No way round the Chinese tariffs
The EU has set out strict rules for businesses who may try to circumvent the anti dumping provisional tariffs recently set on Chinese tiles. Lawyers acting for the European industry have confirmed that the rules operated by the European Union will impact on any businesses who try to get round the Rules operating within the EU.
N&C buy out Stevenage retailer, AG Ceramics
Nicholls & Clarke have announced the purchase of Stevenage based, A G Ceramics Ltd.
Maurice Attew
Wilson & Wylie Contracts have announced the death of long time employee, Maurice Attew, after a long illness.
Cersaie sells out 5 months early
With five months still to go before the International Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishing Exhibition opens in Bologna from 20 to 24 September, more than 97% of the available space in the Bologna exhibition centre, a total of 176,000 square metres, has been booked by 751 companies representing more than 1,000 brands located in 29 countries worldwide.
Porcelanosa presents its new ceramic collection 'ACE'
ACE is the new ceramic tile from Porcelanosa that's perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. It is characterised by a unique pattern which has the appearance of interlocking strips, reminiscent of traditional crafts that use twisted plant fibres such as wicker or hemp.
Training paves way to success for Ian
Training from Schlüter-Systems and BAL has allowed independent tiler, Ian Harrison from Hull to edge ahead of the competition and secure his first £8,000 order, £1,000 of which was for Schlüter products.
New website for Apex Grange
Apex Grange who supply tools, adhesives, grouts and ancillary items to the natural stone, tiling and flooring industries have announced the launch of a new website www.apexgrange.com
New range of transition strips from Supajet
Colne Anodising the manufacturers and suppliers of the Supajet range of metal tile trims and accessories have recently introduced a range of transition strips.
Currency News
Euro still under pressure
The Euro dropped to a three week low against the dollar yesterday; however late trading in the US improved the rate slightly. Along with this issue is the rumour that Greece may consider leaving Eurozone did nothing to improve matters.
Business News
House prices "fell 1.4% in April" according to the Halifax
Weak confidence in the housing market led house prices in the UK to drop by 1.4% in April, compared to March, the Halifax has announced in their April House Price Index
Focus DIY in administration
Although Focus DIY went into administration last week, Joint Administrators Alan Hudson and Tom Jack claim it is business as usual stating "Focus has not ceased to trade and customers will be able to continue shopping at Focus stores across the UK" on the Focus website within hours of their appointment
Long road to recovery for specialist sector
Reduced workloads are the biggest challenge facing Specialist Contractors according to the latest NSCC State of Trade Survey. Despite 39% of respondents reporting an increase in enquiries and 37% an increase in orders in the first quarter of 2011, difficulties in converting enquiries into orders means that less than half of Specialist Contractors are operating at over 75% capacity, down from 62% in the previous quarter, and just one in five are working at 90% capacity or more.
Construction survey confirms doubt over ONS figures
The Construction Products Association's latest State of Trade Survey, which has been launched today, indicates a slight improvement for construction product manufacturers during Q1, even though the longer term outlook is still uncertain. These figures conflict with last month's official ONS statistics for construction and confirm the serious doubt expressed by the Association at the time.
Fantasy Football News
I'ts all to play for now!
With the final few matches of the season to take place in the next week, the Night on the Tiles team managers will be making final team preparations in the hope that their team will win the Tile Industry's Premier Fantasy Football League.
Situations Vacant
National Retail Operations Manager
Due to an increasing number of outlets, N&C Tilestyle (part of the Nicholls and Clarke Group of Companies) require a National Retail Operations Manager.
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.
