B&Q launch fixing service
Last week saw the launch of B&Q Homefitdesigned to provide customers with an easy solution to address those DIY tasks that they either can't undertake themselves.
Positive future for ceramic tiles
A report on the ceramic tile sector has just been published by Research and Markets Ltd. in which the company assess there is a positive future for ceramic tiles
Profile complete unique project
Profile Contract Interiors have just completed a new daycare centre for dementia sufferers in Liverpool. What was special about the project was the completely unique design of the project.
Tiles of Stow restore tile mural in Bristol
Residents and visitors to Bristol can now enjoy a fully restored ceramic façade to the Old Printing Works in the city centre.
Products
Seamless surface design with RAK's porcelain range
RAK's Lounge collection includes a wide range of porcelain tiles, slabs and decorative inserts for a seamless surface design. The versatile products combine aesthetic and performance benefits, providing a stylish surface that's highly abrasion and stain resistance, easy to maintenance and very affordable.
Patterned floors made simple with Craven Dunnill's new Opus tiles
Craven Dunnill has introduced the Opus range of floor tiles, which is supplied in modules or multi-packs, suitable for creating any one of six pre-planned floor layouts.
Free bags of grout
Fixers across the UK can grab their free 2.5 kg bag of new BAL Micromax2 at www.tilers-demand.com. Registering once takes seconds and every fixer instantly receives a printable e-voucher to take it to their favourite BAL stockist and swap for a free bag of the smoothest-ever grout. They can choose from any of nine stunning colours, while stocks last, with the offer limited to one free bag per tiler.
Grespania's Icaria talking point at Coverings
Grespania was once again present at this years' edition of Coverings in Atlanta Georgia. The Grespania stand enjoyed visitors from North, South and Central America during the show.
Currency News
UK inflation falls again
The UK's inflation rate fell to 2.4% in April, according to the Office for National Statistics, down from 2.8% in March.
People
Filippo Marazzi, America's Tile Person of the Year
Filippo Marazzi was awarded "Person of the year" by the Tile Council of North America.
Business
Specialist Contractors remain optimistic despite falling workloads
Specialist Contractors continue to face difficult trading conditions according to the latest NSCC State of Trade Survey. The results for the first quarter of 2013 show a fall in the number of orders with 27% of respondents reporting an increase, down 9% from the previous quarter. There has been a small increase in enquiries with 41% reporting that enquiries are up compared to 39% in the previous quarter; however, it remains to be seen whether these will be successfully converted into increased orders.
Construction activity falls in weather affected Q1
The latest Construction Trade Survey, published last week, shows that activity in the majority of the construction industry fell during the first quarter of 2013 with the impacts of falling demand exacerbated by the adverse impacts of poor weather. Looking forward, industry prospects remain downbeat with contractors, specialists and civil engineers all reporting declining orders for future work.
Developments in the commercial washrooms market
AMA have just published a report reviewing developments in the commercial washroom sector
TTA Fantasy Football League
And the winner is.....
After leading the league for the last few weeks Mark Ayliffe's Markedoutofthegame team must have expected to win, however, as they say "football is a funny old game".
Situations Vacant
As part of its service to the tile industry, Tilezine publishes news snippets about job vacancies in the market, free of charge. If you would like us to publish details of your vacancies email us at news@tilezine.co.uk
Membership Recruitment Agent
As part of its continuing membership campaign, The Tile Association is looking for recruitment agents to target quality businesses in the wall and floor tile industry in Scotland, Wales, South East and South West England with a view to encouraging their membership application. The ideal candidate would be expected to plan and carry out sales visits initially within a defined area. The position will be a temporary six-month contract, which can be extended by agreement. The representative will receive commission payment for new members and may include travel expenses. For further information please contact The Tile Association, 02086630946.
