Get Connected: June 2011

Beko A-30% Ad Get Connected 297x210.indd 1 10/06/2011 12:12

ELECTRIC DESIGNThe design element that made icons of such products as the iPod is now an essential ingredient across all MDA, CE and SKA products. Design is about aesthetics, function, perception, aspiration. And it is a potent, many-faceted aid to sales

FLOORCAREThe sector is fl agging a little in volume, but the all-important sales value curve is climbing upward, indicating that fl oorcare is winning the battle to convince consumers that paying more for a quality product is a sound investment. GC examines this complex and crowded market

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTEDIntellectual property rights is an increasingly grey area in the digital age. George Cole looks at developments that could aff ect everyone in the UK who owns a recording or downloading device

IN BUSINESSJohn Reddington unravels and elucidates the sales acronym AICDA in the last of the current series

FROM THE BENCHWhen electricity goes bad. Alan Bennett looks at the consequences and remedies for glitches in the domestic electricity supply

BACKCHATIndesit’s head of training Joyce Baker gives a 2-minute interview

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E E L E C T R I C A L I N D U S T R Y

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

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T his magazine – and particularly this editorial comment page – acquired a bit of a reputation for

“bank bashing” during the darkest days of the recession.

It’s not a reputation we’re ashamed to acknowledge now, and judging by the huge and supportive reaction from our readership, the majority of small and medium-sized businesses in this country agreed that our banks had let us all down and owed us more (some say as much as £500 billion more) than a dismissive wave and a “terribly sorry, chaps, but let’s move on now,” as they planned their next round of bonuses.

But since it’s become clear that neither the Government nor the business community can do anything about it, and the expression “bank bashing” is being used as a disparaging label for anyone who is antisocial enough to persist in holding “unhelpful” grudges and refuses to “move on,” we have given up suggesting that there’s still an account to be settled.

Being more constructive, we did advocate the idea that separating high-risk, high-reward “casino” banking from the less exciting but more reliable world of retail banking might be better suited to the funding needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It’s an idea that’s been fl oated in Government and banking circles, but given the recent track-record of eff ective banking reform, don’t hold your breath.

There was a time, within living memory, when call centres and remote, tick-box, standardised, centralised, impersonal decision-making processes were not the norm for most banks; a time when local branch managers, with local knowledge and a personal acquaintance with local businesses and their proprietors, had the authority to make local decisions about small business funding.

When we asked readers of Get Connected if they thought a return to that time would help their businesses,

more than seven out of ten said “yes.” To be fair, the question was slightly weighted: “Would you rather have Sir Fred Goodwin or Captain Mainwaring looking after your business banking?” (You may remember Sir Fred was the focus of a great deal of banker demonization as, still in his fi fties, he stepped down as head of a failed UK bank and insisted on taking with him a pension that was worth, annually, as much as many small business people make in a decade of work.) Bizarrely, his name, which had quickly faded from the headlines, popped up again recently in connection with that other fashionable preserve of the rich and famous – a “super injunction” covering an alleged inappropriate relationship with a work colleague that, if revealed, might have “a negative impact on his personal life and career.” Nevertheless, local, steady, knowledgeable banking conducted by real people you can talk to and who know you and your business seems to be an attractive proposition for many SMEs.

So we were interested to note that a bank claiming to off er just that opened its 100th branch in the UK last month. Anders Bouvin, UK chief of the Swedish bank Handelsbanken, said “this milestone has been reached thanks to us sticking to our knitting, off ering traditional community banking based on close personal relationships with customers. 96% of all credit decisions are taken by the branch managers,” he added. “Handelsbanken couldn’t be more diff erent to a UK high street bank. When do you meet a decision-maker at a high street branch?”

We can’t recommend it, because we have no fi rst-hand experience, and, with just 100 branches in the UK, fi nding one locally is a matter of chance. But it is interesting to see that the local model is being promoted, and it would be interesting to hear from any of our business readers who do have fi rst-hand experience. Could it catch on as a model to be adopted by the UK high street banks in the future?

register online at www.gcmagazine.co.uk for your FREE copy of Get Connected Magazine

Average net circulation for the 12 issues distributed between Jan-Dec 2008 is 6,228

Marlinda Conway Editor in Chief

Terry HeathEditorial & Publishing

Director

George ColeConsumer Electronics

Consultant

Graham SouthernAdvertising Sales

Lynne HenryCommunications Offi cer,

GfK Marketing Services

James McIntoshConsumer Consultant

Will DobsonCreative Director

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Get Connected. Greyfriar Cottage, Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1SBwww.gcmagazine.co.uk

Editor in Chief: Marlinda Conway Telephone: 01420 886 33 [email protected]

Editorial & Publishing Director: Terry HeathTelephone: 01420 886 33 [email protected]

Magazine Advertising Sales:Graham Southern Telephone: 05557 735 501 [email protected]

Creative Director: Will Dobson [email protected]

Advertisement Production Administration: Will Dobson Telephone: 01342 850 456 [email protected]

Production and Print: Blackmore Press, Shaftesbury, Dorsetwww.blackmore.co.uk

Subscriptions & Circulation: GCCD, 13 Premier AvenueGrays, EssexRM16 2SB.Telephone: 07818 088 671Fax: 01375 370 436 [email protected]

Annual subscription rate (inc. postage): UK £88; Overseas £108.

Copyright © 2011 Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Get Connected is published by Mud Hut Publishing Ltd., Alresford House, 60 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EH.

THE GAGGIA GELATIERA:pure indulgence� is summer, help your customers

unwind and indulge in delicious quality ice-cream at home.

www.gaggia.com

Guaranteeing great tasting results every time, and easy to operate and clean, the Gelatiera from premium Italian brand, Gaggia, prepares gelato in just thirty minutes. Motorised paddles churn the ice-cream leaving it smooth and creamy and producing a

real, authentic Italian experience at home.� e Gelatiera perfectly balances a creamy consistency with the distinct classic taste of the

fi nest Italian hand-made gelato. Ready to use in fi ve minutes, the machine has a built-in freezer so you don’t have to re-freeze the bowl and can leave the cooling system on until ready to enjoy.

Robustly built, the machine has the capacity to produce up to 600g of ice-cream and also comes with an additional bowl meaning you can make multiple batches.

Jo Pratt, presenter and celebrity chef, comments: “� ere is something really indulgent about making your own ice-cream at home and with the Gaggia Gelatiera you can be adventurous with your fl avours and seriously impress family and friends.”

To support the launch of the Gelatiera, Jo has created some delicious recipes that are sure to whet the appetite.

04 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Editorial Comment

06 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Word In and around the industry

16 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Product Gallery

18 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Electric Design The potency of design in form and function

24 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Floorcare Feature Opportunities to clean up

28 / / / / / / George Cole Gets Connected

29 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Guest Opinion Internet retail

30 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / In Business John Reddington on the sales process

32 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / From the Bench Alan Bennett addresses the demon

34 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / BackchatIndustry comment and a 2-minute interview

from Indesit’s head of training Joyce Baker

P17 ELIPSON MUSIC CENTRE www.elipson.com

EDITORIAL COMMENT

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2011

T his magazine – and particularly this editorial comment page – acquired a bit of a reputation for

“bank bashing” during the darkest days of the recession.

It’s not a reputation we’re ashamed to acknowledge now, and judging by the huge and supportive reaction from our readership, the majority of small and medium-sized businesses in this country agreed that our banks had let us all down and owed us more (some say as much as £500 billion more) than a dismissive wave and a “terribly sorry, chaps, but let’s move on now,” as they planned their next round of bonuses.

But since it’s become clear that neither the Government nor the business community can do anything about it, and the expression “bank bashing” is being used as a disparaging label for anyone who is antisocial enough to persist in holding “unhelpful” grudges and refuses to “move on,” we have given up suggesting that there’s still an account to be settled.

Being more constructive, we did advocate the idea that separating high-risk, high-reward “casino” banking from the less exciting but more reliable world of retail banking might be better suited to the funding needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It’s an idea that’s been fl oated in Government and banking circles, but given the recent track-record of eff ective banking reform, don’t hold your breath.

There was a time, within living memory, when call centres and remote, tick-box, standardised, centralised, impersonal decision-making processes were not the norm for most banks; a time when local branch managers, with local knowledge and a personal acquaintance with local businesses and their proprietors, had the authority to make local decisions about small business funding.

When we asked readers of Get Connected if they thought a return to that time would help their businesses,

more than seven out of ten said “yes.” To be fair, the question was slightly weighted: “Would you rather have Sir Fred Goodwin or Captain Mainwaring looking after your business banking?” (You may remember Sir Fred was the focus of a great deal of banker demonization as, still in his fi fties, he stepped down as head of a failed UK bank and insisted on taking with him a pension that was worth, annually, as much as many small business people make in a decade of work.) Bizarrely, his name, which had quickly faded from the headlines, popped up again recently in connection with that other fashionable preserve of the rich and famous – a “super injunction” covering an alleged inappropriate relationship with a work colleague that, if revealed, might have “a negative impact on his personal life and career.” Nevertheless, local, steady, knowledgeable banking conducted by real people you can talk to and who know you and your business seems to be an attractive proposition for many SMEs.

So we were interested to note that a bank claiming to off er just that opened its 100th branch in the UK last month. Anders Bouvin, UK chief of the Swedish bank Handelsbanken, said “this milestone has been reached thanks to us sticking to our knitting, off ering traditional community banking based on close personal relationships with customers. 96% of all credit decisions are taken by the branch managers,” he added. “Handelsbanken couldn’t be more diff erent to a UK high street bank. When do you meet a decision-maker at a high street branch?”

We can’t recommend it, because we have no fi rst-hand experience, and, with just 100 branches in the UK, fi nding one locally is a matter of chance. But it is interesting to see that the local model is being promoted, and it would be interesting to hear from any of our business readers who do have fi rst-hand experience. Could it catch on as a model to be adopted by the UK high street banks in the future?

register online at www.gcmagazine.co.uk for your FREE copy of Get Connected Magazine

Average net circulation for the 12 issues distributed between Jan-Dec 2008 is 6,228

Marlinda Conway Editor in Chief

Terry HeathEditorial & Publishing

Director

George ColeConsumer Electronics

Consultant

Graham SouthernAdvertising Sales

Lynne HenryCommunications Offi cer,

GfK Marketing Services

James McIntoshConsumer Consultant

Will DobsonCreative Director

CONTENTS

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2011

Get Connected. Greyfriar Cottage, Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1SBwww.gcmagazine.co.uk

Editor in Chief: Marlinda Conway Telephone: 01420 886 33 [email protected]

Editorial & Publishing Director: Terry HeathTelephone: 01420 886 33 [email protected]

Magazine Advertising Sales:Graham Southern Telephone: 05557 735 501 [email protected]

Creative Director: Will Dobson [email protected]

Advertisement Production Administration: Will Dobson Telephone: 01342 850 456 [email protected]

Production and Print: Blackmore Press, Shaftesbury, Dorsetwww.blackmore.co.uk

Subscriptions & Circulation: GCCD, 13 Premier AvenueGrays, EssexRM16 2SB.Telephone: 07818 088 671Fax: 01375 370 436 [email protected]

Annual subscription rate (inc. postage): UK £88; Overseas £108.

Copyright © 2011 Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Get Connected is published by Mud Hut Publishing Ltd., Alresford House, 60 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EH.

THE GAGGIA GELATIERA:pure indulgence� is summer, help your customers

unwind and indulge in delicious quality ice-cream at home.

www.gaggia.com

Guaranteeing great tasting results every time, and easy to operate and clean, the Gelatiera from premium Italian brand, Gaggia, prepares gelato in just thirty minutes. Motorised paddles churn the ice-cream leaving it smooth and creamy and producing a

real, authentic Italian experience at home.� e Gelatiera perfectly balances a creamy consistency with the distinct classic taste of the

fi nest Italian hand-made gelato. Ready to use in fi ve minutes, the machine has a built-in freezer so you don’t have to re-freeze the bowl and can leave the cooling system on until ready to enjoy.

Robustly built, the machine has the capacity to produce up to 600g of ice-cream and also comes with an additional bowl meaning you can make multiple batches.

Jo Pratt, presenter and celebrity chef, comments: “� ere is something really indulgent about making your own ice-cream at home and with the Gaggia Gelatiera you can be adventurous with your fl avours and seriously impress family and friends.”

To support the launch of the Gelatiera, Jo has created some delicious recipes that are sure to whet the appetite.

04 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Editorial Comment

06 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Word In and around the industry

16 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Product Gallery

18 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Electric Design The potency of design in form and function

24 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Floorcare Feature Opportunities to clean up

28 / / / / / / George Cole Gets Connected

29 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Guest Opinion Internet retail

30 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / In Business John Reddington on the sales process

32 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / From the Bench Alan Bennett addresses the demon

34 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / BackchatIndustry comment and a 2-minute interview

from Indesit’s head of training Joyce Baker

P17 ELIPSON MUSIC CENTRE www.elipson.com

THE WORD | INDUSTRY NEWS

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Consumers shun Britain’s high streetsA new report has revealed that less than half of UK consumers are proud of their local town centre and 25% of people used to be, but aren’t any more, fi nding vacant shops a “turnoff ” and discouraged by high prices and the lack of choice.

The report carried out by uSwitch.com in conjunction with research fi rm EasyInsites showed that two in ten shoppers have already turned their backs on their local high street, while just 6% remain loyal. The main reasons given were a poor choice of shops (41%), high prices (29%) and shabbiness (12%). 22% also found the high cost of parking an issue, while 25% lamented the fact that the recession has caused shops to close down.

69% said that boarded up and vacant shops are the biggest culprit for making high streets look shabby, and blamed high rents (66%), high rates

(60%) and small businesses’ inability to compete with the big retailers (64%) for the high number of empty shops throughout the UK.

67% of consumers support the idea of an independent Government Review headed by retail guru Mary Portas, and as part of the rescue plan would like to see free car parking to encourage shoppers back into town (76%), more variety (41%), cleaner streets (54%) and fewer charity shops (42%).

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said: “The good thing is that 97% of consumers care about their local town centre – they want to see it thrive and they would like to be able to spend their money there. We are living in fi nancially diffi cult times so anything that can relieve this pressure, such as free car parking for shoppers, will go down well.”

The end for Comet?Kesa Electricals is reported to be considering selling off its UK Comet chain to concentrate on its profi table French business Darty, with its shares listed only in Paris.

At the time of this magazine going to press, unconfi rmed reports said that Comet had circulated a confi dential list of 22 stores it wants to sell. The catalogue was said to contain some of the retailer’s best UK stores on prime retail parks, including its Scottish fl agship outlet on Edinburgh’s Maybury Retail

Park and stores on Manchester’s Traff ord Park and Reading’s Forbury Road.

Last year Comet implemented a turnaround strategy for the business, but it wasn’t enough to lift fourth-quarter revenues and profi ts. On May 11 the Group reported like-for-like sales at its UK stores for the 3 months to 30 April 2011 fell 15.2%, an acceleration of the 7.3% sales decline in the previous quarter. Managing director Hugh Harvey resigned and was replaced by commercial director Bob Darke.

Argos reports 9.6% drop in like-for-like salesHome Retail Group, owner of the Argos and Homebase outlets, has issued an interim management statement for the 13 weeks 27 February to 28 May 2011 showing like-for-like sales at Argos for the period fell 9.6% to £817 million. Consumer electronics was identifi ed as responsible “for the majority of the reduction in sales.”

Home Retail Group chief executive Terry Duddy said: “For Argos, the consumer electronics market represents a substantial proportion of its sales and has experienced a further signifi cant decline. The diffi culty of this market, together with the volatility of overall sales, has made the balance of the year more diffi cult to predict.”

See www.gcmagazine.co.uk for the stories behind the news…

Government looks for high street � xMary Portas to conduct “independent review”

Government high street initiative must support all, says BRCSuccess must not be penalised; choice must not be restricted

Ten years of hard times to come for retailers?Item Club warns of a decade of slow retail growth

UK economic policy given the OK by IMFInternational Monetary Fund says “steady as she goes”

May retail � gures “back to reality”

T he latest BRC-KPMG Sales Monitor for May 2011 showed a like-for-like drop in sales value of 2.1% compared to the same month last year. A late Easter and extra bank holiday distorted the previous 2 months’ retail

� gures, and May, according to BRC director general Stephen Robertson, “is a more realistic re� ection of how tough conditions on the high street really are.”

Non-food sales were “much weaker,” said the BRC, and “big-ticket purchases suffered most and were often promotion-led.” Non-food non-store (internet, mail order and telephone) sales continued to grow, but at a slower rate. Sales growth in May 2011 compared to May 2010 was 10.4%, whereas May 2010 achieved 20% growth compared to May 2009.

says “steady as she goes”

Contact: Overseas Trade Show Agencies Ltd.

Tel. +44 (0)20 7886 3121 · [email protected]

Discover the latest consumer

electronics and home appliance

innovations at the industry‘s

leading global trend show.

Don‘t miss this opportunity

to get in touch with sales

managers from top international

brands and lay the groundwork

for your commercial success.

Berlin, 2–7 Sep 2011 ifa-berlin.com

Get in Touchwith Consumer Electronics Unlimited

GetConnected_UK_IFA2012_105x297_en_10.06.indd 1 19.05.2011 09:24:54

Changes at Armour Home Glenn McClelland, Divisional Managing Director of Armour Home, has been made redundant following a review of the Division’s senior management structure by the Board of Armour Group plc.

A statement from Armour said that McClelland’s responsibilities and duties will be “incorporated within George Dexter’s role as Chief Executive of the Group and, where necessary, delegated to other members of the executive management team within Armour Home.”

In April this year Armour Group announced that it expected to report a loss for the full year to 31 August 2011 due to sluggish demand in the UK market.

In response to the trading diffi culties, “appropriate actions” to mitigate the downside impact on the Group’s fi nancial performance would be taken including a restructuring.

Aberdeen retailer in administration James B Stephen and David J Hill of BDO LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Aberdeen-based retailer Bruce Millers after the company failed to fi nd a buyer.

The long-established business, which includes Musical Instruments, an A/V Department and a Coff ee Shop, had been put up for sale in May this year with the intention of selling the business as a whole, although Director Charles Miller is reported to have said that the company would look at selling the parts separately if a buyer couldn’t be found.

The Musical Instruments side of the business was said to be in “good shape”, but other areas had put pressure on the company. The Union Street store, which has traded since 1900, closed with the loss of 50 jobs.


Shop price in� ation slowsOverall shop price in� ation slowed to 2.3% in May from 2.5% in April due to weak demand and lower prices in the non-food sector. The BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index showed that food in� ation increased to 4.9% from 4.7% month-on-month while non-food fell 0.4% to 0.8%.

UK online retail market reaches £300 billion £300 billion has been spent online since the year 2000 and electricals has continued to be one of the strongest performing sectors, increasing by 996% since February 2002 and showing consistently strong growth in the past three to four years, according to a report by the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, launched in April 2000, showed that the annual value of the market grew from £0.8bn in that year to £58.8bn in 2010 – a rise of 6,600%. IMRG said it expects the total online market will be worth £69bn in 2011, and CEO James Roper commented that this � gure is predicted to “easily double” within four years.


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Consumers shun Britain’s high streetsA new report has revealed that less than half of UK consumers are proud of their local town centre and 25% of people used to be, but aren’t any more, fi nding vacant shops a “turnoff ” and discouraged by high prices and the lack of choice.

The report carried out by uSwitch.com in conjunction with research fi rm EasyInsites showed that two in ten shoppers have already turned their backs on their local high street, while just 6% remain loyal. The main reasons given were a poor choice of shops (41%), high prices (29%) and shabbiness (12%). 22% also found the high cost of parking an issue, while 25% lamented the fact that the recession has caused shops to close down.

69% said that boarded up and vacant shops are the biggest culprit for making high streets look shabby, and blamed high rents (66%), high rates

(60%) and small businesses’ inability to compete with the big retailers (64%) for the high number of empty shops throughout the UK.

67% of consumers support the idea of an independent Government Review headed by retail guru Mary Portas, and as part of the rescue plan would like to see free car parking to encourage shoppers back into town (76%), more variety (41%), cleaner streets (54%) and fewer charity shops (42%).

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said: “The good thing is that 97% of consumers care about their local town centre – they want to see it thrive and they would like to be able to spend their money there. We are living in fi nancially diffi cult times so anything that can relieve this pressure, such as free car parking for shoppers, will go down well.”

The end for Comet?Kesa Electricals is reported to be considering selling off its UK Comet chain to concentrate on its profi table French business Darty, with its shares listed only in Paris.

At the time of this magazine going to press, unconfi rmed reports said that Comet had circulated a confi dential list of 22 stores it wants to sell. The catalogue was said to contain some of the retailer’s best UK stores on prime retail parks, including its Scottish fl agship outlet on Edinburgh’s Maybury Retail

Park and stores on Manchester’s Traff ord Park and Reading’s Forbury Road.

Last year Comet implemented a turnaround strategy for the business, but it wasn’t enough to lift fourth-quarter revenues and profi ts. On May 11 the Group reported like-for-like sales at its UK stores for the 3 months to 30 April 2011 fell 15.2%, an acceleration of the 7.3% sales decline in the previous quarter. Managing director Hugh Harvey resigned and was replaced by commercial director Bob Darke.

Argos reports 9.6% drop in like-for-like salesHome Retail Group, owner of the Argos and Homebase outlets, has issued an interim management statement for the 13 weeks 27 February to 28 May 2011 showing like-for-like sales at Argos for the period fell 9.6% to £817 million. Consumer electronics was identifi ed as responsible “for the majority of the reduction in sales.”

Home Retail Group chief executive Terry Duddy said: “For Argos, the consumer electronics market represents a substantial proportion of its sales and has experienced a further signifi cant decline. The diffi culty of this market, together with the volatility of overall sales, has made the balance of the year more diffi cult to predict.”


Government looks for high street � xMary Portas to conduct “independent review”

Government high street initiative must support all, says BRCSuccess must not be penalised; choice must not be restricted

Ten years of hard times to come for retailers?Item Club warns of a decade of slow retail growth

UK economic policy given the OK by IMFInternational Monetary Fund says “steady as she goes”

May retail � gures “back to reality”

T he latest BRC-KPMG Sales Monitor for May 2011 showed a like-for-like drop in sales value of 2.1% compared to the same month last year. A late Easter and extra bank holiday distorted the previous 2 months’ retail

� gures, and May, according to BRC director general Stephen Robertson, “is a more realistic re� ection of how tough conditions on the high street really are.”

Non-food sales were “much weaker,” said the BRC, and “big-ticket purchases suffered most and were often promotion-led.” Non-food non-store (internet, mail order and telephone) sales continued to grow, but at a slower rate. Sales growth in May 2011 compared to May 2010 was 10.4%, whereas May 2010 achieved 20% growth compared to May 2009.

Contact: Overseas Trade Show Agencies Ltd.

Tel. +44 (0)20 7886 3121 · [email protected]

Discover the latest consumer

electronics and home appliance

innovations at the industry‘s

leading global trend show.

Don‘t miss this opportunity

to get in touch with sales

managers from top international

brands and lay the groundwork

for your commercial success.

Berlin, 2–7 Sep 2011 ifa-berlin.com

Get in Touchwith Consumer Electronics Unlimited

GetConnected_UK_IFA2012_105x297_en_10.06.indd 1 19.05.2011 09:24:54

Changes at Armour Home Glenn McClelland, Divisional Managing Director of Armour Home, has been made redundant following a review of the Division’s senior management structure by the Board of Armour Group plc.

A statement from Armour said that McClelland’s responsibilities and duties will be “incorporated within George Dexter’s role as Chief Executive of the Group and, where necessary, delegated to other members of the executive management team within Armour Home.”

In April this year Armour Group announced that it expected to report a loss for the full year to 31 August 2011 due to sluggish demand in the UK market.

In response to the trading diffi culties, “appropriate actions” to mitigate the downside impact on the Group’s fi nancial performance would be taken including a restructuring.

Aberdeen retailer in administration James B Stephen and David J Hill of BDO LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Aberdeen-based retailer Bruce Millers after the company failed to fi nd a buyer.

The long-established business, which includes Musical Instruments, an A/V Department and a Coff ee Shop, had been put up for sale in May this year with the intention of selling the business as a whole, although Director Charles Miller is reported to have said that the company would look at selling the parts separately if a buyer couldn’t be found.

The Musical Instruments side of the business was said to be in “good shape”, but other areas had put pressure on the company. The Union Street store, which has traded since 1900, closed with the loss of 50 jobs.


Shop price in� ation slowsOverall shop price in� ation slowed to 2.3% in May from 2.5% in April due to weak demand and lower prices in the non-food sector. The BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index showed that food in� ation increased to 4.9% from 4.7% month-on-month while non-food fell 0.4% to 0.8%.

UK online retail market reaches £300 billion £300 billion has been spent online since the year 2000 and electricals has continued to be one of the strongest performing sectors, increasing by 996% since February 2002 and showing consistently strong growth in the past three to four years, according to a report by the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, launched in April 2000, showed that the annual value of the market grew from £0.8bn in that year to £58.8bn in 2010 – a rise of 6,600%. IMRG said it expects the total online market will be worth £69bn in 2011, and CEO James Roper commented that this � gure is predicted to “easily double” within four years.


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2011

BSH reports record revenue and pro� t for 2010Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH has reported record revenue and pro� t levels for 2010 and “a good start” to 2011 with a 7% like-for-like rise in turnover in the � rst four months of the year.

At the company’s annual press conference in Munich, CEO Dr. Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet said: “BSH is the world market leader in the ef� cient home appliance and built-in appliances business, and with over 900 patents registered to its name in 2010, the company may claim technological leadership of its business � eld too.”

2010 revenue rose 8% to €9 billion, while EBIT increased by almost €170 million to top €700 million.

Sony confi rms net loss for fi scal yearSony has issued offi cial fi nancial results for the year to 31 March 2011 showing losses of £1.9 billion.

In February, Sony forecast a profi t of £532 million for the year, recovering from a loss of £310 million in the previous year, but the business has since felt the eff ects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan plus the security breach that forced the shut-down of the PlayStation Network.

Sony has now posted losses for three consecutive years, but predicts a return to profi t in the current fi nancial year, with further cost-cutting measures contributing to a forecast £600 million profi t for the year to 31 March 2012.

Miele falls foul of ASAPremium appliance brand Miele has been banned from making misleading claims about its S4 and S7 vacuum cleaners, following a complaint made by Dyson. The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that Miele’s brochure statements: “power to pick up every particle” and “perfect for an allergy free environment” are not backed up with evidence.

S tatements relating to suction power – “The S4 delivers up to 2000 W of suction power” and “The S7 comes with an impressive 1800 W of suction power” – were also deemed to be misleading, and a statement relating to the use of active charcoal to absorb dustbag odours was found by an “expert” engaged by the ASA to have lacked any published proof that – although industry practice to use charcoal to absorb odours – the practice in fact worked in vacuum cleaners.

Challenger James Dyson said: “People want energy-effi cient technology that works. They don’t want to be misled.”

Apple presents iCloud serviceApple boss Steve Jobs came back from medical leave to present Apple’s new iCloud service at the company’s annual developers’ conference in San Francisco, stressing that the web-based iCloud had become necessary because “the PC is no longer the digital hub of users’ digital lives.”

The new service will be able to co-ordinate content across Apple devices. Contacts, calendar and mail applications have been re-written so that changes will be replicated across users’ other Apple devices, and music, books and apps purchased, for example, will similarly be shared on all devices.

The iCloud is not, said Mr Jobs, “just a hard disk in the sky. We are demoting the PC and Mac to be just a device, and moving the digital hub centre of your digital life to the cloud.”

Read the full story at www.gcmagazine.co.uk

‘Technology Exposed’ event returns to Ascot racecourse The Midwich Group has confi rmed that its annual reseller showcase ‘Technology Exposed’ will take place at Ascot racecourse on the 21st and 22nd September.

Technology Exposed will host stands from up to 80 of the world’s leading brands showing the latest innovations across a broad range of technological solutions, including printers and scanners, imaging products, digital voice recorders, consumer electronics, digital signage, home automation, video conferencing, 3D technology, pro audio and IP security solutions.

To register and fi nd out more about Technology Exposed visit: www.technology-exposed.com

Haier opens fi rst UK warehouse Chinese brand Haier has opened its fi rst UK warehouse, giving it the capacity to hold stock in the UK for the fi rst time. European transport and logistics specialist Norbert Dentressangle has been appointed to co-ordinate the company’s UK logistics and operations at the Aylesford, Kent-based facility.

“These new facilities will enable Haier to better service its UK clients, and in particular the independent retail channel,” commented Jeff Moody, Sales and Marketing Director for Haier UK and Ireland. “The support off ered by Norbert Dentressangle will allow Haier to adapt more easily to the needs of each customer.”


Sony and BBC in 3D Wimbledon Finals2011 Tennis Finals con� rmed as � rst 3D programmes on BBC

KEF rocks for ChildLineUK’s Johan Coorg to ride the States to raise funds for children’s counselling service

Refrigeration survey reveals UK buying habitsEco credentials an essential part of the buying process

Armour support scheme hailed a successNew initiative trialled by Inverurie-based independent

Marathon man raises money for MindCromwell’s Dave McLaughlin runs for national charity


8

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2011

BSH reports record revenue and pro� t for 2010Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH has reported record revenue and pro� t levels for 2010 and “a good start” to 2011 with a 7% like-for-like rise in turnover in the � rst four months of the year.

At the company’s annual press conference in Munich, CEO Dr. Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet said: “BSH is the world market leader in the ef� cient home appliance and built-in appliances business, and with over 900 patents registered to its name in 2010, the company may claim technological leadership of its business � eld too.”

2010 revenue rose 8% to €9 billion, while EBIT increased by almost €170 million to top €700 million.

Sony confi rms net loss for fi scal yearSony has issued offi cial fi nancial results for the year to 31 March 2011 showing losses of £1.9 billion.

In February, Sony forecast a profi t of £532 million for the year, recovering from a loss of £310 million in the previous year, but the business has since felt the eff ects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan plus the security breach that forced the shut-down of the PlayStation Network.

Sony has now posted losses for three consecutive years, but predicts a return to profi t in the current fi nancial year, with further cost-cutting measures contributing to a forecast £600 million profi t for the year to 31 March 2012.

Miele falls foul of ASAPremium appliance brand Miele has been banned from making misleading claims about its S4 and S7 vacuum cleaners, following a complaint made by Dyson. The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that Miele’s brochure statements: “power to pick up every particle” and “perfect for an allergy free environment” are not backed up with evidence.

S tatements relating to suction power – “The S4 delivers up to 2000 W of suction power” and “The S7 comes with an impressive 1800 W of suction power” – were also deemed to be misleading, and a statement relating to the use of active charcoal to absorb dustbag odours was found by an “expert” engaged by the ASA to have lacked any published proof that – although industry practice to use charcoal to absorb odours – the practice in fact worked in vacuum cleaners.

Challenger James Dyson said: “People want energy-effi cient technology that works. They don’t want to be misled.”

Apple presents iCloud serviceApple boss Steve Jobs came back from medical leave to present Apple’s new iCloud service at the company’s annual developers’ conference in San Francisco, stressing that the web-based iCloud had become necessary because “the PC is no longer the digital hub of users’ digital lives.”

The new service will be able to co-ordinate content across Apple devices. Contacts, calendar and mail applications have been re-written so that changes will be replicated across users’ other Apple devices, and music, books and apps purchased, for example, will similarly be shared on all devices.

The iCloud is not, said Mr Jobs, “just a hard disk in the sky. We are demoting the PC and Mac to be just a device, and moving the digital hub centre of your digital life to the cloud.”

Read the full story at www.gcmagazine.co.uk

‘Technology Exposed’ event returns to Ascot racecourse The Midwich Group has confi rmed that its annual reseller showcase ‘Technology Exposed’ will take place at Ascot racecourse on the 21st and 22nd September.

Technology Exposed will host stands from up to 80 of the world’s leading brands showing the latest innovations across a broad range of technological solutions, including printers and scanners, imaging products, digital voice recorders, consumer electronics, digital signage, home automation, video conferencing, 3D technology, pro audio and IP security solutions.

To register and fi nd out more about Technology Exposed visit: www.technology-exposed.com

Haier opens fi rst UK warehouse Chinese brand Haier has opened its fi rst UK warehouse, giving it the capacity to hold stock in the UK for the fi rst time. European transport and logistics specialist Norbert Dentressangle has been appointed to co-ordinate the company’s UK logistics and operations at the Aylesford, Kent-based facility.

“These new facilities will enable Haier to better service its UK clients, and in particular the independent retail channel,” commented Jeff Moody, Sales and Marketing Director for Haier UK and Ireland. “The support off ered by Norbert Dentressangle will allow Haier to adapt more easily to the needs of each customer.”


Sony and BBC in 3D Wimbledon Finals2011 Tennis Finals con� rmed as � rst 3D programmes on BBC

KEF rocks for ChildLineUK’s Johan Coorg to ride the States to raise funds for children’s counselling service

Refrigeration survey reveals UK buying habitsEco credentials an essential part of the buying process

Armour support scheme hailed a successNew initiative trialled by Inverurie-based independent

Marathon man raises money for MindCromwell’s Dave McLaughlin runs for national charity


The latest technology, free 5 year Guarantee, gorgeous designs.

be inspired...Plug, Play, Record Live TV functions (via USB).

Free USB key for all registered products*. *Terms and Conditions apply - see www.linsar.com for details

Please contact us on 0845 555 1101 and find out why Linsar is The British brand for the independent dealer.

De Dietrich has announced a formal partnership with Woking-based Tante Marie School of Cookery following its involvement in the � rst part of a three-phase refurbishment programme of the establishment.

Belling has con� rmed it will be the exclusive Kitchen Appliance Supplier to the 2011 BBC Good Food Shows. Belling appliances will be used in all of the kitchens and live demonstration theatres at the events, which attract 250,000 visitors each year.

Beko has appointed Laura Selten as Home Laundry Product Manager. She comes to the company from Arctic, the Romanian subsidiary of the Arçelik Group.

Indesit Brand Director Ian Moverley has been appointed Brand Director for Hotpoint too, responsible for developing and implementing the overall brand strategy for Hotpoint.

BBG-Peerless has been appointed UK distributor for the Case Logic brand to Independent Retailers and Department Stores.

Loewe UK Ltd has added two new account managers to its sales team: Simon East, who takes responsibility for the South West, and Francisco Janes, who will cover the South East.

Whirlpool’s MAX 35 microwave oven has gained an online Which? Best Buy award, gaining a score of 99% for reliability.

Kenwood’s Quad Blade Mini Chopper has been awarded a Which? Best Buy, scoring top marks in the categories of performance, design, ease of use and instructions.

Smeg has announced its involvement with the Wimbledon 2011 Lawn Tennis Championships with the sponsorship of a number of top players. A competition will run on Smeg’s website during the Championship fortnight, offering visitors the chance to win a 1950s retro-style FAB28QB fridge containing strawberries and cream.

Zanussi’s ZCV661MWC and ZCG561FW freestanding cookers, ZVE6004F ceramic hob, ZWI2125 and ZWI1125 built-in washing machines have received Which? Best Buys.

Technology distributor Widget UK Ltd has been appointed sole UK distributor of Orbitsound’s soundbar range.

Fisher & Paykel has returned to full-year pro� t after restructuring its operations and reducing debts and costs. The business posted an audited Group net pro� t after tax of NZ$33.5 million (£16.4 million) for the � nancial year ended 31 March 2011, compared to a loss of NZ$83.3 million for the previous year. Group revenue declined 4% to NZ$1.12 billion. F&P appliances earnings were at the upper end of the forecast range of NZ$15 to NZ$25 million.

Zanussi is running a multi-element campaign in association with Finish detergent to increase dishwasher consideration. All activity will drive traf� c towards the campaign microsite at www.stopwashingup.com, which also features video diaries from ten � rst-time dishwasher owners.

The James Dyson Foundation is extending its support to students studying design and engineering in the UK with a donation totalling £1 million, spread over three years. The sum is intended to encourage young people to pursue their interest in design and engineering further and to boost the support already offered by the Foundation.

NEW SAMSUNG

WASHES USING 30% OF THE ENERGY.BUBBLES DO THE REST.

Samsung presents Ecobubble, the first washing machine to generate cleaning bubblesthat penetrate fabrics faster.

With Ecobubble washing machines cold water washes like hot water - and that meanssmaller energy bills. We will be making sure your customers know about the benefitswith a major TV and press advertising campaign breaking in June. * Free 5 year warranty is available by redemption on the WF1124XAC and WF0804X8E models only.30% of energy use is based on Super Eco Wash programme vs. Cotton 40° programme. (VDE Germany/5007399-2528-0012/148745/IEC 60456 Ed.5/4kg Wash Load/WF1124 Free 5 year warranty on selected models*

Samsung_Ecobubble_Get_Connected_AD:Layout 1 24/5/11 11:45 Page 1


The latest technology, free 5 year Guarantee, gorgeous designs.

be inspired...Plug, Play, Record Live TV functions (via USB).

Free USB key for all registered products*. *Terms and Conditions apply - see www.linsar.com for details

Please contact us on 0845 555 1101 and find out why Linsar is The British brand for the independent dealer.

De Dietrich has announced a formal partnership with Woking-based Tante Marie School of Cookery following its involvement in the � rst part of a three-phase refurbishment programme of the establishment.

Belling has con� rmed it will be the exclusive Kitchen Appliance Supplier to the 2011 BBC Good Food Shows. Belling appliances will be used in all of the kitchens and live demonstration theatres at the events, which attract 250,000 visitors each year.

Beko has appointed Laura Selten as Home Laundry Product Manager. She comes to the company from Arctic, the Romanian subsidiary of the Arçelik Group.

Indesit Brand Director Ian Moverley has been appointed Brand Director for Hotpoint too, responsible for developing and implementing the overall brand strategy for Hotpoint.

BBG-Peerless has been appointed UK distributor for the Case Logic brand to Independent Retailers and Department Stores.

Loewe UK Ltd has added two new account managers to its sales team: Simon East, who takes responsibility for the South West, and Francisco Janes, who will cover the South East.

Whirlpool’s MAX 35 microwave oven has gained an online Which? Best Buy award, gaining a score of 99% for reliability.

Kenwood’s Quad Blade Mini Chopper has been awarded a Which? Best Buy, scoring top marks in the categories of performance, design, ease of use and instructions.

Smeg has announced its involvement with the Wimbledon 2011 Lawn Tennis Championships with the sponsorship of a number of top players. A competition will run on Smeg’s website during the Championship fortnight, offering visitors the chance to win a 1950s retro-style FAB28QB fridge containing strawberries and cream.

Zanussi’s ZCV661MWC and ZCG561FW freestanding cookers, ZVE6004F ceramic hob, ZWI2125 and ZWI1125 built-in washing machines have received Which? Best Buys.

Technology distributor Widget UK Ltd has been appointed sole UK distributor of Orbitsound’s soundbar range.

Fisher & Paykel has returned to full-year pro� t after restructuring its operations and reducing debts and costs. The business posted an audited Group net pro� t after tax of NZ$33.5 million (£16.4 million) for the � nancial year ended 31 March 2011, compared to a loss of NZ$83.3 million for the previous year. Group revenue declined 4% to NZ$1.12 billion. F&P appliances earnings were at the upper end of the forecast range of NZ$15 to NZ$25 million.

Zanussi is running a multi-element campaign in association with Finish detergent to increase dishwasher consideration. All activity will drive traf� c towards the campaign microsite at www.stopwashingup.com, which also features video diaries from ten � rst-time dishwasher owners.

The James Dyson Foundation is extending its support to students studying design and engineering in the UK with a donation totalling £1 million, spread over three years. The sum is intended to encourage young people to pursue their interest in design and engineering further and to boost the support already offered by the Foundation.

NEW SAMSUNG

WASHES USING 30% OF THE ENERGY.BUBBLES DO THE REST.

Samsung presents Ecobubble, the first washing machine to generate cleaning bubblesthat penetrate fabrics faster.

With Ecobubble washing machines cold water washes like hot water - and that meanssmaller energy bills. We will be making sure your customers know about the benefitswith a major TV and press advertising campaign breaking in June. * Free 5 year warranty is available by redemption on the WF1124XAC and WF0804X8E models only.30% of energy use is based on Super Eco Wash programme vs. Cotton 40° programme. (VDE Germany/5007399-2528-0012/148745/IEC 60456 Ed.5/4kg Wash Load/WF1124 Free 5 year warranty on selected models*

Samsung_Ecobubble_Get_Connected_AD:Layout 1 24/5/11 11:45 Page 1


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2011

BSH introduces new Dealer Partner ProgrammeBSH is to initiate a Dealer Partner Programme intended to differentiate between the appliances in the Neff Siemens and Bosch ranges, with Premium Collections – or ‘Partner Products’ – being made available to participating retailers.

In addition to bene� tting from exclusive sales of the BSH Premium Products, qualifying retailers will have access to high-end marketing and communication material and “special innovations” from the brand or brands concerned.

Sony shows PSP successorSony has unveiled the successor to its PlayStation Portable console, the next-generation PlayStation Vita, promising launch in Japan, the US and Europe “by the end of the year.” The unit features WiFi and 3G data connections, a touch screen and front and rear touch controls.

No pricing is available yet for the UK, but the Vita will retail in the US at around $249 (£150) for the WiFi only version and $299 (£183) for the 3G model. The PS Vita will spearhead Sony’s drive to recapture a portion of the portable gaming market that has migrated to mobile phones.

Indesit Company marks Hotpoint centenary

Indesit Company welcomed around 650 independent retailers, kitchen specialists and multiples from across the UK and Ireland to its 2011 product launch held in London during May. The

theme of the event ‘@ 100’ marked an important anniversary for the Italian company as the Hotpoint brand celebrated its fi rst 100 years. Opening the presentation, Managing Director John Morrissey said the launch set the scene for the business to grow in the market for years to come: “…meeting the demands of consumers today and tomorrow, not just living on our heritage.”

Indesit Company Marketing Director Adam Woolf spoke of the strong emphasis placed on the development of products, stating that a third of the Group’s investment was in R&D, and design patents had grown 30% year-on-year. In 2011, more than 300 products will be introduced. Selected appliances will be supported by a £10 million “multimedia explosion” in the second half of the year.

An exciting development for the Hotpoint brand is the introduction of a new premium built-in range. LUCE, “inspired by minimalist Italian design and passion for cooking,” will be available mainly through kitchen specialists from July 2011 and supported by the company’s “biggest ever” above-the-line marketing campaign.

John Morrissey told GC that Hotpoint was “capped” in terms of spec, price and perception, hence the development of LUCE, “a brand that is all about the fully integrated kitchen and Hotpoint’s challenge to the big premium names in the cooking market, with a strong Italian brand.”

Indesit Company also unveiled ‘Cannon by Hotpoint’ – joint branding which, according to Morrissey, will “broaden the perspective of Hotpoint in the cooking market.” The move is a strategic one that should strengthen both brands: Cannon is a niche brand which already

commands much loyalty from retailers and consumers, but under the Hotpoint umbrella it will benefi t from additional budget spend.

2011 brings a “revolution” across Hotpoint’s entire freestanding laundry range. The Aqualtis collection is being re-launched with new styling, the introduction of A+++ energy ratings and 11kg washing machines (Hotpoint’s biggest capacity yet) and a new A+++ heat pump tumble dryer has been added to the range. Washing machines incorporate an insulated Fibretech tub inside a titanium drum for enhanced care of coloured, dark and white fabrics.

Hotpoint’s Ultima, Aquarius+ and Aquarius ranges have also been redesigned. Matching washing machines and tumble dryers have a wide porthole for easier loading, specialist anti-allergy programmes and a unique four-phase anti-stain programme.

Indesit, voted the UK’s most reliable cooking brand by Which? last year, presented the fi rst redesign of its freestanding range in nine years and the fi rst for built-in in seven years. Modern styling, new colours and improved energy effi ciencies have been applied across the entire portfolio.

In cooling, both Hotpoint and Indesit exhibited brand new ranges of freestanding, total no frost, 60cm fridge freezers. Appliances incorporate new, advanced technology that extends the shelf life of foodstuff s, provides additional storage and saves more on energy.

Indesit Company celebrated its 2011 launch in the knowledge that Hotpoint had been named the UK’s most trusted large kitchen appliance brand for the eleventh consecutive year. In a Reader’s Digest survey conducted amongst 1,000 UK residents, the brand scored 23% of the large kitchen appliances category vote – 5% more than the second-placed name. Sister brand Indesit gained seventh place in the survey.

LUCE: HOTPOINT’S ITALIANDESIGNED PREMIUM BUILTIN COLLECTION

A REDESIGN FOR THE HOTPOINT LAUNDRY RANGE

Introducing NewStyle from Hotpoint. A range of Built-In appliances: single and double ovens, hobs and hoods with a striking new aesthetic that combines smooth curves, meticulous detailing and an exceptional finish.

The NewStyle oven range is a pleasure to use - from the smooth feel of the door mechanism and the curve of the handle to the ergonomically designed controls. The SH89P single oven features 8 Cooking Programmes and a Fast Clean Pyrolytic cycle. NewStyle Hobs co-ordinate effortlessly with the style of the ovens and come in a range of 75cm or 60cm widths. Whilst our HS6EIX Hood combines style and intelligent features such as delay timer, filter alert and booster.

Winner of the Get Connected Product of the Year Award Cooking Category.

New thinking • Appliances with curve appeal

NewStyle Get Connected ad.indd 1 9/5/11 15:27:24


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2011

BSH introduces new Dealer Partner ProgrammeBSH is to initiate a Dealer Partner Programme intended to differentiate between the appliances in the Neff Siemens and Bosch ranges, with Premium Collections – or ‘Partner Products’ – being made available to participating retailers.

In addition to bene� tting from exclusive sales of the BSH Premium Products, qualifying retailers will have access to high-end marketing and communication material and “special innovations” from the brand or brands concerned.

Sony shows PSP successorSony has unveiled the successor to its PlayStation Portable console, the next-generation PlayStation Vita, promising launch in Japan, the US and Europe “by the end of the year.” The unit features WiFi and 3G data connections, a touch screen and front and rear touch controls.

No pricing is available yet for the UK, but the Vita will retail in the US at around $249 (£150) for the WiFi only version and $299 (£183) for the 3G model. The PS Vita will spearhead Sony’s drive to recapture a portion of the portable gaming market that has migrated to mobile phones.

Indesit Company marks Hotpoint centenary

Indesit Company welcomed around 650 independent retailers, kitchen specialists and multiples from across the UK and Ireland to its 2011 product launch held in London during May. The

theme of the event ‘@ 100’ marked an important anniversary for the Italian company as the Hotpoint brand celebrated its fi rst 100 years. Opening the presentation, Managing Director John Morrissey said the launch set the scene for the business to grow in the market for years to come: “…meeting the demands of consumers today and tomorrow, not just living on our heritage.”

Indesit Company Marketing Director Adam Woolf spoke of the strong emphasis placed on the development of products, stating that a third of the Group’s investment was in R&D, and design patents had grown 30% year-on-year. In 2011, more than 300 products will be introduced. Selected appliances will be supported by a £10 million “multimedia explosion” in the second half of the year.

An exciting development for the Hotpoint brand is the introduction of a new premium built-in range. LUCE, “inspired by minimalist Italian design and passion for cooking,” will be available mainly through kitchen specialists from July 2011 and supported by the company’s “biggest ever” above-the-line marketing campaign.

John Morrissey told GC that Hotpoint was “capped” in terms of spec, price and perception, hence the development of LUCE, “a brand that is all about the fully integrated kitchen and Hotpoint’s challenge to the big premium names in the cooking market, with a strong Italian brand.”

Indesit Company also unveiled ‘Cannon by Hotpoint’ – joint branding which, according to Morrissey, will “broaden the perspective of Hotpoint in the cooking market.” The move is a strategic one that should strengthen both brands: Cannon is a niche brand which already

commands much loyalty from retailers and consumers, but under the Hotpoint umbrella it will benefi t from additional budget spend.

2011 brings a “revolution” across Hotpoint’s entire freestanding laundry range. The Aqualtis collection is being re-launched with new styling, the introduction of A+++ energy ratings and 11kg washing machines (Hotpoint’s biggest capacity yet) and a new A+++ heat pump tumble dryer has been added to the range. Washing machines incorporate an insulated Fibretech tub inside a titanium drum for enhanced care of coloured, dark and white fabrics.

Hotpoint’s Ultima, Aquarius+ and Aquarius ranges have also been redesigned. Matching washing machines and tumble dryers have a wide porthole for easier loading, specialist anti-allergy programmes and a unique four-phase anti-stain programme.

Indesit, voted the UK’s most reliable cooking brand by Which? last year, presented the fi rst redesign of its freestanding range in nine years and the fi rst for built-in in seven years. Modern styling, new colours and improved energy effi ciencies have been applied across the entire portfolio.

In cooling, both Hotpoint and Indesit exhibited brand new ranges of freestanding, total no frost, 60cm fridge freezers. Appliances incorporate new, advanced technology that extends the shelf life of foodstuff s, provides additional storage and saves more on energy.

Indesit Company celebrated its 2011 launch in the knowledge that Hotpoint had been named the UK’s most trusted large kitchen appliance brand for the eleventh consecutive year. In a Reader’s Digest survey conducted amongst 1,000 UK residents, the brand scored 23% of the large kitchen appliances category vote – 5% more than the second-placed name. Sister brand Indesit gained seventh place in the survey.

LUCE: HOTPOINT’S ITALIANDESIGNED PREMIUM BUILTIN COLLECTION

A REDESIGN FOR THE HOTPOINT LAUNDRY RANGE

Introducing NewStyle from Hotpoint. A range of Built-In appliances: single and double ovens, hobs and hoods with a striking new aesthetic that combines smooth curves, meticulous detailing and an exceptional finish.

The NewStyle oven range is a pleasure to use - from the smooth feel of the door mechanism and the curve of the handle to the ergonomically designed controls. The SH89P single oven features 8 Cooking Programmes and a Fast Clean Pyrolytic cycle. NewStyle Hobs co-ordinate effortlessly with the style of the ovens and come in a range of 75cm or 60cm widths. Whilst our HS6EIX Hood combines style and intelligent features such as delay timer, filter alert and booster.

Winner of the Get Connected Product of the Year Award Cooking Category.

New thinking • Appliances with curve appeal

NewStyle Get Connected ad.indd 1 9/5/11 15:27:24

14

COOKING FOCUS

The unique effectiveness of the CircoTherm® principleCircoTherm® works by drawing air in from the oven via a powerful fan, heating it and forcing it back into the oven cavity via strategically placed ducts in the rear wall. The oven achieves heat-up to the desired

temperature more quickly, and evenly distributes the heat on shelf positions 1, 3 and 4. A complete three-course meal can be cooked at the same time on the three shelf levels without cross-transfer of � avours.

The outstanding bene� ts of the CircoTherm® forced air system include:

The lower temperatures required mean less spitting, less soiling and easier cleaning

Pre-heating is not always required so there is a saving in time and energy

Fast heat distribution means foods such as meats seal quickly, shrink less and remain moist and succulent

The powerful ring element, unique back panel and unique cast aluminium fan are engineered for high performance and reliability, and each fan is individually “balanced” to maintain smooth, even, effi cient rotation

Even, constant heat on all three shelf levels makes CircoTherm® ideal for batch baking of, for example, cakes, biscuits and muffi ns, with capacity for up to 45 biscuits or three trays of bread rolls

Items such as bacon, sausages or fi sh fi ngers which normally need watching and frequent turning will cook perfectly on multiple shelf levels without having to be turned

A-20% energy effi ciency on most main ovens, saving energy bills and helping the environment

Neff CircoTherm®: the established benchmark for all fan ovens

NEFF_4c_ohneClaim_08.eps, 100m, 63y 29k

Neff is a name synonymous with pioneering invention and leading expertise in

cooking. For those who love to cook, it’s a name that has inspired con� dence for generations, delivering not only timeless, sophisticated style but a thorough understanding of what today’s consumers want: ease of use, outstanding functionality and reliability, impeccable build quality and, above all, the constant development of ideas and technologies that are relevant to modern lifestyles.

True pioneering is not about technological gimmicks, but real, enduring advances in performance and convenience. Neff introduced the revolutionary CircoTherm® concept of forced air cooking 40 years ago, and it is a testament to the idea and the technology that today, while many manufacturers have paid Neff the compliment of imitation, CircoTherm® remains the original system to which others aspire. The benchmark for all fan ovens.

Expert training and product demonstrationLynn Williams, Neff’s experienced senior home economist, is a powerful ambassador of Neff’s unique performance and convenience bene� ts, and her team travels the country demonstrating and training on the great cooking results and ease of use from the consumers’ viewpoint.

“In essence”, she says, “the forced air system is about delivering quick and even heat distribution, which CircoTherm® does extremely effectively. I love using CircoTherm® as this is really important to me when I’m cooking more delicate items such as souf� é or things that need relatively little cooking time such as buscuits.”

The even heat distribution is also perfect for longer cooking times. “Many other systems,” says Lynn, “will dry out items over time, but CircoTherm® delivers moist results, so I know I can get great roast pork with perfect crackling or a delicious roast beef joint that is beautifully juicy and tender inside but crisp on the outside.”

And she reminds retailers: “Your customers

THE U16E74NOGB DOUBLE OVEN HAS CIRCOTHERM® IN BOTH CAVITIES

LYNN WILLIAMS, SENIOR HOME ECONOMIST

15


SOME NEFF “FIRSTS”Neff Light® – An increased level of internal oven lighting, achieved with two halogen spotlights and a system of mirrors within the door. Users can see, clearly and easily, what’s happening in the oven without opening the door.

SlideAway® Door – A design unique to Neff . The door slides smoothly away under the oven, creating better, safer access to the oven cavity and more valuable space in the kitchen. Now available in full-sized ovens with a 67-litre capacity, and featuring smoother closing mechanism and cushioned closing action.

FlexiRail System – An important innovation designed to give demanding 21st century consumers a more versatile, safer, more convenient way to cook. The system features a pair of telescopic rails which will take a wire shelf or roasting pan and are full extendable, allowing the user to safely and easily pull dishes – including a heavy roast or casserole dish – out on the robust rails for basting or stirring, without having to remove them from the oven. The telescopic rails can be positioned at the most suitable height for the dish being cooked, and repositioned when required for diff erent cooking demands.

Revolution Handle – Making opening the oven door safer and easier, the Revolution Handle is an intelligent and ingenious design that rotates towards the user as the oven is opened, eliminating awkward movement of the wrist. The handle remains visible at the top of the oven when the door is fully opened.

can cook items with strong odours at the same time. I’m so con� dent I regularly cook garlic bread and my favourite meringue roulade at the same time, because I know the smell won’t transfer.

“Encourage your customers to use the specially designed Neff Universal Pan at all times,” she advises. “The special shape ensures that any fat and juices collect in the middle of it. This reduces the chance of fat splashing out, keeping the oven cleaner over time.”

Heritage and future vision working togetherNeff’s peerless reputation has been achieved through a skilful combination of proud heritage and cutting-edge technological solutions. Trust in a brand takes time to establish, and when, as in Neff, it is combined with progressive, intelligent development of relevant technologies, retailers have a powerful sales story to tell.

The latest generation of Neff ovens – all of which feature CircoTherm® - represent the constant brand philosophy of expertise in the service of great cooking appliances that are timelessly elegant, easy to live with and make life better for their owners. The Series 5 U16E74 double oven, for example, has CircoTherm® in both cavities, as well as other unique Neff features such as the Telescopic FlexiRail system, NeffLight and the Revolution handle. Selected models throughout the Neff range of single ovens – including the Series 5

Call: 01908 328352or visit: www.neff.co.uk

MIKE JARRETT, SALES DIRECTOR

THE T44T90NO EXTRAWIDE INDUCTION HOB, PART OF NEFF’S EXTENSIVE RANGE OF HOBS

NeffNavigator B46W74, B46C74 and B46E74 – also feature these outstanding Neff innovations, giving retailers a powerful array of choices to suit discerning customers.

Mike Jarrett, Neff’s sales director, is committed to enthusing Neff’s retail partners with the mutual bene� ts of selling a brand that comes with a heritage that exudes quality and has a track-record of inventive cooking solutions. “CircoTherm®, introduced to the UK almost 40 years ago,” he says, “remains the original and the best fan system around. Generations of home cooks have relied on its expertise to guarantee their cooking results, and Neff has never let them down.”

Complementing the ovens ranges are equally stylish and cutting-edge hobs and hoods, giving customers a total, integrated choice of cooking appliances within a brand they know they can trust.

NEFF’S STYLISH AND HIGHLY FEATURED U16E74

14

COOKING FOCUS

The unique effectiveness of the CircoTherm® principleCircoTherm® works by drawing air in from the oven via a powerful fan, heating it and forcing it back into the oven cavity via strategically placed ducts in the rear wall. The oven achieves heat-up to the desired

temperature more quickly, and evenly distributes the heat on shelf positions 1, 3 and 4. A complete three-course meal can be cooked at the same time on the three shelf levels without cross-transfer of � avours.

The outstanding bene� ts of the CircoTherm® forced air system include:

The lower temperatures required mean less spitting, less soiling and easier cleaning

Pre-heating is not always required so there is a saving in time and energy

Fast heat distribution means foods such as meats seal quickly, shrink less and remain moist and succulent

The powerful ring element, unique back panel and unique cast aluminium fan are engineered for high performance and reliability, and each fan is individually “balanced” to maintain smooth, even, effi cient rotation

Even, constant heat on all three shelf levels makes CircoTherm® ideal for batch baking of, for example, cakes, biscuits and muffi ns, with capacity for up to 45 biscuits or three trays of bread rolls

Items such as bacon, sausages or fi sh fi ngers which normally need watching and frequent turning will cook perfectly on multiple shelf levels without having to be turned

A-20% energy effi ciency on most main ovens, saving energy bills and helping the environment

Neff CircoTherm®: the established benchmark for all fan ovens


Neff is a name synonymous with pioneering invention and leading expertise in

cooking. For those who love to cook, it’s a name that has inspired con� dence for generations, delivering not only timeless, sophisticated style but a thorough understanding of what today’s consumers want: ease of use, outstanding functionality and reliability, impeccable build quality and, above all, the constant development of ideas and technologies that are relevant to modern lifestyles.

True pioneering is not about technological gimmicks, but real, enduring advances in performance and convenience. Neff introduced the revolutionary CircoTherm® concept of forced air cooking 40 years ago, and it is a testament to the idea and the technology that today, while many manufacturers have paid Neff the compliment of imitation, CircoTherm® remains the original system to which others aspire. The benchmark for all fan ovens.

Expert training and product demonstrationLynn Williams, Neff’s experienced senior home economist, is a powerful ambassador of Neff’s unique performance and convenience bene� ts, and her team travels the country demonstrating and training on the great cooking results and ease of use from the consumers’ viewpoint.

“In essence”, she says, “the forced air system is about delivering quick and even heat distribution, which CircoTherm® does extremely effectively. I love using CircoTherm® as this is really important to me when I’m cooking more delicate items such as souf� é or things that need relatively little cooking time such as buscuits.”

The even heat distribution is also perfect for longer cooking times. “Many other systems,” says Lynn, “will dry out items over time, but CircoTherm® delivers moist results, so I know I can get great roast pork with perfect crackling or a delicious roast beef joint that is beautifully juicy and tender inside but crisp on the outside.”

And she reminds retailers: “Your customers

THE U16E74NOGB DOUBLE OVEN HAS CIRCOTHERM® IN BOTH CAVITIES

LYNN WILLIAMS, SENIOR HOME ECONOMIST

15


SOME NEFF “FIRSTS”Neff Light® – An increased level of internal oven lighting, achieved with two halogen spotlights and a system of mirrors within the door. Users can see, clearly and easily, what’s happening in the oven without opening the door.

SlideAway® Door – A design unique to Neff . The door slides smoothly away under the oven, creating better, safer access to the oven cavity and more valuable space in the kitchen. Now available in full-sized ovens with a 67-litre capacity, and featuring smoother closing mechanism and cushioned closing action.

FlexiRail System – An important innovation designed to give demanding 21st century consumers a more versatile, safer, more convenient way to cook. The system features a pair of telescopic rails which will take a wire shelf or roasting pan and are full extendable, allowing the user to safely and easily pull dishes – including a heavy roast or casserole dish – out on the robust rails for basting or stirring, without having to remove them from the oven. The telescopic rails can be positioned at the most suitable height for the dish being cooked, and repositioned when required for diff erent cooking demands.

Revolution Handle – Making opening the oven door safer and easier, the Revolution Handle is an intelligent and ingenious design that rotates towards the user as the oven is opened, eliminating awkward movement of the wrist. The handle remains visible at the top of the oven when the door is fully opened.

can cook items with strong odours at the same time. I’m so con� dent I regularly cook garlic bread and my favourite meringue roulade at the same time, because I know the smell won’t transfer.

“Encourage your customers to use the specially designed Neff Universal Pan at all times,” she advises. “The special shape ensures that any fat and juices collect in the middle of it. This reduces the chance of fat splashing out, keeping the oven cleaner over time.”

Heritage and future vision working togetherNeff’s peerless reputation has been achieved through a skilful combination of proud heritage and cutting-edge technological solutions. Trust in a brand takes time to establish, and when, as in Neff, it is combined with progressive, intelligent development of relevant technologies, retailers have a powerful sales story to tell.

The latest generation of Neff ovens – all of which feature CircoTherm® - represent the constant brand philosophy of expertise in the service of great cooking appliances that are timelessly elegant, easy to live with and make life better for their owners. The Series 5 U16E74 double oven, for example, has CircoTherm® in both cavities, as well as other unique Neff features such as the Telescopic FlexiRail system, NeffLight and the Revolution handle. Selected models throughout the Neff range of single ovens – including the Series 5

Call: 01908 328352or visit: www.neff.co.uk

MIKE JARRETT, SALES DIRECTOR

THE T44T90NO EXTRAWIDE INDUCTION HOB, PART OF NEFF’S EXTENSIVE RANGE OF HOBS

NeffNavigator B46W74, B46C74 and B46E74 – also feature these outstanding Neff innovations, giving retailers a powerful array of choices to suit discerning customers.

Mike Jarrett, Neff’s sales director, is committed to enthusing Neff’s retail partners with the mutual bene� ts of selling a brand that comes with a heritage that exudes quality and has a track-record of inventive cooking solutions. “CircoTherm®, introduced to the UK almost 40 years ago,” he says, “remains the original and the best fan system around. Generations of home cooks have relied on its expertise to guarantee their cooking results, and Neff has never let them down.”

Complementing the ovens ranges are equally stylish and cutting-edge hobs and hoods, giving customers a total, integrated choice of cooking appliances within a brand they know they can trust.

NEFF’S STYLISH AND HIGHLY FEATURED U16E74

16

KEF Blade Single Apparent Source speakerThe KEF Blade – the result of fi ve years’ R&D – is claimed to be “an engineering tour de force.” At the heart of the product is a Single Apparent Source driver confi guration, which the company says is a “perfect extension of the new, fully pistonic KEF Uni-Q® MF/HF array which brings the bass drivers into the picture for the fi rst time, combining to form a seamless point source driver array handling the entire frequency range.”

� Tangerine Waveguide

� New Bass Technologies/4 Bass Units with Force Cancelling

� Distinctive Design with Glass Reinforced Composite Cabinet

� Available July/August

� SRP £20,000

01622 672 261 www.kef.com

Samsung Dual Cook Steam ovenSamsung has introduced a “world fi rst” in cooking technology with the launch of a split cavity oven which simultaneously cooks at two separate temperatures with the option of using steam. The Dual Cook Steam oven has a total capacity of 65L which can be divided into a 32L lower section and 30L upper section. The divider seals both cavities so independent cooking programmes can run without the transfer of odours or fl avours.

� Intuitive LED control panel

� 65 automatic cooking menus (40 Easy Auto and 25 Auto Steam Add)

� 1-litre water tank – enough to steam cook for up to one hour

� Triple A-rated for energy effi ciency

01932 455000 www.samsung.co.uk

Maytag MNN20FCGI7 side-by-side fridge freezerThis side-by-side fridge freezer from Maytag sports a black and stainless steel fi nish, behind which lies the brand’s capacity- and energy-saving technologies. The MNN20FCGI7 is driven by Maytag’s effi cient IntelliSense® system, which restores temperature fi ve times faster than conventional appliances. The newly designed ice maker located in the freezer door creates 20% more space in the compartment. The unit boasts an ‘A+’ energy rating and a low noise level of 45 dB(A).

� 20 ft³ of frost free fridge and freezer space

� Full electronic control and intuitive LCD user interface

� Multi-fl ow air distribution system

� Multi-zone cooling with adjustable humidity controlled crisper drawer / Adjustable zero degree drawer (4°C to 0°C)

� Microban® anti-bacterial fi lter system

0844 499 0101 www.maytag.co.uk

Bosch BSGL3205GB cylinder vacuum cleanerThis new 2000W vacuum cleaner from Bosch is said to make light work of cleaning soft furnishings and keeping carpets clear of pet hairs. It incorporates Bosch’s superior AirClean 2 fi ltration and “Airsafe” system, in which the hermetically-sealed motor, fi lters and seals work together to control airfl ow through the appliance. RRP £139.99.

� Metal telescopic tube / On-board tools

� Four-litre dustbag

� Soft-coated swivel wheels

� 10-metre operating radius

� Available in cayenne red metallic fi nish

0844 892 8979www.bosch-home.co.uk

Whirlpool white glass Glamour rangeWhirlpool’s Glamour range has been extended to include an oven, hood and side-by-side fridge freezer fi nished in white glass. The built-in multifunction oven has a generous 67-litre capacity and features Whirlpool’s 3.5” i-Touch control panel in high resolution colour.

� 6th Sense® technology controls the cook-ing process

� Ready2cook technology saves up to 20% in energy and up to 26% in cooking time

� Cook3 system allows cooking on three levels without odour transfer

� 30 pre-programmed recipes

� Defrost and keep warm functions

0208 649 5000 www.whirlpool.co.uk

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Limited edition Vita Audio R1 MkII DAB/DAB+/FM radioVita Audio has introduced a limited edition R1 MkII DAB/DAB+/FM radio fi nished in ‘Selfridges’ summery yellow. The model has a total production run of just 2000 units, each individually numbered to show its exclusivity, and is available in the UK through Selfridges and other “carefully selected” outlets. The R1 MkII has an easy to read, large format display that automatically adjusts to suit ambient light conditions, multi-function dual alarm and a switchable auxiliary input for other audio devices. Additional features include:

Elipson Music CentreThe stylish Elipson Music Centre is a 330mm diameter unit fi nished in brushed aluminium with elegant touch-screen front panel. It incorporates a high-quality 16 bit / 44 Khz stereo uncompressed 2.4Ghz band receiver for lossless connection to a PC, laptop or tablet via USB dongle or 30 pin dongle for iPhone®, iPod® or iPad®. The Music Centre is available from Lawton Trading, along with a complete package option which includes Planet L speakers, USB and iPhone dongles.

Fuji� lm FinePix F550 compact cameraThe FujiFilm FinePix F550 EXR is a premium compact camera said to be perfect for the discerning point-and-shoot photographer or D-SLR user travelling light. The device has an advanced 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, RAW capture facility, advanced GPS functions, a 15x wide-angle zoom lens and improved user interface.

� 3-inch rear LCD

� Advanced anti-blur technologies

� Full resolution high speed shooting at 8fps / Full HD movie capture

� Advanced 27 scene mode EXR Auto / Film simulation modes

� 360° motion panorama

0844 553 2322 www.fuji� lm.co.uk

Samsung 12kg Eco Bubble VRT washing machineSamsung’s fl agship 12kg Eco Bubble VRT washing machine is now available to the UK market. The appliance boasts Samsung’s Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) and Quiet Drive motor, which comes with a ten year guarantee. Eco Bubble technology is claimed to give the same wash performance with cold water as standard machines off er with hot water. It uses a ‘bubble generator’ to produce a rich foam that penetrates faster and deeper into fabrics, providing energy-saving and care-enhancing benefi ts in cool temperatures and a superior wash performance in hot temperatures.

� A+++ rated

� 3.5-inch colour LCD controller

� 15 programmes include: Quick Wash, Wool (Wool Mark) and Delicates

� Options include: Rinse+, Prewash, Time Saving, Easy Iron, Intensive and Soak

� Water consumption 78 litres / Noise level 52dB (wash), 72dB (spin)


� 10 station presets

� 9 watts nominal power output

� 3.5” custom high-fi delity drive unit

� Exclusive RotoDial control with soft illumination

� Stereo headphone output

01702 601410 www.vitaaudio.com

0121 511 1128 www.elipson.com

� 2 x 120 W / 4 ohms ICEpower® Amplifi er

� CD Player (MP3/WMA compliant), FM / DAB / DAB+ tuner

� Optical digital input, 2 analogue stereo inputs (RCA), USB input (MP3/WMA compliant) MP3 analogue input (3.5 mm mini-jack)

� Headphone output (3.5 mm mini-jack), Pre-amplifi er output, Subwoofer output

� Lighting sensor

� Remote control

16

KEF Blade Single Apparent Source speakerThe KEF Blade – the result of fi ve years’ R&D – is claimed to be “an engineering tour de force.” At the heart of the product is a Single Apparent Source driver confi guration, which the company says is a “perfect extension of the new, fully pistonic KEF Uni-Q® MF/HF array which brings the bass drivers into the picture for the fi rst time, combining to form a seamless point source driver array handling the entire frequency range.”

� Tangerine Waveguide

� New Bass Technologies/4 Bass Units with Force Cancelling

� Distinctive Design with Glass Reinforced Composite Cabinet

� Available July/August

� SRP £20,000

01622 672 261 www.kef.com

Samsung Dual Cook Steam ovenSamsung has introduced a “world fi rst” in cooking technology with the launch of a split cavity oven which simultaneously cooks at two separate temperatures with the option of using steam. The Dual Cook Steam oven has a total capacity of 65L which can be divided into a 32L lower section and 30L upper section. The divider seals both cavities so independent cooking programmes can run without the transfer of odours or fl avours.

� Intuitive LED control panel

� 65 automatic cooking menus (40 Easy Auto and 25 Auto Steam Add)

� 1-litre water tank – enough to steam cook for up to one hour

� Triple A-rated for energy effi ciency


Maytag MNN20FCGI7 side-by-side fridge freezerThis side-by-side fridge freezer from Maytag sports a black and stainless steel fi nish, behind which lies the brand’s capacity- and energy-saving technologies. The MNN20FCGI7 is driven by Maytag’s effi cient IntelliSense® system, which restores temperature fi ve times faster than conventional appliances. The newly designed ice maker located in the freezer door creates 20% more space in the compartment. The unit boasts an ‘A+’ energy rating and a low noise level of 45 dB(A).

� 20 ft³ of frost free fridge and freezer space

� Full electronic control and intuitive LCD user interface

� Multi-fl ow air distribution system

� Multi-zone cooling with adjustable humidity controlled crisper drawer / Adjustable zero degree drawer (4°C to 0°C)

� Microban® anti-bacterial fi lter system

0844 499 0101 www.maytag.co.uk

Bosch BSGL3205GB cylinder vacuum cleanerThis new 2000W vacuum cleaner from Bosch is said to make light work of cleaning soft furnishings and keeping carpets clear of pet hairs. It incorporates Bosch’s superior AirClean 2 fi ltration and “Airsafe” system, in which the hermetically-sealed motor, fi lters and seals work together to control airfl ow through the appliance. RRP £139.99.

� Metal telescopic tube / On-board tools

� Four-litre dustbag

� Soft-coated swivel wheels

� 10-metre operating radius

� Available in cayenne red metallic fi nish

0844 892 8979www.bosch-home.co.uk

Whirlpool white glass Glamour rangeWhirlpool’s Glamour range has been extended to include an oven, hood and side-by-side fridge freezer fi nished in white glass. The built-in multifunction oven has a generous 67-litre capacity and features Whirlpool’s 3.5” i-Touch control panel in high resolution colour.

� 6th Sense® technology controls the cook-ing process

� Ready2cook technology saves up to 20% in energy and up to 26% in cooking time

� Cook3 system allows cooking on three levels without odour transfer

� 30 pre-programmed recipes

� Defrost and keep warm functions

0208 649 5000 www.whirlpool.co.uk

THE PRODUCT GALLERY

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Limited edition Vita Audio R1 MkII DAB/DAB+/FM radioVita Audio has introduced a limited edition R1 MkII DAB/DAB+/FM radio fi nished in ‘Selfridges’ summery yellow. The model has a total production run of just 2000 units, each individually numbered to show its exclusivity, and is available in the UK through Selfridges and other “carefully selected” outlets. The R1 MkII has an easy to read, large format display that automatically adjusts to suit ambient light conditions, multi-function dual alarm and a switchable auxiliary input for other audio devices. Additional features include:

Elipson Music CentreThe stylish Elipson Music Centre is a 330mm diameter unit fi nished in brushed aluminium with elegant touch-screen front panel. It incorporates a high-quality 16 bit / 44 Khz stereo uncompressed 2.4Ghz band receiver for lossless connection to a PC, laptop or tablet via USB dongle or 30 pin dongle for iPhone®, iPod® or iPad®. The Music Centre is available from Lawton Trading, along with a complete package option which includes Planet L speakers, USB and iPhone dongles.

Fuji� lm FinePix F550 compact cameraThe FujiFilm FinePix F550 EXR is a premium compact camera said to be perfect for the discerning point-and-shoot photographer or D-SLR user travelling light. The device has an advanced 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, RAW capture facility, advanced GPS functions, a 15x wide-angle zoom lens and improved user interface.

� 3-inch rear LCD

� Advanced anti-blur technologies

� Full resolution high speed shooting at 8fps / Full HD movie capture

� Advanced 27 scene mode EXR Auto / Film simulation modes

� 360° motion panorama

0844 553 2322 www.fuji� lm.co.uk

Samsung 12kg Eco Bubble VRT washing machineSamsung’s fl agship 12kg Eco Bubble VRT washing machine is now available to the UK market. The appliance boasts Samsung’s Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) and Quiet Drive motor, which comes with a ten year guarantee. Eco Bubble technology is claimed to give the same wash performance with cold water as standard machines off er with hot water. It uses a ‘bubble generator’ to produce a rich foam that penetrates faster and deeper into fabrics, providing energy-saving and care-enhancing benefi ts in cool temperatures and a superior wash performance in hot temperatures.

� A+++ rated

� 3.5-inch colour LCD controller

� 15 programmes include: Quick Wash, Wool (Wool Mark) and Delicates

� Options include: Rinse+, Prewash, Time Saving, Easy Iron, Intensive and Soak

� Water consumption 78 litres / Noise level 52dB (wash), 72dB (spin)


� 10 station presets

� 9 watts nominal power output

� 3.5” custom high-fi delity drive unit

� Exclusive RotoDial control with soft illumination

� Stereo headphone output

01702 601410 www.vitaaudio.com

0121 511 1128 www.elipson.com

� 2 x 120 W / 4 ohms ICEpower® Amplifi er

� CD Player (MP3/WMA compliant), FM / DAB / DAB+ tuner

� Optical digital input, 2 analogue stereo inputs (RCA), USB input (MP3/WMA compliant) MP3 analogue input (3.5 mm mini-jack)

� Headphone output (3.5 mm mini-jack), Pre-amplifi er output, Subwoofer output

� Lighting sensor

� Remote control

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DESIGNER PRODUCTS & COLLECTIONS

There was a time when designer labels on household appliances were limited to high-end products, and names such as Renzo Piano and Conran, for example, were status symbols that only the well-heeled could aff ord. But the move to promote style, techniques and technologies developed in-house, where some of the most talented, albeit not so well known, designers reside, has extended consumer choice to the point where most householders can achieve a “designer” look in the home

Great design is diffi cult to defi ne. Most consumers consider it in a subjective rather than objective

manner, so personality and taste tend to outweigh fact or evidence. But when sold as a package, the design message can be extraordinarily powerful. Think Apple, for instance, and the power of the ‘i’. Can you recall another brand that has amassed such a loyal band of reverential, yielding followers across such a wide demographic?

Martin Lindstrom, a 2009 recipient of TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s 100 Most Infl uential People’ and author of ‘Buyology: Truth and lies about why we buy’, says consumers are more than ready to throw rationality aside and believe in Apple. Brands such as Apple and Gucci, for example, “tickle the ‘God spot’,” he believes.

It is interesting that Lindstrom’s theory equates religion with design/branding; whilst consumers like to express their individuality and status in the products they own, decision-making is steeped in orthodoxy and submission to peer pressure. This is not to say that people live in a world of “keeping up with the Joneses”, but it would be erroneous to assume that, during the purchase process, some do not wonder what “the Joneses” will think of their choice. Conformity and the need to ‘fi t in’ is, for many, an inherent safety net.

In Buyology, Lindstrom states that “the

successful brands of the future will off er consumers the same ingredients that the world’s great religions serve up, including mystery, powerful storytelling, sensory appeal, and a ‘sense of belonging’….. They will create a constellation of their own icons, rituals, and in some cases, branded language. They will inspire church-like evangelism in their users…..”

A “sense of belonging” is a potent draw. In an increasingly celebrity-obsessed world where social networking leads and users follow users – infl uencing, inspiring, creating opinions, beliefs and bonds – the “design message”, the “package”, is the commanding muscle, the energy and supremacy of the brand.

The “i’s” have itAs the saying goes: “Where Apple [for this purpose] leads, others follow”, and the brand’s story bears this out. CE adversaries strove to emulate the achievement of the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad, and to share in Apple’s trumpeted success. And as everything ‘i’ is perceived to have super-status qualities, major domestic appliance manufacturers followed, too. Gorenje, for example, introduced the Apple-licensed Made for iPod refrigerator with integrated dock and speakers and the iGorenje web portal, initially intended to off er various content optimised for display on the iPod Touch; Whirlpool named the high resolution

3.5” control panel on its Glamour Range ovens the ‘I-Touch’, and Siemens recently introduced a washing machine with an intelligent dosing system, aptly named the iDOS.

One of Apple’s principal concerns has always been in the way users interface with its products – a fundamental element of any design project and the result of which can be seen in a varying products in retail stores today. “The user interface has to be seen as part of the core element of products and as a range-diff erentiation element,” remarks AEG Senior Design Manager Hans Strohmeier. “The display usability aspect and the interface layout is part of the product experience and fi rst impression for the consumer on the shop fl oor.”

Speaking about the design brief for AEG’s recently launched Neue Kollection and the key technical advances that most infl uenced the designs, Strohmeier pinpoints in particular: “The big, dark glass display areas and touch controls as key technology at the top level of the range.” This, he says, “ensures a clear and purist user interface on the panel. In combination with the metal inlay, the dark glass user interface becomes a semi-professional and easy to clean surface impression. It’s a material valency which adds visual quality to the technical quality and performance of the product.”

Importantly, Strohmeier adds that part of the brief stated: “The value of a product will be created with a good balance between aesthetic, functional and easily understandable interfaces and performance features.”

Form and functionStyle is a major factor in consumers’ purchase choices, and the tactile draw of design-led products off ers retailers the opportunity to capitalise on the good looks that, fi rst and foremost, create appeal. But Whirlpool Brand Communication Manager Juliana Sado urges caution: “Design and style certainly add value,” she comments, “but beware the danger. Great design and stunning styling without functionality and sustainability is a recipe for disaster. Design and style aff ord added attraction but if the product fails to deliver on functionality then the credibility of the brand

RENOWNED DESIGNER MAKIO HASUIKE EXTENDS HIS EXPERTISE TO HOTPOINT’S LAUNDRY RANGE

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and the retailer will be harmed.”When considering product design,

Whirlpool is one of many manufacturers who deem an understanding of end users fundamental to all projects and it has a dedicated department concentrating on the user experience. Milka Eskola, Design Leader, Global Consumer Design at Whirlpool Europe, says: “Our specialists do studies in our laboratories and in users’ homes, concentrating on the use of current products as well as users’ expectations for the future. The research helps the design team understand how people move and behave in the home, how they organise domestic tasks, and what they think and feel when performing simple, routine tasks.”

Whirlpool believes that both men and women look for similar things, but their approach may diff er. “For example,” explains Eskola, “women, with a multitasking attitude, might look for an easy-to-use interface since they have no time to learn how to use a product. Men might be looking into the number of features off ered and might not mind reading the user manual to fi nd out all the secrets of the machine.”

Whirlpool designs come under four main areas: The ‘Carisma’ design can be seen in the Green Generation range, which is described by Juliana Sado as a collection of “resource-effi cient, intuitive, design-led products that

care for the environment”; ‘Fusion’ – “an elegant encounter between glas s and steel in a modern style, featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative functions”; ‘Ambient’ – “an innovative, high-performance, resource-effi cient appliance range designed to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of consumers, retail partners and designers”; ‘Glamour’ – an award-winning contemporary-styled collection available in black glass, white glass and soon to be launched in Bronze.

Design and colourWhile white, black and stainless steel fi nishes in major appliances have retained their established style status, there has also been an upsurge in vibrant colour choices, as can be seen in Smeg’s Marc Newson range.

Newson’s unmistakable style emerges in the soft lines of products and in their user-friendly features. The collection, which comprises ovens, gas hobs and induction hobs, is characterised by an energetic and distinctive use of colour and by surfaces in stainless steel, glass and enamel.

The pyrolitic FP610 ovens are available in colour choices ranging from monochromatic stainless steel, black and white fi nishes to bright shades of blue, yellow and green, enhanced by particularly intuitive and convenient displays showing large and clear graphics. According to Smeg, the product design was driven by “the search for maximum clarity, with immediately understandable symbols and simple-to-use commands.”

Ease of controlIn keeping with the important emphasis now placed on the user interface, Hotpoint, in redesigning its laundry ranges for 2011, paid specifi c attention to this aspect of consumer convenience. The remodelled interfaces are

now higher and deeper for better visibility and easier access to the controls. Hotpoint Brand Manager Iain Starkey points out that the washing machines feature even larger portholes, an 11kg capacity, improved ergonomic handles, new and improved control panels and fascias. “But style doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance,” he asserts. “The Aqualtis range boasts energy ratings up to A+++.”

Tokyo-born designer Makio Hasuike was responsible for the creation of Hotpoint’s Aqualtis laundry range in 2005, incorporating features such as a tilted drum for easy loading and a distinctive-looking front door and control panel with digital LCD and LED displays. This year the designer and his team have completely redesigned the range to create “the latest evolution in washing and drying technology.” Starkey says the new collection off ers “the ultimate in style and intelligence with new lines, new colours and new detailing.”

Makio Hasuike, who has also extended his expertise to Hotpoint’s Ultima, Aquarius+ and Aquarius laundry ranges, has been based in Milan for more than 40 years. His groundbreaking design solutions have earned him a permanent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Contemporary designHotpoint sister brand Indesit has opted to ensure that 2011 is “the year of the stylish kitchen” with the launch of a brand new range of built-in single ovens, double ovens and hobs by Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the most iconic designers of recent times, with a portfolio covering industrial and engineering design for global brands and automotive design for supercar manufacturers such as Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini.

“Giugiaro has brought exclusive Italian designer features and functions to the

GORENJE’S KARIM RASHID COLLECTION WITH MOODLITE TECHNOLOGY

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There was a time when designer labels on household appliances were limited to high-end products, and names such as Renzo Piano and Conran, for example, were status symbols that only the well-heeled could aff ord. But the move to promote style, techniques and technologies developed in-house, where some of the most talented, albeit not so well known, designers reside, has extended consumer choice to the point where most householders can achieve a “designer” look in the home

Great design is diffi cult to defi ne. Most consumers consider it in a subjective rather than objective

manner, so personality and taste tend to outweigh fact or evidence. But when sold as a package, the design message can be extraordinarily powerful. Think Apple, for instance, and the power of the ‘i’. Can you recall another brand that has amassed such a loyal band of reverential, yielding followers across such a wide demographic?

Martin Lindstrom, a 2009 recipient of TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s 100 Most Infl uential People’ and author of ‘Buyology: Truth and lies about why we buy’, says consumers are more than ready to throw rationality aside and believe in Apple. Brands such as Apple and Gucci, for example, “tickle the ‘God spot’,” he believes.

It is interesting that Lindstrom’s theory equates religion with design/branding; whilst consumers like to express their individuality and status in the products they own, decision-making is steeped in orthodoxy and submission to peer pressure. This is not to say that people live in a world of “keeping up with the Joneses”, but it would be erroneous to assume that, during the purchase process, some do not wonder what “the Joneses” will think of their choice. Conformity and the need to ‘fi t in’ is, for many, an inherent safety net.

In Buyology, Lindstrom states that “the

successful brands of the future will off er consumers the same ingredients that the world’s great religions serve up, including mystery, powerful storytelling, sensory appeal, and a ‘sense of belonging’….. They will create a constellation of their own icons, rituals, and in some cases, branded language. They will inspire church-like evangelism in their users…..”

A “sense of belonging” is a potent draw. In an increasingly celebrity-obsessed world where social networking leads and users follow users – infl uencing, inspiring, creating opinions, beliefs and bonds – the “design message”, the “package”, is the commanding muscle, the energy and supremacy of the brand.

The “i’s” have itAs the saying goes: “Where Apple [for this purpose] leads, others follow”, and the brand’s story bears this out. CE adversaries strove to emulate the achievement of the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad, and to share in Apple’s trumpeted success. And as everything ‘i’ is perceived to have super-status qualities, major domestic appliance manufacturers followed, too. Gorenje, for example, introduced the Apple-licensed Made for iPod refrigerator with integrated dock and speakers and the iGorenje web portal, initially intended to off er various content optimised for display on the iPod Touch; Whirlpool named the high resolution

3.5” control panel on its Glamour Range ovens the ‘I-Touch’, and Siemens recently introduced a washing machine with an intelligent dosing system, aptly named the iDOS.

One of Apple’s principal concerns has always been in the way users interface with its products – a fundamental element of any design project and the result of which can be seen in a varying products in retail stores today. “The user interface has to be seen as part of the core element of products and as a range-diff erentiation element,” remarks AEG Senior Design Manager Hans Strohmeier. “The display usability aspect and the interface layout is part of the product experience and fi rst impression for the consumer on the shop fl oor.”

Speaking about the design brief for AEG’s recently launched Neue Kollection and the key technical advances that most infl uenced the designs, Strohmeier pinpoints in particular: “The big, dark glass display areas and touch controls as key technology at the top level of the range.” This, he says, “ensures a clear and purist user interface on the panel. In combination with the metal inlay, the dark glass user interface becomes a semi-professional and easy to clean surface impression. It’s a material valency which adds visual quality to the technical quality and performance of the product.”

Importantly, Strohmeier adds that part of the brief stated: “The value of a product will be created with a good balance between aesthetic, functional and easily understandable interfaces and performance features.”

Form and functionStyle is a major factor in consumers’ purchase choices, and the tactile draw of design-led products off ers retailers the opportunity to capitalise on the good looks that, fi rst and foremost, create appeal. But Whirlpool Brand Communication Manager Juliana Sado urges caution: “Design and style certainly add value,” she comments, “but beware the danger. Great design and stunning styling without functionality and sustainability is a recipe for disaster. Design and style aff ord added attraction but if the product fails to deliver on functionality then the credibility of the brand

RENOWNED DESIGNER MAKIO HASUIKE EXTENDS HIS EXPERTISE TO HOTPOINT’S LAUNDRY RANGE

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and the retailer will be harmed.”When considering product design,

Whirlpool is one of many manufacturers who deem an understanding of end users fundamental to all projects and it has a dedicated department concentrating on the user experience. Milka Eskola, Design Leader, Global Consumer Design at Whirlpool Europe, says: “Our specialists do studies in our laboratories and in users’ homes, concentrating on the use of current products as well as users’ expectations for the future. The research helps the design team understand how people move and behave in the home, how they organise domestic tasks, and what they think and feel when performing simple, routine tasks.”

Whirlpool believes that both men and women look for similar things, but their approach may diff er. “For example,” explains Eskola, “women, with a multitasking attitude, might look for an easy-to-use interface since they have no time to learn how to use a product. Men might be looking into the number of features off ered and might not mind reading the user manual to fi nd out all the secrets of the machine.”

Whirlpool designs come under four main areas: The ‘Carisma’ design can be seen in the Green Generation range, which is described by Juliana Sado as a collection of “resource-effi cient, intuitive, design-led products that

care for the environment”; ‘Fusion’ – “an elegant encounter between glas s and steel in a modern style, featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative functions”; ‘Ambient’ – “an innovative, high-performance, resource-effi cient appliance range designed to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of consumers, retail partners and designers”; ‘Glamour’ – an award-winning contemporary-styled collection available in black glass, white glass and soon to be launched in Bronze.

Design and colourWhile white, black and stainless steel fi nishes in major appliances have retained their established style status, there has also been an upsurge in vibrant colour choices, as can be seen in Smeg’s Marc Newson range.

Newson’s unmistakable style emerges in the soft lines of products and in their user-friendly features. The collection, which comprises ovens, gas hobs and induction hobs, is characterised by an energetic and distinctive use of colour and by surfaces in stainless steel, glass and enamel.

The pyrolitic FP610 ovens are available in colour choices ranging from monochromatic stainless steel, black and white fi nishes to bright shades of blue, yellow and green, enhanced by particularly intuitive and convenient displays showing large and clear graphics. According to Smeg, the product design was driven by “the search for maximum clarity, with immediately understandable symbols and simple-to-use commands.”

Ease of controlIn keeping with the important emphasis now placed on the user interface, Hotpoint, in redesigning its laundry ranges for 2011, paid specifi c attention to this aspect of consumer convenience. The remodelled interfaces are

now higher and deeper for better visibility and easier access to the controls. Hotpoint Brand Manager Iain Starkey points out that the washing machines feature even larger portholes, an 11kg capacity, improved ergonomic handles, new and improved control panels and fascias. “But style doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance,” he asserts. “The Aqualtis range boasts energy ratings up to A+++.”

Tokyo-born designer Makio Hasuike was responsible for the creation of Hotpoint’s Aqualtis laundry range in 2005, incorporating features such as a tilted drum for easy loading and a distinctive-looking front door and control panel with digital LCD and LED displays. This year the designer and his team have completely redesigned the range to create “the latest evolution in washing and drying technology.” Starkey says the new collection off ers “the ultimate in style and intelligence with new lines, new colours and new detailing.”

Makio Hasuike, who has also extended his expertise to Hotpoint’s Ultima, Aquarius+ and Aquarius laundry ranges, has been based in Milan for more than 40 years. His groundbreaking design solutions have earned him a permanent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Contemporary designHotpoint sister brand Indesit has opted to ensure that 2011 is “the year of the stylish kitchen” with the launch of a brand new range of built-in single ovens, double ovens and hobs by Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the most iconic designers of recent times, with a portfolio covering industrial and engineering design for global brands and automotive design for supercar manufacturers such as Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini.

“Giugiaro has brought exclusive Italian designer features and functions to the


GORENJE’S KARIM RASHID COLLECTION WITH MOODLITE TECHNOLOGY

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new oven range including panoramic glass doors, ergonomic control dials, new stainless steel handles and fl at, co-ordinated fascias,” comments Indesit Advertising and Communications Manager Libby Morley.

Indesit’s 2011 collection of hobs has also been updated to exhibit a chic fi nish that co-ordinates with the ovens and includes a new 60cm frameless ceramic model. Morley says that “each element has been specifi cally designed to match perfectly, bringing a contemporary, streamlined look to any kitchen.”

CustomisationGorenje is another brand with product collections that bear the hallmark of recognised designers, and who has also engaged in colour to off er consumers a means of expression and customisation. Marketing Manager Ruth Ferguson maintains that consumers are keen to experiment with new fi nishes and designs, and for the many who want their appliances to stand out as a centrepiece for the kitchen “the Gorenje designed by Karim Rashid range is ideal.” The range features MoodLite technology in the form of an LED light strip, with a choice of seven diff erent colours to suit mood or décor.

Gorenje has a history of working with design studios. The brand fi rst launched into the UK market with its ‘silver line’ Pininfarina collection, which it later introduced in black – the colour that stands for distinctiveness, luxury and elegance, according to Paolo Pininfarina – and has since worked with Ora-Ïto on the creation of a range of major appliances bearing the Parisian designer’s name. But despite such collaborations, the company has a highly talented in-house design team which, amongst other innovative creations, was responsible for the development

of the recently launched Simplicity range – a collection conceived after extensive research carried out to determine what consumers really want from their appliances.

“The Simplicity range presents a stylish and unusual aesthetic – a beautiful matching black design that is carried across all the appliances in the collection, both built-in and freestanding,” says Ferguson. “We believe that this is of real interest to the consumer, as many are keen to have appliances that complement and match one another, off ering a seamless appearance which is incredibly stylish. Furthermore, the mix of built-in and freestanding appliances with the same design allows the consumer to build up their collection over time, as and when they need to, without any disruption or incompatibility with the style-scheme they desire.”

Homemade styleSeconding the motion for in-house design, Richard Walker, Sales & Marketing Director, De Dietrich Kitchen Appliances (De Dietrich and Fagor), says his brands do not currently work with “celebrity names” to design or endorse products, but they do employ some of the most talented and creative in-house design teams to develop appliance collections and have the benefi t of sharing research and development information. Indeed, a number of Fagor appliances were derived from De Dietrich innovations – most notably induction hobs.


Belling FSE60i freestanding cooker Cutting-edge technology has often been limited to expensive designer products, but Belling’s FSE60i was the � rst product to introduce induction to a freestanding product with mass market appeal.

The winner of a Which? Best Buy award, the FSE60i is a freestanding double oven with an induction hotplate.

This stylish freestanding oven is ideal for anyone wanting to upgrade to an induction hob but retain the added � exibility of a freestanding appliance.

For peace of mind, the four-zone induction hotplate oven features a child lock, pan detection technology, a pan overheat sensor and a safety shutdown device.

WHIRLPOOL’S BUILTIN FUSION COLLECTION: “AN ELEGANT ENCOUNTER BETWEEN GLASS AND STEEL”

www.belling.co.uk

AMICA’S STAINLESS STEEL AND BLACK GLASS ‘PLATINUM’ COLLECTION

Indesit Advance by Giugiaro

FIM88KGPAIX

With continuous focus on product design, respect for theenvironment and developing simple intelligent functionality,Indesit appliances are growing up.

Styled by the award winning Italian car designer Giugiaroresponsible for the supercars of Ferrari, Maserati and

Lamborghini, the new Advance Built-in range is not just beautifulbut a practical co-ordinated solution that combines perfectly withthe latest trends in kitchen design.

Simple, stylish, original…

For details on the complete Built-in and Freestanding range visitwww.indesit.co.uk

11280 Trade Ad:Layout 1 3/6/11 12:40 Page 1

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new oven range including panoramic glass doors, ergonomic control dials, new stainless steel handles and fl at, co-ordinated fascias,” comments Indesit Advertising and Communications Manager Libby Morley.

Indesit’s 2011 collection of hobs has also been updated to exhibit a chic fi nish that co-ordinates with the ovens and includes a new 60cm frameless ceramic model. Morley says that “each element has been specifi cally designed to match perfectly, bringing a contemporary, streamlined look to any kitchen.”

CustomisationGorenje is another brand with product collections that bear the hallmark of recognised designers, and who has also engaged in colour to off er consumers a means of expression and customisation. Marketing Manager Ruth Ferguson maintains that consumers are keen to experiment with new fi nishes and designs, and for the many who want their appliances to stand out as a centrepiece for the kitchen “the Gorenje designed by Karim Rashid range is ideal.” The range features MoodLite technology in the form of an LED light strip, with a choice of seven diff erent colours to suit mood or décor.

Gorenje has a history of working with design studios. The brand fi rst launched into the UK market with its ‘silver line’ Pininfarina collection, which it later introduced in black – the colour that stands for distinctiveness, luxury and elegance, according to Paolo Pininfarina – and has since worked with Ora-Ïto on the creation of a range of major appliances bearing the Parisian designer’s name. But despite such collaborations, the company has a highly talented in-house design team which, amongst other innovative creations, was responsible for the development

of the recently launched Simplicity range – a collection conceived after extensive research carried out to determine what consumers really want from their appliances.

“The Simplicity range presents a stylish and unusual aesthetic – a beautiful matching black design that is carried across all the appliances in the collection, both built-in and freestanding,” says Ferguson. “We believe that this is of real interest to the consumer, as many are keen to have appliances that complement and match one another, off ering a seamless appearance which is incredibly stylish. Furthermore, the mix of built-in and freestanding appliances with the same design allows the consumer to build up their collection over time, as and when they need to, without any disruption or incompatibility with the style-scheme they desire.”

Homemade styleSeconding the motion for in-house design, Richard Walker, Sales & Marketing Director, De Dietrich Kitchen Appliances (De Dietrich and Fagor), says his brands do not currently work with “celebrity names” to design or endorse products, but they do employ some of the most talented and creative in-house design teams to develop appliance collections and have the benefi t of sharing research and development information. Indeed, a number of Fagor appliances were derived from De Dietrich innovations – most notably induction hobs.


Belling FSE60i freestanding cooker Cutting-edge technology has often been limited to expensive designer products, but Belling’s FSE60i was the � rst product to introduce induction to a freestanding product with mass market appeal.

The winner of a Which? Best Buy award, the FSE60i is a freestanding double oven with an induction hotplate.

This stylish freestanding oven is ideal for anyone wanting to upgrade to an induction hob but retain the added � exibility of a freestanding appliance.

For peace of mind, the four-zone induction hotplate oven features a child lock, pan detection technology, a pan overheat sensor and a safety shutdown device.

WHIRLPOOL’S BUILTIN FUSION COLLECTION: “AN ELEGANT ENCOUNTER BETWEEN GLASS AND STEEL”

www.belling.co.uk

Indesit Advance by Giugiaro

FIM88KGPAIX

With continuous focus on product design, respect for theenvironment and developing simple intelligent functionality,Indesit appliances are growing up.

Styled by the award winning Italian car designer Giugiaroresponsible for the supercars of Ferrari, Maserati and

Lamborghini, the new Advance Built-in range is not just beautifulbut a practical co-ordinated solution that combines perfectly withthe latest trends in kitchen design.

Simple, stylish, original…

For details on the complete Built-in and Freestanding range visitwww.indesit.co.uk

11280 Trade Ad:Layout 1 3/6/11 12:40 Page 1

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For De Dietrich and Fagor, Walker maintains that the onus is on the overall design of appliances in relation to each other so each product fi ts into a design family which is perfectly co-ordinated. “The most important aspect for any householder is always the fi t, feel and fi nish of appliances and whether they will ultimately look stylish in the kitchen.”

However, “design is not necessarily just related to external features,” adds Walker. “All Fagor and De Dietrich appliances feature well thought-out and rigorously researched technologies, whether for the interior cavity of an oven or a space-effi cient dishwasher.”

Walker contends that De Dietrich is “widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced appliance brands, with a collection of products that are both beautifully designed and feature genuine innovations that are of benefi t to consumers.” He points out that the brand is the pioneer of induction technology and was the fi rst to introduce intelligent appliances. “Now,” he says, “De Dietrich is the fi rst to present full zoneless induction technology to the market.” This new creation from De Dietrich is the Piano induction hob, which off ers “true zoneless cooking” for up to fi ve pans and features automatic pan detection across the zone.

A new directionAt Belling, the use of induction technology has been taken to a diff erent level. The brand created a “world fi rst” when it produced the BI60i Eco Induction oven, which incorporates an induction hotplate in the cavity. Belling commercial manager Steve Dickson says the appliance is “our most outstanding designer product.”

Belling applauds itself for creating a range of induction products priced to appeal to the mass market. “Product innovation has

always been top of the agenda for Belling,” comments Dickson, “and by setting up a specifi c innovations department within R&D we have a focused team of designers, design engineers and development engineers all working to deliver quality, advanced products to consumers. This in-house design capability allowed us to launch our own range of induction products, including the ‘world fi rst’ BI60i.”

He adds that, when tested against an A rated oven, the BI60i used 54% less energy when roasting a chicken, 60% less when cooking a casserole and 60% less when slow cooking, so the product considerably helps users to reduce their carbon emissions.

Beko is another brand intent on bringing designer appeal to the mass market. The company marked its 21st year of trading in the UK with the launch of ranges of products with “a family look and a focus on design.”

Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying, says “the majority of design decisions were motivated by Beko’s desire to off er consumers what they want in terms of convenience and functionality,” and “with a number of consumers entertaining in the same spaces that they cook and do their daily chores, it is becoming increasingly important for appliances to look good, as well as perform well.”

For retailers, Wicks believes that understanding the role appliances play in creating a stylish, hard-working kitchen generates the benefi t of developing a positive relationship with customers. “Both want good looking products that off er additional value benefi ts,” he says, adding that the Beko ‘Black Collection’, a range of appliances in high gloss, piano black fi nish, has proved “extremely popular” amongst consumers looking to make a “defi nitive style-statement.”

Design classicsMDA manufacturers are not alone in the quest for “designer” looks and appeal. SKA, Personal Appliances, Floorcare and CE manufacturers have also taken this route in search of creativity and product diff erentiation. PURE, for example, commissioned fashion designer Orla Kiely to apply pattern, colour and texture to its EVOKE Mio digital radio, dressing it with her signature stem print. The ‘EVOKE Mio by Orla Kiely’ has a walnut-veneered cabinet, cream fascia and is fi nished with a mirror-chromed handbag-style handle. A stylish leather tag completes the designer look.

“I love to create quality and functional down-to-earth designs that integrate colour, pattern, texture, graphic control and rhythm that continually work and rework together,” comments Kiely. “Radio is also a passion, and PURE’s EVOKE Mio was the ideal product to apply my signature stem design to, as it is both practical and a thing of beauty that will complement any home interior design and sits perfectly within my homeware range.”

A new entry to the audio sector, designed by internationally renowned Studio Conran and sold by Armour Home, the ‘Conran Audio Speaker Dock for iPods and iPhones’ is said to “harmonise with any décor whilst simultaneously projecting enough individual design fl air to make you smile every time you see it.” The unit combines elegant design with high-quality audio performance engineered by award-winning hi-fi company Q Acoustics. Speaking about the development of the product, Sir Terence Conran, a leading fi gure in international design for more than fi fty years, stated: “We hope we have created a contemporary design classic.”


Stoves built-in collection Leading cooking appliance manufacturer Stoves unveiled its new built-in collection of ovens and hobs in Autumn 2010.

The new portfolio, consisting of nine single and double ovens and 13 hobs, is available in a choice of black or stainless steel � nishes and the entire collection is Made in Britain.

The portfolio of ovens includes 600mm, 700mm and 900mm heights with the same aesthetic applied both to gas and electric models, and the hob portfolio offers a product for every need.

Stoves built-in collection received a Design Award in Get Connected’s Product of the Year Awards 2011.www.stoves.co.uk

BAUMATIC’S STUDIO SOLARI COLLECTION, BY ARCHITECT ALBERTO SOLARI, IS BUILT ON A SEAMLESS “ONE DESIGN” CONCEPT

C R E A T E M O R E

Food processors - April 2011

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For De Dietrich and Fagor, Walker maintains that the onus is on the overall design of appliances in relation to each other so each product fi ts into a design family which is perfectly co-ordinated. “The most important aspect for any householder is always the fi t, feel and fi nish of appliances and whether they will ultimately look stylish in the kitchen.”

However, “design is not necessarily just related to external features,” adds Walker. “All Fagor and De Dietrich appliances feature well thought-out and rigorously researched technologies, whether for the interior cavity of an oven or a space-effi cient dishwasher.”

Walker contends that De Dietrich is “widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced appliance brands, with a collection of products that are both beautifully designed and feature genuine innovations that are of benefi t to consumers.” He points out that the brand is the pioneer of induction technology and was the fi rst to introduce intelligent appliances. “Now,” he says, “De Dietrich is the fi rst to present full zoneless induction technology to the market.” This new creation from De Dietrich is the Piano induction hob, which off ers “true zoneless cooking” for up to fi ve pans and features automatic pan detection across the zone.

A new directionAt Belling, the use of induction technology has been taken to a diff erent level. The brand created a “world fi rst” when it produced the BI60i Eco Induction oven, which incorporates an induction hotplate in the cavity. Belling commercial manager Steve Dickson says the appliance is “our most outstanding designer product.”

Belling applauds itself for creating a range of induction products priced to appeal to the mass market. “Product innovation has

always been top of the agenda for Belling,” comments Dickson, “and by setting up a specifi c innovations department within R&D we have a focused team of designers, design engineers and development engineers all working to deliver quality, advanced products to consumers. This in-house design capability allowed us to launch our own range of induction products, including the ‘world fi rst’ BI60i.”

He adds that, when tested against an A rated oven, the BI60i used 54% less energy when roasting a chicken, 60% less when cooking a casserole and 60% less when slow cooking, so the product considerably helps users to reduce their carbon emissions.

Beko is another brand intent on bringing designer appeal to the mass market. The company marked its 21st year of trading in the UK with the launch of ranges of products with “a family look and a focus on design.”

Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying, says “the majority of design decisions were motivated by Beko’s desire to off er consumers what they want in terms of convenience and functionality,” and “with a number of consumers entertaining in the same spaces that they cook and do their daily chores, it is becoming increasingly important for appliances to look good, as well as perform well.”

For retailers, Wicks believes that understanding the role appliances play in creating a stylish, hard-working kitchen generates the benefi t of developing a positive relationship with customers. “Both want good looking products that off er additional value benefi ts,” he says, adding that the Beko ‘Black Collection’, a range of appliances in high gloss, piano black fi nish, has proved “extremely popular” amongst consumers looking to make a “defi nitive style-statement.”

Design classicsMDA manufacturers are not alone in the quest for “designer” looks and appeal. SKA, Personal Appliances, Floorcare and CE manufacturers have also taken this route in search of creativity and product diff erentiation. PURE, for example, commissioned fashion designer Orla Kiely to apply pattern, colour and texture to its EVOKE Mio digital radio, dressing it with her signature stem print. The ‘EVOKE Mio by Orla Kiely’ has a walnut-veneered cabinet, cream fascia and is fi nished with a mirror-chromed handbag-style handle. A stylish leather tag completes the designer look.

“I love to create quality and functional down-to-earth designs that integrate colour, pattern, texture, graphic control and rhythm that continually work and rework together,” comments Kiely. “Radio is also a passion, and PURE’s EVOKE Mio was the ideal product to apply my signature stem design to, as it is both practical and a thing of beauty that will complement any home interior design and sits perfectly within my homeware range.”

A new entry to the audio sector, designed by internationally renowned Studio Conran and sold by Armour Home, the ‘Conran Audio Speaker Dock for iPods and iPhones’ is said to “harmonise with any décor whilst simultaneously projecting enough individual design fl air to make you smile every time you see it.” The unit combines elegant design with high-quality audio performance engineered by award-winning hi-fi company Q Acoustics. Speaking about the development of the product, Sir Terence Conran, a leading fi gure in international design for more than fi fty years, stated: “We hope we have created a contemporary design classic.”


Stoves built-in collection Leading cooking appliance manufacturer Stoves unveiled its new built-in collection of ovens and hobs in Autumn 2010.

The new portfolio, consisting of nine single and double ovens and 13 hobs, is available in a choice of black or stainless steel � nishes and the entire collection is Made in Britain.

The portfolio of ovens includes 600mm, 700mm and 900mm heights with the same aesthetic applied both to gas and electric models, and the hob portfolio offers a product for every need.

Stoves built-in collection received a Design Award in Get Connected’s Product of the Year Awards 2011.www.stoves.co.uk

C R E A T E M O R E

Food processors - April 2011

SEBO AIRBELT D4: PART OF A TRUSTED FAMILY

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ELECTROLUX AIRSPEED DESIGNED FOR TODAY

FLOORCARE

Floorcare as a category is proving remarkably resilient in diffi cult trading conditions. There’s been a year-on-year drop in volume, but encouragingly for retailers, total value is up and average unit price is climbing steeply towards the £100 mark. It’s clear that UK consumers are convinced – often through bitter experience – that a cheap cleaner isn’t a bargain unless it actually does the job, and investment in quality and performance makes good sense: ideal conditions for specialist electrical retailers to use their knowledge to sell up

Going for winnersPrice will always be a driver for some buyers, but with the huge choice in fl oorcare now available the factors infl uencing buying decisions are rich with opportunity for sell-up. But choosing the winning stock items is vital. Uprights, traditionally the most popular choice in the UK, are still holding onto their lead over cylinders with 58.7% of volume and 53.1% of value in the year to March 2011. But bagless cylinders are where the growth is, with a 14% rise in value in the year to March 2011. For retailers, choice has to be based on a balance of proven sellers and growth potential. And at the higher end of the market, where growth is most apparent, the added confi dence of a trusted brand is a further buying incentive.

“Customers are either choosing to buy the cheapest available or are trading up to good quality machines and brands, realising that in the long term they will save money thanks to reliability and better performance,” says Bosch Consumer Products Division category manager Jane Lee.

“A trusted brand is still very important, specifi cally in this economic climate. Customers want to buy a brand that will last, as they don’t want to have to fi nd the money for another vacuum cleaner six or 12 months later.

Bosch,” adds Lee, “has stylish, versatile products that off er the performance and convenience the consumer expects. All our vacuum cleaners come with an adjustable fl oor tool, which can be used on all fl oor surfaces. Specifi c models off er an extra fl oor tool, such as the additional turbo brush for bagged models BSGL5PROGB Home Professional and BSGL5225GB Pet Hair & Carpet and the bagless BGS6235GB Power Ultra Automatic and BGS6225GB

Power Pet Hair & Carpet.”Dyson managing director of GB & Ireland David Hollander

concurs that: “People are buying longer-lasting, better quality machines. People are willing to pay for performance.” He cites Dyson’s reputation and heritage of technological innovation and the choices it generates for consumers: “Dyson develops

technology and machines to suit all homes: small, medium and large. We’ve also recently extended support we

off er dog owners to keep on top of moulting hair. The Dyson Groom tool connects to a Dyson vacuum cleaner – hygienically

C ompared to March 2010, UK vacuum cleaner sales volumes are down more than 7% in March 2011. But value is

climbing, and at £99 in March 2011 - £11 up on the same month in 2011 – average unit price is

at its highest ever recorded, according to GfK, and is on its way to breaking the £100 barrier this year.

That’s good news for retailers who do more than line up a selection of vacuum cleaners with price tickets attached. But this is a complex market, rich in choice, with uprights, cylinders, sticks and handhelds, both bagged and bagless, competing for attention with their own sets of benefi ts.

Manufacturers and retailers largely agree, however, that performance is the No 1

priority for the vast majority of consumers. Confi dence that it can do the job is paramount, followed closely by ease of use and convenience. “It is important,”

one independent electrical retailer told GC, “that the performance criteria should be moving away from the traditional ‘big watts

means big performance’ formula that has dogged the sector for so long. It’s easy for any mass merchandiser to range vacuum cleaners with a big number on the motor wattage and a low number on the price ticket, and it’s my job, as an electricals specialist, to explain why motor wattage is no longer the be-all and end-all as a measure of performance. The story is much more subtle now, and we have to introduce effi ciency, air watts and features such as manoeuvrability, convenience, weight and ergonomics into the equation in a convincing way without confusing the issue for customers. Selling vacuum cleaners is more of an art than it used to be, and it can be much more rewarding in terms of per-sale takings. That’s good news for me and other specialist retailers who take the trouble to range well and make sure they know their cleaners.”

Not so dusty

ROWENTA AIRFORCE: THE FUTURE IS CORDLESS?

SEBO The Floorcare ProfessionalsFor our complete range please call 01494 465533 or visit www.sebo.co.ukThe SEBO range includes the X Series Uprights, Felix Uprights and K Series Cylinders.

Made In Germany

SEBO Airbelt DDesigned to give you more

SEBO owners will testify that vacuum cleaners simply don’t come any better.

The new SEBO Airbelt D is the latest addition to the range and is truly exceptional in its performance and features.

Working in collaboration with Achim Heine, Professor of Design

and member of the German Design Council, SEBO have created a

striking new cylinder cleaner which dynamically combines form and

function. Innovative features like the 15.5m reach and ErgoGrip handle

make cleaning easier and more effective. And there is an added bonus

– it looks good too.

Behind the understated, stylish exterior lies a powerhouse of

performance. For example, the new SEBO Turbofan motor uses

the latest turbine technology to generate incredible suction.

A technologically advanced cone shaped hose further boosts

suction power, giving the highest levels of cleaning performance.

Sound good so far? Find out how the new SEBO Airbelt D has

been designed to make life easier, by going to www.sebo.co.uk to

download the brochure.

The SEBO Airbelt DMore capacity, more cleaning range, more performance.

“Powerful and effective withvery good fi lter effi ciency”

Trisha Schofi eld, Head of Testing,Good Housekeeping Institute

15.5m cleaning rangeExtra range, extra convenience

6l bag capacityExtra long life bags

i-PowerIntegrated power control

SEBO AIRBELT D4: PART OF A TRUSTED FAMILY

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ELECTROLUX AIRSPEED DESIGNED FOR TODAY

FLOORCARE

Floorcare as a category is proving remarkably resilient in diffi cult trading conditions. There’s been a year-on-year drop in volume, but encouragingly for retailers, total value is up and average unit price is climbing steeply towards the £100 mark. It’s clear that UK consumers are convinced – often through bitter experience – that a cheap cleaner isn’t a bargain unless it actually does the job, and investment in quality and performance makes good sense: ideal conditions for specialist electrical retailers to use their knowledge to sell up

Going for winnersPrice will always be a driver for some buyers, but with the huge choice in fl oorcare now available the factors infl uencing buying decisions are rich with opportunity for sell-up. But choosing the winning stock items is vital. Uprights, traditionally the most popular choice in the UK, are still holding onto their lead over cylinders with 58.7% of volume and 53.1% of value in the year to March 2011. But bagless cylinders are where the growth is, with a 14% rise in value in the year to March 2011. For retailers, choice has to be based on a balance of proven sellers and growth potential. And at the higher end of the market, where growth is most apparent, the added confi dence of a trusted brand is a further buying incentive.

“Customers are either choosing to buy the cheapest available or are trading up to good quality machines and brands, realising that in the long term they will save money thanks to reliability and better performance,” says Bosch Consumer Products Division category manager Jane Lee.

“A trusted brand is still very important, specifi cally in this economic climate. Customers want to buy a brand that will last, as they don’t want to have to fi nd the money for another vacuum cleaner six or 12 months later.

Bosch,” adds Lee, “has stylish, versatile products that off er the performance and convenience the consumer expects. All our vacuum cleaners come with an adjustable fl oor tool, which can be used on all fl oor surfaces. Specifi c models off er an extra fl oor tool, such as the additional turbo brush for bagged models BSGL5PROGB Home Professional and BSGL5225GB Pet Hair & Carpet and the bagless BGS6235GB Power Ultra Automatic and BGS6225GB

Power Pet Hair & Carpet.”Dyson managing director of GB & Ireland David Hollander

concurs that: “People are buying longer-lasting, better quality machines. People are willing to pay for performance.” He cites Dyson’s reputation and heritage of technological innovation and the choices it generates for consumers: “Dyson develops

technology and machines to suit all homes: small, medium and large. We’ve also recently extended support we

off er dog owners to keep on top of moulting hair. The Dyson Groom tool connects to a Dyson vacuum cleaner – hygienically

C ompared to March 2010, UK vacuum cleaner sales volumes are down more than 7% in March 2011. But value is

climbing, and at £99 in March 2011 - £11 up on the same month in 2011 – average unit price is

at its highest ever recorded, according to GfK, and is on its way to breaking the £100 barrier this year.

That’s good news for retailers who do more than line up a selection of vacuum cleaners with price tickets attached. But this is a complex market, rich in choice, with uprights, cylinders, sticks and handhelds, both bagged and bagless, competing for attention with their own sets of benefi ts.

Manufacturers and retailers largely agree, however, that performance is the No 1

priority for the vast majority of consumers. Confi dence that it can do the job is paramount, followed closely by ease of use and convenience. “It is important,”

one independent electrical retailer told GC, “that the performance criteria should be moving away from the traditional ‘big watts

means big performance’ formula that has dogged the sector for so long. It’s easy for any mass merchandiser to range vacuum cleaners with a big number on the motor wattage and a low number on the price ticket, and it’s my job, as an electricals specialist, to explain why motor wattage is no longer the be-all and end-all as a measure of performance. The story is much more subtle now, and we have to introduce effi ciency, air watts and features such as manoeuvrability, convenience, weight and ergonomics into the equation in a convincing way without confusing the issue for customers. Selling vacuum cleaners is more of an art than it used to be, and it can be much more rewarding in terms of per-sale takings. That’s good news for me and other specialist retailers who take the trouble to range well and make sure they know their cleaners.”

Not so dusty

ROWENTA AIRFORCE: THE FUTURE IS CORDLESS?

SEBO The Floorcare ProfessionalsFor our complete range please call 01494 465533 or visit www.sebo.co.ukThe SEBO range includes the X Series Uprights, Felix Uprights and K Series Cylinders.

Made In Germany

SEBO Airbelt DDesigned to give you more

SEBO owners will testify that vacuum cleaners simply don’t come any better.

The new SEBO Airbelt D is the latest addition to the range and is truly exceptional in its performance and features.

Working in collaboration with Achim Heine, Professor of Design

and member of the German Design Council, SEBO have created a

striking new cylinder cleaner which dynamically combines form and

function. Innovative features like the 15.5m reach and ErgoGrip handle

make cleaning easier and more effective. And there is an added bonus

– it looks good too.

Behind the understated, stylish exterior lies a powerhouse of

performance. For example, the new SEBO Turbofan motor uses

the latest turbine technology to generate incredible suction.

A technologically advanced cone shaped hose further boosts

suction power, giving the highest levels of cleaning performance.

Sound good so far? Find out how the new SEBO Airbelt D has

been designed to make life easier, by going to www.sebo.co.uk to

download the brochure.

The SEBO Airbelt DMore capacity, more cleaning range, more performance.

“Powerful and effective withvery good fi lter effi ciency”

Trisha Schofi eld, Head of Testing,Good Housekeeping Institute

15.5m cleaning rangeExtra range, extra convenience

6l bag capacityExtra long life bags

i-PowerIntegrated power control

DYSON GROOM TOOL: SPECIAL TOOLS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

AEG’S ULTRAONE: HIGH FUNCTION MEETS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

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FLOORCARE

capturing fl y away hairs and allergens direct from the dog’s back.” The stronger uptake of cordless and handheld machines in the UK as performance improves is also expemplifi ed in the DC35, “a lightweight, cordless vacuum cleaner. It’s convenient and versatile, and it’s become our fastest-selling machine.”

Making what’s wanted The importance of performance, brand trust and continually developing technology is also emphasised by Nick Munton, Managing Director, Electrolux Floorcare (AEG and Electrolux brands). “People are very cautious at the moment about spending and this has had an eff ect on the overall market. Consumers are reluctant to spend money unless it is with brands that they trust. When they do buy they are trading up to product which will meet their needs and expectations. For AEG all our innovations have focus around reducing the peaks in irritation that customers face during usage. This is why we have paid special attention to innovations around manoeuvrability, cleaning performance and noise. For example the Ultra Silencer vacuum cleaner has only 68 decibels and is the world’s quietest vacuum cleaner.

“Our consumer research,” he adds, “has identifi ed that current bagless uprights are big and heavy to use. Consumers want a vacuum cleaner that’s easy to push/pull, move under and around furniture and is easy to transport. That is why we developed AEG Nimble, our fi rst upright bagless cleaner which has a smooth swivel

“Selling vacuum cleaners is more of an art than it used to be”

steering and turns around furniture with ease, putting less strain on the wrist and reducing the times you need to move heavy items around the home. Munton also mentions the recently-launched Electrolux Airspeed, with Twin Pipe technology that “moves high volumes of air directly from the fl oor to the dust bin and out again for a powerful, deep clean.”

Further acknowledgement of the importance of design and technology tailored to changing UK demands is provided by Ian Griffi ths, vacuum cleaner product manager at Panasonic, a brand that has an established and distinguished fl oorcare presence in the UK: “Panasonic,” he asserts, “strives to meet customers’ needs by developing models which are eff ective on hard fl ooring and carpet to refl ect the modern home. During the development of our new Eco-Max range, we identifi ed through extensive consumer research that suction is the most important feature to a customer for a vacuum cleaner. We therefore developed the Eco-Max motor to deliver one of the best suction powers on the market. In addition to this, the range of tools available is designed to meet all consumer needs, including a crevice tool, pet hair turbo brush and full staircase hose.”

If customer loyalty is a measure of getting it right in fl oorcare, there is a select number of brands which, in a market where loyalty is increasingly rare, keep on inspiring confi dence and bringing customers back for more. One of those brands is Sebo, which has an enviable reputation for keeping consumers “for life,” and holding on

to its retail partners who say they are confi dent that selling a Sebo will always, eventually, lead to repeat business.

Sebo, whose current ranges include the Felix Pet Hair uprights and the Airbelt D cylinder series, says that the secret of success

in the UK is a direct, simple approach to consumer needs and attention to performance, ease of use and reliability details.

The latest designs are based on designer Dieter Rams’ ten principles of good design, which are that good design must:

be innovative; make a product useful; be aesthetic; make a product understandable; be unobtrusive; be honest;

be long-lasting; be thorough down to the last detail; be environmentally friendly; be “as little design as possible”.

Easy to say. Hard to do.

Cutting the cordIt may be premature to say, as Rowenta boldly

does with the launch of its AirForce cordless vacuum cleaner: “The cord is dead; Long live

Cordless!” But as performance improves, secondary cleaners such as sticks and

handheld cordless models – and, indeed “robotic” cleaners where performance

SEBO FELIX ROSSO

I clean along edges

I go under furniture

I clean dust,dirt and debris

I clean all fl oor types

I am Roomba®, the robot that vacuums automatically

*Models 560, 580 & 581

2011 iRobot Corporation. All rights reserved. iRobot and Roomba are registered trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Home Base is a trademark of iRobot Corporation.

I don’t clean like you, no. I’m a Robot, I calculate 64 times per second, I cover the whole fl oor multiple times. When it’s thoroughly clean, I clean the next room*. Or I go home to my Home Base™ to recharge. I can be easily programmed, I clean where you want, when you want*. I clean hard fl oors, rugs and carpets; I clean dirt, debris and pet hair. I have lots of patents worldwide; I have awards for design and engineering; I have friends and relations at NASA; I’m proud. But more proud of over 3 million owners. I call myself Roomba: they give me other names. You will too. Humans, eh?

Available exclusively from

www.connect-distribution.co.uk+44 (0)844 557 3700

T H E P O W E R B E H I N D T H E B R A N D S

and reasonable pricing have brought them within reach for many more consumers – are becoming a more attractive

proposition. The Rowenta Airforce, which claims

to be a “lightweight, cordless, easy to use vacuum

cleaner with all the power of a 2200w

canister but none of the hassle,” is marketed as a secondary product for quick cleaning and easy storage. Dyson, of course, has upped the profi le of handheld rechargeables with a range that does the job. And Samsung launched a 2-in-1 ultra lightweight upright cleaner series, the SS7550, in Budapest in February that is available in the UK market this summer. The 2-in-1, as the name implies, doubles as a cordless upright with a detachable handheld.

With “secondary” cleaners becoming the norm in UK households (one for upstairs, one for down; for the car; for the second/mobile home; for “quick-clean” duties), and performance improving as technology responds to demand, the cordless has a growing presence in the UK and will continue to make inroads.

VERSATILITY AND PERFORMANCE

BOSCH BSGL3205GB: GOOD WITH PETS AND CARPETS

DYSON GROOM TOOL: SPECIAL TOOLS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

AEG’S ULTRAONE: HIGH FUNCTION MEETS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

26

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FLOORCARE

capturing fl y away hairs and allergens direct from the dog’s back.” The stronger uptake of cordless and handheld machines in the UK as performance improves is also expemplifi ed in the DC35, “a lightweight, cordless vacuum cleaner. It’s convenient and versatile, and it’s become our fastest-selling machine.”

Making what’s wanted The importance of performance, brand trust and continually developing technology is also emphasised by Nick Munton, Managing Director, Electrolux Floorcare (AEG and Electrolux brands). “People are very cautious at the moment about spending and this has had an eff ect on the overall market. Consumers are reluctant to spend money unless it is with brands that they trust. When they do buy they are trading up to product which will meet their needs and expectations. For AEG all our innovations have focus around reducing the peaks in irritation that customers face during usage. This is why we have paid special attention to innovations around manoeuvrability, cleaning performance and noise. For example the Ultra Silencer vacuum cleaner has only 68 decibels and is the world’s quietest vacuum cleaner.

“Our consumer research,” he adds, “has identifi ed that current bagless uprights are big and heavy to use. Consumers want a vacuum cleaner that’s easy to push/pull, move under and around furniture and is easy to transport. That is why we developed AEG Nimble, our fi rst upright bagless cleaner which has a smooth swivel

“Selling vacuum cleaners is more of an art than it used to be”

steering and turns around furniture with ease, putting less strain on the wrist and reducing the times you need to move heavy items around the home. Munton also mentions the recently-launched Electrolux Airspeed, with Twin Pipe technology that “moves high volumes of air directly from the fl oor to the dust bin and out again for a powerful, deep clean.”

Further acknowledgement of the importance of design and technology tailored to changing UK demands is provided by Ian Griffi ths, vacuum cleaner product manager at Panasonic, a brand that has an established and distinguished fl oorcare presence in the UK: “Panasonic,” he asserts, “strives to meet customers’ needs by developing models which are eff ective on hard fl ooring and carpet to refl ect the modern home. During the development of our new Eco-Max range, we identifi ed through extensive consumer research that suction is the most important feature to a customer for a vacuum cleaner. We therefore developed the Eco-Max motor to deliver one of the best suction powers on the market. In addition to this, the range of tools available is designed to meet all consumer needs, including a crevice tool, pet hair turbo brush and full staircase hose.”

If customer loyalty is a measure of getting it right in fl oorcare, there is a select number of brands which, in a market where loyalty is increasingly rare, keep on inspiring confi dence and bringing customers back for more. One of those brands is Sebo, which has an enviable reputation for keeping consumers “for life,” and holding on

to its retail partners who say they are confi dent that selling a Sebo will always, eventually, lead to repeat business.

Sebo, whose current ranges include the Felix Pet Hair uprights and the Airbelt D cylinder series, says that the secret of success

in the UK is a direct, simple approach to consumer needs and attention to performance, ease of use and reliability details.

The latest designs are based on designer Dieter Rams’ ten principles of good design, which are that good design must:

be innovative; make a product useful; be aesthetic; make a product understandable; be unobtrusive; be honest;

be long-lasting; be thorough down to the last detail; be environmentally friendly; be “as little design as possible”.

Easy to say. Hard to do.

Cutting the cordIt may be premature to say, as Rowenta boldly

does with the launch of its AirForce cordless vacuum cleaner: “The cord is dead; Long live

Cordless!” But as performance improves, secondary cleaners such as sticks and

handheld cordless models – and, indeed “robotic” cleaners where performance

SEBO FELIX ROSSO

I clean along edges

I go under furniture

I clean dust,dirt and debris

I clean all fl oor types

I am Roomba®, the robot that vacuums automatically

*Models 560, 580 & 581

2011 iRobot Corporation. All rights reserved. iRobot and Roomba are registered trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Home Base is a trademark of iRobot Corporation.

I don’t clean like you, no. I’m a Robot, I calculate 64 times per second, I cover the whole fl oor multiple times. When it’s thoroughly clean, I clean the next room*. Or I go home to my Home Base™ to recharge. I can be easily programmed, I clean where you want, when you want*. I clean hard fl oors, rugs and carpets; I clean dirt, debris and pet hair. I have lots of patents worldwide; I have awards for design and engineering; I have friends and relations at NASA; I’m proud. But more proud of over 3 million owners. I call myself Roomba: they give me other names. You will too. Humans, eh?

Available exclusively from

www.connect-distribution.co.uk+44 (0)844 557 3700

T H E P O W E R B E H I N D T H E B R A N D S

FLOORCARE

and reasonable pricing have brought them within reach for many more consumers – are becoming a more attractive

proposition. The Rowenta Airforce, which claims

to be a “lightweight, cordless, easy to use vacuum

cleaner with all the power of a 2200w

canister but none of the hassle,” is marketed as a secondary product for quick cleaning and easy storage. Dyson, of course, has upped the profi le of handheld rechargeables with a range that does the job. And Samsung launched a 2-in-1 ultra lightweight upright cleaner series, the SS7550, in Budapest in February that is available in the UK market this summer. The 2-in-1, as the name implies, doubles as a cordless upright with a detachable handheld.

With “secondary” cleaners becoming the norm in UK households (one for upstairs, one for down; for the car; for the second/mobile home; for “quick-clean” duties), and performance improving as technology responds to demand, the cordless has a growing presence in the UK and will continue to make inroads.

VERSATILITY AND PERFORMANCE

BOSCH BSGL3205GB: GOOD WITH PETS AND CARPETS

28

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COPY RIGHTSThe report by Professor Hargreaves on intellectual

property (IP) law makes interesting reading for anyone interested in the issues of IP, copyright

and copying. There has always been a tension between technology and content protection: witness the reaction of rights owners when the cassette recorder, VHS deck, CD recorder, DVD recorder and MP3 player arrived. In most cases, legal battles were fought to try and prevent such products being launched, or harsh technical limitations were placed on them. I can remember when Pioneer launched its first consumer CD recorder – owners had to register their name and address with the retailer and discs were limited to 60 minutes recording times, so that an entire audio CD couldn’t be copied. Naturally, such ploys failed, and today most computers have a built-in CD burner, and 700MB CD-R discs (which can record up to 80 minutes of CD-quality audio), cost pennies.

The digitisation of media and the rise of the internet

have also made the copying, transferring and sharing

of content a doddle. The rise of portable audio players,

portable media players and multimedia-equipped

smartphones means that millions of us are consuming

audio and video away from the home. This involves

transferring audio and video files onto them, and that

is, technically, a breach of the law. As the Hargreaves

report points out: “Digital technology has enabled use

and reuse of material by private individuals in ways that

they do not feel are wrong – such as sharing music tracks

with immediate family members, or transferring a track

from a CD to play in the car. It is difficult for anyone to

understand why it is legal to lend a friend a book, but

not a digital music file....The copyright regime cannot be

considered fit for the digital age when millions of citizens

are in daily breach of copyright, simply for shifting a piece

of music or video from one device to another.”

Hargreaves considered some solutions to the dilemma.

One was to adopt the US Fair Rights legislation, which

permits the copying of content for personal use. But

introducing such a law into the UK would be difficult,

concludes Hargreaves. Another option would be to

charge a levy on hardware or blank media in exchange

for copying rights, but Hargreaves says: “We see no

economic argument for adding an extra charge to these

devices in order to authorise reasonable private acts

which are part of the normal use of devices. Indeed,

without that copying, normal use of those devices would

be largely restricted to playing music or films bought

online. We are not aware of strong evidence of harm to

rights holders done by this kind of private copying in the

normal course of using digital equipment to play works.

There is considerable evidence of overall public benefits

from consumer use.”

Hargreaves says the

Government should

introduce an exception

to allow individuals

to make copies for

their own and their

immediate family’s use

on different media.

You can purchase Digital Rights Management (DRM)-

free music files from iTunes and Amazon, but what about

movies? If you purchase an iTunes movie, you can put it

into your various iPod devices and up to five computers,

but you can’t burn it onto a DVD and play it from the disc.

Likewise, the Hollywood studios seem to have abandoned

the Mandatory Managed Copy (MMC) system for Blu-ray

titles that was designed to allow owners to transfer a high

definition copy of the movie onto a computer or portable

media device. Instead, the movie industry has opted to

use the Digital Copy format (first used by DVD titles),

which provides a lower-resolution, DRM-protected digital

movie file for copying or transferring. Meanwhile, the

internet is awash with tools that enable people to rip DVD

and Blu-ray titles.

The music and movie industries have rightly been

criticised for seeing new technology often as a threat

rather than an opportunity - witness the rise of MP3. But

you have got to have some sympathy with them. With

many of today’s young (and not so young) consumers

wondering why they should pay for anything at all (“I can

get it for free on the internet”), it does make you fearful for

the future of all media industries.

�George Cole pinpoints hotspots in the world of consumer electronics.E-mail: [email protected]

George Cole

“It is difficult for anyone to understand why it is legal

to lend a friend a book, but not a digital music file”

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTED

IN BUSINESS

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press, where lethargy and disengagement are in such abundance. Good sales people never lose the desire to reach that great “I want it!” moment when the customer feels that desire for the product which results in inevitable purchase.

Once that moment is reached, the fi sh in on the hook and price – which you should always leave to the very end of the presentation – becomes a minor detail.

Take ActionThis is all about Closing The Sale ... a subject we analysed in depth three months ago. Remember: if you can’t close you can’t sell – FACT! There are four types of close: Direct; Alternative (or choice); Assumptive; and Fear, all explained in detail previously. At Mars we used to describe the selling sequence as guiding the customer down a funnel, from the wide and inviting opening presented by the Attention gambit, through the narrowing focus of the process toward that point when the last drops enter the container – or, in our world, as we make that sale.

The feeling of securing a successful business deal, no matter how big or small, is much more satisfying than order taking. And the customer also leaves with the memory of a good experience and a much better understanding of the product.

A few other quick tips ... SWAN – Sell What’s Available Now. Make sure what you try and sell is in stock and ready to go. Don’t try and sell a favourite product if you have none in stock: believe me it happens all the time.

ABC – Always Be Closing. Look for those openings that allow you to ask for the business.

TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More. It’s about everyone pulling together...

This is my last article for the current series of In Business. I hope you have enjoyed the “read” as much as I have enjoyed the “write.”

Business is fun. It’s stimulating. It’s exciting. It’s an ever-changing world. Selling is a key element ... ENJOY IT !

The competition I set in the March issue was won by Brian Dixon from Crewe, who knew the meaning of the

acronym A I C D A . It stands for the selling sequence: Attention; Interest; Conviction; Desire; Action . Whatever line of selling you are in these principles usually apply, so let’s look at them in more detail.

Attract AttentionThis is the “acknowledgement welcome”, both for in-store sales staff and manufacturers’ representatives. Unfortunately, 90% of retail staff start the sequence with: “Can I help you Sir/Madam?”, and 90% of the time the answer will be “Just looking, thanks.” So be more creative, and observe before you charge in. Use your eyes: what is the customer looking at? Can you frame a question accordingly? The conversation can then get off to a more focused and friendly start, such as: “That Blu-ray player you’re looking at has got some great reviews. What sort of movies do you like? Let me demonstrate it for you”.

Reps calling on a retailer often make the error of opening with: “How’s business, Bill?” And in these tough times 90% of answers are likely to be along the lines: “Dire ...don’t think I’m giving any orders”. So get attention in a more unusual and creative manner, such as: “It’s always great to have something new to talk about… wait till you see this!” It’s diff erent and secures attention.

Of course, you can tailor your approach to suit the specifi c circumstances. At one of my J R Associates training sessions with Shahsonic many years ago I was struggling to get my audience to participate, and off ered a fi nancial incentive to the member of staff (of which there were over 40 present) who gave the best acknowledgement. I walked round the room getting the same old attention gambits until one of the salesmen spotted my guitar tie. “Wow,” he said. “What a splendid tie ... do you play or are you just an enthusiast ?” Of course he picked up the prize, and the audience was mine for the rest of the evening.

Instigate InterestStage two: you have your customer’s Attention, and it’s vital to capitalise on that by converting it to Interest. The secret here is to use intonation in your voice. Show interest and you’ll get it back. It’s key to captivate your customer with enthusiasm! Remember, there’s only one thing more contagious than enthusiasm: lack of enthusiasm (check out your accounts dept!).

Engage as many of your customer’s senses as possible. Reps should show samples. Retailers, let the customer touch and feel the product; hand over the remote control; invite active participation; ask questions; gauge and respond to body language; keep that enthusiasm in your voice. It’s all part of the skill.

Carry Conviction…and mean what you say. If you think a product far outperforms that of a competitor, make sure you communicate your passion and belief. Sincerity is a major part of the equation.

Some of the “real life” examples I have recounted in these articles date back many years, but within the last two months I witnessed at Coworth Park Hotel the best sales presentation I have seen in a very long time. All the ingredients were used to maximum eff ect to a major customer. If I had been able to record it and sell it on a training DVD then it would have made the John Cleese fi lms seem somewhat dated. The conviction was there in abundance ... take a bow JA !

Stimulate DesireThe customer needs to be convinced that their life will be much better once they possess the product they’re considering purchasing. In our industry, with such exciting products that bring so much pleasure to us all, that’s not such a diffi cult task. Imagine selling in a much less interesting product arena ... for example a health shop. Where do you muster up the enthusiasm and passion for such products? You can’t demonstrate them as eff ectively as a wide screen TV, a Blu-ray player, a DAB radio or an induction hob. So it always dismays me to read the various mystery shop articles in our industry

This month, the acronym that encapsulates the selling sequence explained in more detailThis month, the acronym that encapsulates the

AICDAAICDAJOHN REDDINGTON

Live Stock Levels

New Ordering System

Wider Range of Products

High Res Images

Downloadable Special Offer Sheets

Downloadable Shop Floor Specials

Detailed Product Specifications Sheets

... and much, much more!Email us today for your log in details so you can take advantage of the brand new site!

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try’

‘just what we needed!’

‘a big thumbs up’

‘nice one D.A.D!’

TEL: 0844 854 6715 FAX: 0844 854 6715Domestic Appliance Distributors, Henry John House, Northway Lane, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8JH

We’ve launched our brand new: www.dad-online.co.uk

NOW L IVE . . .

SENSING THE DIFFERENCE

YOU’VE GOT A WINNINGCOMBINATION

IN BUSINESS

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press, where lethargy and disengagement are in such abundance. Good sales people never lose the desire to reach that great “I want it!” moment when the customer feels that desire for the product which results in inevitable purchase.

Once that moment is reached, the fi sh in on the hook and price – which you should always leave to the very end of the presentation – becomes a minor detail.

Take ActionThis is all about Closing The Sale ... a subject we analysed in depth three months ago. Remember: if you can’t close you can’t sell – FACT! There are four types of close: Direct; Alternative (or choice); Assumptive; and Fear, all explained in detail previously. At Mars we used to describe the selling sequence as guiding the customer down a funnel, from the wide and inviting opening presented by the Attention gambit, through the narrowing focus of the process toward that point when the last drops enter the container – or, in our world, as we make that sale.

The feeling of securing a successful business deal, no matter how big or small, is much more satisfying than order taking. And the customer also leaves with the memory of a good experience and a much better understanding of the product.

A few other quick tips ... SWAN – Sell What’s Available Now. Make sure what you try and sell is in stock and ready to go. Don’t try and sell a favourite product if you have none in stock: believe me it happens all the time.

ABC – Always Be Closing. Look for those openings that allow you to ask for the business.

TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More. It’s about everyone pulling together...

This is my last article for the current series of In Business. I hope you have enjoyed the “read” as much as I have enjoyed the “write.”

Business is fun. It’s stimulating. It’s exciting. It’s an ever-changing world. Selling is a key element ... ENJOY IT !

The competition I set in the March issue was won by Brian Dixon from Crewe, who knew the meaning of the

acronym A I C D A . It stands for the selling sequence: Attention; Interest; Conviction; Desire; Action . Whatever line of selling you are in these principles usually apply, so let’s look at them in more detail.

Attract AttentionThis is the “acknowledgement welcome”, both for in-store sales staff and manufacturers’ representatives. Unfortunately, 90% of retail staff start the sequence with: “Can I help you Sir/Madam?”, and 90% of the time the answer will be “Just looking, thanks.” So be more creative, and observe before you charge in. Use your eyes: what is the customer looking at? Can you frame a question accordingly? The conversation can then get off to a more focused and friendly start, such as: “That Blu-ray player you’re looking at has got some great reviews. What sort of movies do you like? Let me demonstrate it for you”.

Reps calling on a retailer often make the error of opening with: “How’s business, Bill?” And in these tough times 90% of answers are likely to be along the lines: “Dire ...don’t think I’m giving any orders”. So get attention in a more unusual and creative manner, such as: “It’s always great to have something new to talk about… wait till you see this!” It’s diff erent and secures attention.

Of course, you can tailor your approach to suit the specifi c circumstances. At one of my J R Associates training sessions with Shahsonic many years ago I was struggling to get my audience to participate, and off ered a fi nancial incentive to the member of staff (of which there were over 40 present) who gave the best acknowledgement. I walked round the room getting the same old attention gambits until one of the salesmen spotted my guitar tie. “Wow,” he said. “What a splendid tie ... do you play or are you just an enthusiast ?” Of course he picked up the prize, and the audience was mine for the rest of the evening.

Instigate InterestStage two: you have your customer’s Attention, and it’s vital to capitalise on that by converting it to Interest. The secret here is to use intonation in your voice. Show interest and you’ll get it back. It’s key to captivate your customer with enthusiasm! Remember, there’s only one thing more contagious than enthusiasm: lack of enthusiasm (check out your accounts dept!).

Engage as many of your customer’s senses as possible. Reps should show samples. Retailers, let the customer touch and feel the product; hand over the remote control; invite active participation; ask questions; gauge and respond to body language; keep that enthusiasm in your voice. It’s all part of the skill.

Carry Conviction…and mean what you say. If you think a product far outperforms that of a competitor, make sure you communicate your passion and belief. Sincerity is a major part of the equation.

Some of the “real life” examples I have recounted in these articles date back many years, but within the last two months I witnessed at Coworth Park Hotel the best sales presentation I have seen in a very long time. All the ingredients were used to maximum eff ect to a major customer. If I had been able to record it and sell it on a training DVD then it would have made the John Cleese fi lms seem somewhat dated. The conviction was there in abundance ... take a bow JA !

Stimulate DesireThe customer needs to be convinced that their life will be much better once they possess the product they’re considering purchasing. In our industry, with such exciting products that bring so much pleasure to us all, that’s not such a diffi cult task. Imagine selling in a much less interesting product arena ... for example a health shop. Where do you muster up the enthusiasm and passion for such products? You can’t demonstrate them as eff ectively as a wide screen TV, a Blu-ray player, a DAB radio or an induction hob. So it always dismays me to read the various mystery shop articles in our industry

This month, the acronym that encapsulates the selling sequence explained in more detail

AICDAJOHN REDDINGTON

Live Stock Levels

New Ordering System

Wider Range of Products

High Res Images

Downloadable Special Offer Sheets

Downloadable Shop Floor Specials

Detailed Product Specifications Sheets

... and much, much more!Email us today for your log in details so you can take advantage of the brand new site!

Email our web team on [email protected] us today for your log in details so you can take advantage of the brand new site!

Comments from some

customers so far...

‘best website in the indus

try’

‘just what we needed!’

‘a big thumbs up’

‘nice one D.A.D!’

TEL: 0844 854 6715 FAX: 0844 854 6715Domestic Appliance Distributors, Henry John House, Northway Lane, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8JH

We’ve launched our brand new: www.dad-online.co.uk

NOW L IVE . . .

SENSING THE DIFFERENCE

YOU’VE GOT A WINNINGCOMBINATION

32

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Alan Bennett describes some bad aspects of the mains power supply

Mischief in the mains

We take the 230V domestic electricity supply very much for granted. But it can be a demon,

especially to delicate microprocessor-based home entertainment gear and PCs. A while ago we had a sudden spate of equipment in for repair: everything from TVs to toasters, from disc players to phone chargers. Some of it smelled of burned varnish, some had molten bits inside. Some had power supply sections blown apart. We were able to resuscitate a few bits of this gear, but much of it had to be scrapped. It had all come from a small residential area centred on a street-corner substation. I don’t know what had happened in there but it had certainly churned out a lot more than 230V that day. The electricity supply company was incredibly dif� cult over compensation and equipment replacement, giving many of their customers a bad time.

Outages and brownoutsSeldom in the UK does something as

dramatic as that happen. More common are

power cuts, in which the supply disappears

without warning, to the detriment of the

operation of PCs, in which data can be

corrupted or lost altogether: computers do

not like being shut down in a disorderly

manner! It’s much worse in some other

countries – a friend of mine who shoots and

edits videos on a Greek island has to use

an expensive UPS (Uninterruptible Power

Supply). In rural areas of the UK fed from

overhead lines strung on poles cuts are

more common than in town, usually resulting

from the weather: wind and thunderstorms.

Lightning in particular can superimpose

horri� c voltage spikes on overhead power

feeds, to play havoc as described below.

Brownouts are reductions in supply

voltage, harmless to light bulbs, kettles

and toasters, but life-threatening to

electronic equipment using switch-mode

power supplies; they can compensate for

reasonable voltage reductions but get into

trouble when they run out of road, as it were.

Surges and spikesThe nastiest things a mains supply can

produce are short sharp voltage spikes,

again most harmful to electronic – as

opposed to simple electrical – equipment.

‘Electronic’ is anything which uses

semiconductors, microprocessors or

memories, embracing PCs, all entertainment

gear and such appliances as washing

machines, which incorporate electronic

control systems. Spikes can punch through

and break down insulation in the primary

sections of power supply circuits. By

various routes they can � nd their way to

control-microprocessor chips, causing them

to derail at best (cured by a mains reset or

reboot) or to fail completely, necessitating

replacement, at worst. Memory chips

likewise can suffer from data derangement

(calling for re-programming) or internal

breakdown. Replacement is the only cure

for the latter, followed by weary data

reloading unless – for instance in a TV, set-

top box or disc player – a pre-programmed

memory chip is available. This generally

has to be speci� ed per model because the

data varies between different screen sizes,

features, hardware and sometimes even

production runs.

The very least that spikes and the like

can do is cause momentary blips on the

sound and vision, for instance freezing

of a Freeview TV picture and squawks or

clicks on sound. While dirty mains power

can be due to neighbouring electricity

users, e.g. industrial premises, most often

the offenders are right inside the house:

thermostats in boilers, freezers and fridges,

central heating time switches, light dimmers,

washing machines and others. The use of

cube-shaped multi-way mains adapters

can cause trouble; strip-type distributors

are better. Any common impedance in

the mains supply (for instance contact

resistance, extension leads) can impose the

mains consumption ripple of one piece of

equipment on another.

Mains-borne interferenceInterference of various types, over a wide

range of frequencies, may be carried in

mains supplies. It’s generally manifest

as radiation from cables rather than

direct injection into equipment because

the latter’s internal power supply – with

its large low-impedance DC reservoir

capacitors – acts as a � lter. Some powerline

data networks, even those licensed by

Ofcom, can cause interference radiation

from cables to spoil DAB, FM and amateur

radio reception. Shielded mains cable is not

commonly available, but cures are generally

found in using screened signal leads and

double-screened (satellite) RF cable, and

ensuring that mains and signal feeds are

not routed together.

Prevention and cureMains spikes and surges may be held at

bay by using suppressors, most easily

found in special 13A distributor socket

strips. Locally-generated interference is

best suppressed at source where possible.

For hi-� and home cinema perfectionists

there’s a wide range of very expensive

mains suppression and conditioning

equipment. How about a 1.5kW electronic

(switch-mode) mains pure sine-wave

regenerator at £1500? Special mains plug

fuses, guaranteed not to cause interference

or degrade the electricity as it passes

through, at £34.99 for three? You need to

give them time to burn in, I understand:

check them out at www.amr-audio.co.uk

Some of the claims made for power

accessories by manufacturers and

enthusiast magazines have been incredible.

The Advertising Standards Authority

upheld complaints against Russ Andrews

Accessories Ltd. regarding their claims

for mains cords and spike suppressors,

failing them on grounds of Substantiation,

Truthfulness and Comparison:

see www.asa.org.uk

FROM THE BENCH

THE DEVIL IN THE MACHINE

E-mail:E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Flair for repairA great customer experience doesn’t just come down to fantastic products. At Domestic

& General we understand how excellent after-sales care will improve customer loyalty

to your brand. And with a 94% post-repair satisfaction rate, we’re expert at giving our

customers and our partners something to smile about.

[email protected]

32

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2011

Alan Bennett describes some bad aspects of the mains power supply

Mischief in the mains

We take the 230V domestic electricity supply very much for granted. But it can be a demon,

especially to delicate microprocessor-based home entertainment gear and PCs. A while ago we had a sudden spate of equipment in for repair: everything from TVs to toasters, from disc players to phone chargers. Some of it smelled of burned varnish, some had molten bits inside. Some had power supply sections blown apart. We were able to resuscitate a few bits of this gear, but much of it had to be scrapped. It had all come from a small residential area centred on a street-corner substation. I don’t know what had happened in there but it had certainly churned out a lot more than 230V that day. The electricity supply company was incredibly dif� cult over compensation and equipment replacement, giving many of their customers a bad time.

Outages and brownoutsSeldom in the UK does something as

dramatic as that happen. More common are

power cuts, in which the supply disappears

without warning, to the detriment of the

operation of PCs, in which data can be

corrupted or lost altogether: computers do

not like being shut down in a disorderly

manner! It’s much worse in some other

countries – a friend of mine who shoots and

edits videos on a Greek island has to use

an expensive UPS (Uninterruptible Power

Supply). In rural areas of the UK fed from

overhead lines strung on poles cuts are

more common than in town, usually resulting

from the weather: wind and thunderstorms.

Lightning in particular can superimpose

horri� c voltage spikes on overhead power

feeds, to play havoc as described below.

Brownouts are reductions in supply

voltage, harmless to light bulbs, kettles

and toasters, but life-threatening to

electronic equipment using switch-mode

power supplies; they can compensate for

reasonable voltage reductions but get into

trouble when they run out of road, as it were.

Surges and spikesThe nastiest things a mains supply can

produce are short sharp voltage spikes,

again most harmful to electronic – as

opposed to simple electrical – equipment.

‘Electronic’ is anything which uses

semiconductors, microprocessors or

memories, embracing PCs, all entertainment

gear and such appliances as washing

machines, which incorporate electronic

control systems. Spikes can punch through

and break down insulation in the primary

sections of power supply circuits. By

various routes they can � nd their way to

control-microprocessor chips, causing them

to derail at best (cured by a mains reset or

reboot) or to fail completely, necessitating

replacement, at worst. Memory chips

likewise can suffer from data derangement

(calling for re-programming) or internal

breakdown. Replacement is the only cure

for the latter, followed by weary data

reloading unless – for instance in a TV, set-

top box or disc player – a pre-programmed

memory chip is available. This generally

has to be speci� ed per model because the

data varies between different screen sizes,

features, hardware and sometimes even

production runs.

The very least that spikes and the like

can do is cause momentary blips on the

sound and vision, for instance freezing

of a Freeview TV picture and squawks or

clicks on sound. While dirty mains power

can be due to neighbouring electricity

users, e.g. industrial premises, most often

the offenders are right inside the house:

thermostats in boilers, freezers and fridges,

central heating time switches, light dimmers,

washing machines and others. The use of

cube-shaped multi-way mains adapters

can cause trouble; strip-type distributors

are better. Any common impedance in

the mains supply (for instance contact

resistance, extension leads) can impose the

mains consumption ripple of one piece of

equipment on another.

Mains-borne interferenceInterference of various types, over a wide

range of frequencies, may be carried in

mains supplies. It’s generally manifest

as radiation from cables rather than

direct injection into equipment because

the latter’s internal power supply – with

its large low-impedance DC reservoir

capacitors – acts as a � lter. Some powerline

data networks, even those licensed by

Ofcom, can cause interference radiation

from cables to spoil DAB, FM and amateur

radio reception. Shielded mains cable is not

commonly available, but cures are generally

found in using screened signal leads and

double-screened (satellite) RF cable, and

ensuring that mains and signal feeds are

not routed together.

Prevention and cureMains spikes and surges may be held at

bay by using suppressors, most easily

found in special 13A distributor socket

strips. Locally-generated interference is

best suppressed at source where possible.

For hi-� and home cinema perfectionists

there’s a wide range of very expensive

mains suppression and conditioning

equipment. How about a 1.5kW electronic

(switch-mode) mains pure sine-wave

regenerator at £1500? Special mains plug

fuses, guaranteed not to cause interference

or degrade the electricity as it passes

through, at £34.99 for three? You need to

give them time to burn in, I understand:

check them out at www.amr-audio.co.uk

Some of the claims made for power

accessories by manufacturers and

enthusiast magazines have been incredible.

The Advertising Standards Authority

upheld complaints against Russ Andrews

Accessories Ltd. regarding their claims

for mains cords and spike suppressors,

failing them on grounds of Substantiation,

Truthfulness and Comparison:

see www.asa.org.uk

FROM THE BENCH

THE DEVIL IN THE MACHINE

Flair for repairA great customer experience doesn’t just come down to fantastic products. At Domestic

& General we understand how excellent after-sales care will improve customer loyalty

to your brand. And with a 94% post-repair satisfaction rate, we’re expert at giving our

customers and our partners something to smile about.

[email protected]

BACKCHAT

34

GET

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2011

�She projects calm and professionalism, but enjoys a little drama, can sing “a bit” and believes she may be too emotional. If she were not delivering training for a major white goods brand, she could see herself delivering babies. Meet Joyce Baker, Head of Training at Indesit Company.

Why did you choose to work in the electrical industry?I had been teaching Home Economics so it seemed a natural progression. Teaching people who actually want to learn!

Who in the industry would you like to spend time with?Christine Knott from Beyond The Box, as everything she does is with such enthusiasm and energy

What makes you laugh?My husband - sometimes

What was the greatest turning point in your life?Accepting the job as Regional Training Manager with Hotpoint 14 years ago

Hobbies?Cooking and going to the theatre. I have done a bit of Am Dram

What’s your greatest regret?That my Dad never saw me progress to this job. I think he would have been proud

How would you describe yourself?Confi dent but relaxed

How do you think others see you?Calm and Professional

What’s your pet hate?BOGOF in the supermarket. I only want one, so why not just make it half price?

Do you have any bad habits? Lots!!

If you weren’t in your present position, what job would you choose to do?A midwife

What’s your favourite TV programme?Come Dine with Me

What surprises you?That people expect to be trusted and yet are not always honest with others

Favourite cuisine?Italian. I guess that’s been encouraged by working for an Italian company

You have been off ered a leading role in a fi lm of your choice. What character would you like to play? Barbra Streisand’s character, Dolly Levi, in “Hello Dolly”

You have been off ered the opportunity to rule the world for a day, what would be the fi rst change you would make?Make the Super Rich pay to help the poor

Is there anything about yourself that you would like to change?Not to be so emotional

Do you have any hidden talents?A bit of singing

Do you have any particular fetishes?Bleach!

What’s your greatest achievement?Having two grown up kids who I am very proud of

What sort of music do you like?Very varied music choices but lots of 70s Rock

Who has been the greatest infl uence in your life?My late Dad

Name your poisonGin and Slim

What do you daydream about?Holidays!

What’s your favourite holiday destination?Mexico and Majorca

What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?My husband being made redundant

What’s the best kind of punishment…Isolation

…and who deserves it?People who break your trust

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?Where I am now

What’s your greatest fear?Being old and forgotten about in a care home

Whom do you most admire?Princess Diana – she was truly inspirational

What’s your favourite piece of kit?My makeup bag

What motto do you live by?Treat others as you’d like to be treated yourself

Tomorrow I will…….…get to the end of the to do list I’d set for today

Independent Electrical Retailer:“The number of independent electrical retail outlets in the UK has more than halved in the last ten years, and it’s dif� cult not to feel like a dying breed with the internet and non-specialists like the supermarkets putting price above everything. The best products need selling on their merits, and I’d like a lot more support from the suppliers who claim to be making them.”

White Goods Manufacturer:“We’re always looking for ways to train, support and incentivize our retail partners because they do the best job of explaining why two “white boxes” that look much the same are so different, and why it’s worth paying for the best.”

WE BELIEVE WHAT GOES IN MUST COME OUT.PERFECTLY.

Count on the style, power and performance of Maytag® appliances to handle load after load, day after day.

9KG

*Normative Eco 50º programme. Status at February 2011.

We know that dependability means something a little more toyou than just commercial parts and pieces. It means having allthe stuff you depend on, clean, spotless and dry – on time,every time. The way we put our machines together is nevergoing to change. But we understand that the reason youdepend on them is not only because of what we put insidethem, but also because of what you put inside them.

We get it. www.maytag.co.uk

15718 maytag_GetConnected_June2011:15718 8/6/11

BACKCHAT

34

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�She projects calm and professionalism, but enjoys a little drama, can sing “a bit” and believes she may be too emotional. If she were not delivering training for a major white goods brand, she could see herself delivering babies. Meet Joyce Baker, Head of Training at Indesit Company.

Why did you choose to work in the electrical industry?I had been teaching Home Economics so it seemed a natural progression. Teaching people who actually want to learn!

Who in the industry would you like to spend time with?Christine Knott from Beyond The Box, as everything she does is with such enthusiasm and energy

What makes you laugh?My husband - sometimes

What was the greatest turning point in your life?Accepting the job as Regional Training Manager with Hotpoint 14 years ago

Hobbies?Cooking and going to the theatre. I have done a bit of Am Dram

What’s your greatest regret?That my Dad never saw me progress to this job. I think he would have been proud

How would you describe yourself?Confi dent but relaxed

How do you think others see you?Calm and Professional

What’s your pet hate?BOGOF in the supermarket. I only want one, so why not just make it half price?

Do you have any bad habits? Lots!!

If you weren’t in your present position, what job would you choose to do?A midwife

What’s your favourite TV programme?Come Dine with Me

What surprises you?That people expect to be trusted and yet are not always honest with others

Favourite cuisine?Italian. I guess that’s been encouraged by working for an Italian company

You have been off ered a leading role in a fi lm of your choice. What character would you like to play? Barbra Streisand’s character, Dolly Levi, in “Hello Dolly”

You have been off ered the opportunity to rule the world for a day, what would be the fi rst change you would make?Make the Super Rich pay to help the poor

Is there anything about yourself that you would like to change?Not to be so emotional

Do you have any hidden talents?A bit of singing

Do you have any particular fetishes?Bleach!

What’s your greatest achievement?Having two grown up kids who I am very proud of

What sort of music do you like?Very varied music choices but lots of 70s Rock

Who has been the greatest infl uence in your life?My late Dad

Name your poisonGin and Slim

What do you daydream about?Holidays!

What’s your favourite holiday destination?Mexico and Majorca

What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?My husband being made redundant

What’s the best kind of punishment…Isolation

…and who deserves it?People who break your trust

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?Where I am now

What’s your greatest fear?Being old and forgotten about in a care home

Whom do you most admire?Princess Diana – she was truly inspirational

What’s your favourite piece of kit?My makeup bag

What motto do you live by?Treat others as you’d like to be treated yourself

Tomorrow I will…….…get to the end of the to do list I’d set for today

Independent Electrical Retailer:“The number of independent electrical retail outlets in the UK has more than halved in the last ten years, and it’s dif� cult not to feel like a dying breed with the internet and non-specialists like the supermarkets putting price above everything. The best products need selling on their merits, and I’d like a lot more support from the suppliers who claim to be making them.”

White Goods Manufacturer:“We’re always looking for ways to train, support and incentivize our retail partners because they do the best job of explaining why two “white boxes” that look much the same are so different, and why it’s worth paying for the best.”

WE BELIEVE WHAT GOES IN MUST COME OUT.PERFECTLY.

Count on the style, power and performance of Maytag® appliances to handle load after load, day after day.

9KG

*Normative Eco 50º programme. Status at February 2011.

We know that dependability means something a little more toyou than just commercial parts and pieces. It means having allthe stuff you depend on, clean, spotless and dry – on time,every time. The way we put our machines together is nevergoing to change. But we understand that the reason youdepend on them is not only because of what we put insidethem, but also because of what you put inside them.

We get it. www.maytag.co.uk

15718 maytag_GetConnected_June2011:15718 8/6/11

Beko A-30% Ad Get Connected 297x210.indd 1 10/06/2011 12:12

ELECTRIC DESIGNThe design element that made icons of such products as the iPod is now an essential ingredient across all MDA, CE and SKA products. Design is about aesthetics, function, perception, aspiration. And it is a potent, many-faceted aid to sales

FLOORCAREThe sector is fl agging a little in volume, but the all-important sales value curve is climbing upward, indicating that fl oorcare is winning the battle to convince consumers that paying more for a quality product is a sound investment. GC examines this complex and crowded market

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTEDIntellectual property rights is an increasingly grey area in the digital age. George Cole looks at developments that could aff ect everyone in the UK who owns a recording or downloading device

IN BUSINESSJohn Reddington unravels and elucidates the sales acronym AICDA in the last of the current series

FROM THE BENCHWhen electricity goes bad. Alan Bennett looks at the consequences and remedies for glitches in the domestic electricity supply

BACKCHATIndesit’s head of training Joyce Baker gives a 2-minute interview

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E E L E C T R I C A L I N D U S T R Y

Enjoy listening….

For your local stockist visit www.robertsradio.co.uk

ROBERTS

Free your music

J U N E 2 0 1 1w w w . g c m a g a z i n e . c o . u k

Documents

Get Connected: June 2011