news KitchenCraft invests in new facility
As a multi-generational business, established nearly 170 years ago in Birmingham, KitchenCraft has invested in its roots with a new purpose-built warehouse and office on the outskirts of the city.
The 250,000sq ft building is located at The Hub business park. Around 200 jobs have moved from KitchenCraft’s old site in Garretts Green, with all stock consolidated into one warehouse from multiple sites previously in use.
The facility was opened by
the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mohammed Azim on September 4, with local
business leaders, company partners, suppliers and customers in attendance. KitchenCraft managing
director Matthew Canwell said: “We are a service driven business with customer service meaning everything to us. Our new home has been designed to fulfil that proposition in a way which we could not have previously achieved. “It includes a 10,000sq ft
showroom where we can inspire our customers with product selection and display, an enhanced product testing
Cash prize up for grabs for one lucky Bira member
L-R: Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mohammed Azim with KitchenCraft managing director Matthew Canwell
facility, and in-house design and photography facilities - all supported by a state-of-the-art warehouse to enable a faster order turnaround for our retail customers. This has been our dream for a good few years.”
Horwood acquires EcoSouLife
Housewares company Horwood Homewares has acquired Australian environmental housewares supplier EcoSouLife. The brand will become part of Horwood Life, a subsidiary of Horwood Homewares. Horwood said: ‘EcoSouLife is an environmentally conscious company on a mission to deliver guilt-free disposable and reusable alternatives to plastic and foam. By using agricultural waste combined with the newest technologies, they have been able to create affordable and accessible products that are kinder to the
Homeware supplier Scott Brothers has added more than 400 products to its catalogue with the acquisition of housewares company H&L Russel.
environment. ‘Boasting a wide range of
both reusable and disposable eco-friendly product solutions for the home and outdoor living (some of which are exciting, first-to-market formulations), Horwood Life will look to continue the great work that EcoSouLife has conducted over recent years in creating compelling consumer propositions which are sustainably conscious, practical and affordable. ‘Furthermore, EcoSouLife’s
product portfolio dovetails well with Horwood’s Smidge brand, which was launched earlier
this year
and focuses on bringing to market products that offer an alternative to single-use plastic, while also featuring compelling designs and great functionality.’ Horwood Homewares managing director Rob Jones commented: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the entire EcoSouLife team. Their passion, experience and knowledge of this category will help to continue to create and develop product solutions in an area of extensive consumer interest and importance.”
Scott Brothers snaps up H&L Russel Carol Baxendale-Potter
Established in 1888, H & L Russel manufactures and supplies garment hangers and holds a Royal Warrant. Its product range also includes garment rails, clothes care products, kitchen utensils and laundry items. Scott Brothers managing
director Duncan Pratt- Thompson said: “We’re
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delighted to bring the Russel brand on board, as it has a great heritage and produces great practical products for the home. “This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our expansion as a business and means our customers have a vastly expanded product range within housewares, which is an area we’re keen to expand.” Following the expansion, Scott Brothers has appointed Carol Baxendale-Potter as marketing and product development manager. She brings more than 25 years of experience of strategic brand
work at companies including Wedgwood, Rayware, Russell Hobbs and Caradon Bathrooms. Carol will be developing and implementing a strategic marketing plan for the business aimed at strengthening the Scott Brothers brand, researching new product demand, and proactively generating sales opportunities into new and existing markets. She said: “I was drawn to Scott Brothers as I’ve always worked in housewares and home products and they have a great portfolio of strong brands.”
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The British Independent Retailers
Association (Bira) and its insurance partner Towergate Insurance are offering one Bira member the chance to win £1,000 in cash. The prize draw is open to all retail members of the
Bira ceo Andrew Goodacre
association - and those that join before December. To be in with the chance of winning, retailers need to provide their business insurance details to the Bira Insurance Cost & Cover comparison service. Bira ceo Andrew Goodacre said: “We wanted to create a competition for retailers to take part in, with a really significant prize. It’s not an easy time for some independent retail businesses, so £1,000 to spend as they wish will be a real help. Whether they want to purchase some more stock for their business, clear off the next few bills, get that weekend away booked or have an extra special Christmas this year, it’s entirely up to them.
“Retailers that enter in September will
receive three entries into the prize draw. If they wait until October they’ll receive two entries, and in November they’ll only have one chance - so it’s a good idea to enter early.” According to Bira, the Cost & Cover comparison service is quick to complete. Member details will be checked against a panel of leading insurers with the most suitable combination of cover and cost. Retailers will then receive an insurance report which they will be able to use to get the right cover for their business, with no obligation to buy. Towergate Insurance marketing business
partner Alison Wild commented: “The Cost & Cover comparison service has been exclusively designed for Bira members. It’s a simple process, so retailers need to just fill in the details on the online form and we’ll do the legwork. We are really excited to offer Bira members this service, as well as the opportunity to win £1,000.”
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twitter.com/Housewaresnews September/October 2019
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