three ‘hero’ display kitchens created using elements from Symphony’s retail brands, displays range from a striking New York kitchen set against a ‘Big Apple’ skyline, to a male and female kitchen showpiece.

Inspire by Symphony showcases over 60 kitchens, 20 bathrooms and 20 bedrooms, providing inspirational solutions for customers.

Peter Dimeloe, Managing Director of Coram Shower Pods, says; “To be able to offer such a niche, high quality product to an already saturated market just helps Coram recognise the need for our unique pod. Specifiers and builders demand stylish, engineered shower enclosures that combine not only fast and simple installation, but also watertight performance. We are certain, with this exclusive range and the support of Publicity Engineers that we will continue to strengthen our position.”

Speaking on behalf of Publicity Engineers, Managing Director Rob Nicholls, says; “I am very excited for us to be able to assist Coram Shower Pods with its already established and thriving business. Offering a vast selection of bathroom products that go beyond the standard options, I am certain we can help in the elevation of Coram’s brand.’’

Designed and built-in Britain, Coram Shower Pods offer the ideal showering solution and furthermore are the fastest and easiest to fit, becoming the known choice for merchants, architects, project managers and contractor/installers. Available in a range of sizes, each pod comes complete with a beautifully finished, high quality Coram shower door, a choice of high performance thermostatic mixer showers and unique patent protected ‘Waterguard’ shower trays. Easy clean and virtually maintenance free, the entire unit can be fully connected and fitted in just over an hour!

Dedicated to producing a complete range of sizes and styles to suit all applications, the Shower Pod collection includes; the Quadrant, Corner, Bi-fold Alcove and Sliding Alcove.

Coram Shower Pods present nothing but state–of-the-art design and engineering, all developed in Britain, complying with exacting British site requirements.