00 COVER.qxd:TSJ_Jan-Feb_07_Cover - Tile and Stone Journal

THE LEADING UK MAGAZINEFOR THE TILE & STONE INDUSTRYWWW.TILEANDSTONEJOURNAL.COMAPRIL 2009VOLUME 6 NO4REVESTIRAll the latest productlaunches from Brazil'sleading tile showTILE DISTRIBUTORSAn extensive listing of thedriving forces behind theUK's tile industryPORTUGALProfile of the countrywhere tiles really shapethe landscapeART ON TILETSJ profiles the studiothat specialises inbespoke multi-tile panelsESCROW EXPLAINEDRichard Williams makesthe case for a newpayment practice

April 2009Volume 6 Number 4EditorJoe Simpsontandsjournal@aol.comT: 01580 752404M: 07885 294814Advertisement DirectorStuart Bournestuart.bourne@kick-startpublishing.co.ukT: 01892 752441Spanish Advertisement SalesMercedes Varona Alabernmercedesvarona@ya.comCalle 136, Parcela 9, Masias46113 Moncada, Valencia, SpainProduction DirectorJohn Heath 01892 752445Editorial DirectorAlan Bakalor 01892 680816Circulation ManagerEmily Walsgrove 01892 752448DesignerNeil Owen 01892 752401Production and DesignLorna Dadson 01892 752401GENERAL ENQUIRIESEditorialThe Old Corn Store, Heartenoak RoadHawkhurst, Kent TN18 4DZT: 01580 752404 F: 01580 752604M: 07885 294814E: tandsjournal@aol.comAdvertising and subscriptionsThe Oast, Great DanegateEridge, East Sussex TN3 9HUT: 01892 752400 F: 01892 752404-752405W: www.tileandstonejournal.comCONTENTSNEWSREVESTIR: PORTOBELLO P21Naturelli falls into administration, obituary BCC’s Kevin Farrell,Eliane’s 2008 results, TTA’s 1,000 member, Pantos contract,Tile Depot opens 15th store, Onix exhibits, and more 4SPECIALSMilan Trienniale: Tiles as you have never seen them 18Red Dot Awards: Success for Agrob-Buchtal and Kale 28Art On Tiles: TSJ profiles Jonathan Waights, and talks tothe owner of Art On Tiles about his ethos and ambitions 34GLOBAL REVIEWPortugal: where tradition and technology happily co-exist 30FOCUSTile distributors: An A to Z listing of the main players 42REVIEWSpotlight on the best new ranges at Revestir, Brazil 21FEATURESThe Tile Association newsletter: new technical publications 16Is Escrow the way to prevent payment disputes? 38Pension planning: sound advice from John Wilson of HSBC 40BOOK REVIEWSBooks: Chris Blanchett reviews select mosaic titles 50PORTFOLIOWhat’s new in ceramic tiles, stone, tools and accessories 46All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,recording or any information storage or retrieval system,without the express prior written consent of the publisher.Tile & Stone Journal is published by © Kick-Start Publishing LtdISSN 1744-4276SUBSCRIPTIONSUnited Kingdom£40.00 per annumEurope£70.00 per annumRest of the World£95.00 per annumAPRIL 2009 TSJ 3

NEWS & COMMENTEDITOR’S COMMENTArdex UK teamed up withNeofloors of Kimbolton tocomplete a new visitor’sreception at CambridgeRegional College.In order to meet thedemands of heavy foot-falltraffic and regular cleaningroutines, it was vital to“Last month I joined a very exclusive group: UKvisitors to Revestir, the Brazilian tile show heldannually in Sao Paulo. I have to admit that Ithought long and hard about attending. Like mostbusinesses, TSJ is looking hard at its expenditureand has reduced discretionary spending to thebare minimum. So, could I really justify a weekaway from the office and the inevitable restaurantbills, taxi fares, etc, etc, to visit another tile fair.After all, the recent experience of European fairshad promised little more than half empty halls,depressed exhibitors and few attendees.However, with last year’s successful show still clear in my mind, I decided that itwas worth a punt. And how right I was. Unlike February’s Cevisama, and most ofthe other interior design shows around Europe this year, Revestir was aresounding success. Exhibitor numbers were up, and the attendance was animpressive 20% higher than 2008’s figure. The reason ... it’s the economy,stupid! Well, that had something to do with it, at any rate. While Brazil is notimmune to the global economic downturn - it does after all do a lot of exportbusiness with the USA and other severely affected economies - the domesticmarket has proved quite resilient. I lost count of the number of Brazilians whotold me how profitable their big three banks still are. Once considered a bit of abasket case, the Brazilian economy is now a strong and stable force in theregion, and its bankers have shown a degree of prudence over the past decadethat we in the West can only wish that our own bowler-hatted wonders hadfollowed regarding sub-prime lending, etc.”It just goes to show there is always good news to be found. Sometimes,however, you just have to travel 12,000 miles to find it!Joe SimpsonArdex system for Cambridge collegeensure that the chosensub-floor would providethe perfect base for the fixingof the large formatDomus Ecolight 600 by600mm floor tiles. Becausethe existing sub-floor wasuneven, Ardex K 15-B rapiddrying pumpable sub-floorsmoothing compoundbase mix was specified at11mm: hard enough towalk on just two hoursafter application regardlessof thickness. ArdexMicrotec X 78 S ultra rapidsetting floor tile adhesivewas specified in grey to fixthe tiles. High performanceArdex-Flex FL greyrapid setting flexible groutwas used to fill the tilejoints. Ardex-Flex FL groutis now available in 32colours.The main contractor wasthe Kier Group01440 714939www.ardex.co.ukStone distributor Naturellifalls into administrationNaturelli, the Leeds-based distributor of calibrated naturalstone, Vitrafix grouts and adhesives, Varme UFH, EziBoardbacker boards, and Dry Treat stone sealants, has called inthe administrators. Naturelli’s parent company, Altantec(UK), was formed by brothers Serdar (Sam) and SerhatAltan, who grew the business into one of the largest playersin the natural stone sector.T Askham and R Adamson of Mazars LLP, joint administrratorsof Altantec (UK) Ltd, have acted quickly to extract allpossible value from the company’s assets. They haveinstructed GWA Auctioneers and Valuers to hold an on-lineaction between 16th and 23rd April. This involved some15,000 sq. metres of limestone, travertine and marble walland floor tiles, 40 fireplaces, 40 pallets of tile backing board,and 50 pallets of grout and adhesives. A stone saw, pallettrucks, office equipment and vene vehicles also cameunder the hammer.The Australian-based Dry Treat reacted to the news withsadness. “Unfortunately we did receive official notificationfrom the firm managing the liquidation that Naturelli are inreceivership. I don’t know the official reason, but I wouldhave to guess the difficult economic situation has played apart. We have been working with Naturelli for many yearsand wish Sam Altan and the whole Naturelli team the verybest, and would welcome Sam’s return to the stone businessin future,” stated Marketing Manager, GabrielChapman.“Fortunately we began changing the structure of Dry-Treat’s European operations over recent months to baseourselves in the UK, so we are in a position to provideexcellent support for customers in the UK and Eire. Ourlogistics hub is now just outside of London rather thanRotterdam, and we now ship from the UK to the rest ofEurope. We recently also appointed an Account Managerto help support our UK clients, and we have a terrific newdistributor, Stoneco, in Ireland who have hit the groundrunning and will provide excellent support for Dry-Treat’sIrish customers. UK customers can contact Eli Kourides on0800 096 4760 or at info@drytreat.com. Customers inIreland can contact Fergus McGovern or Steve Ryan on 012393251or at info@stonecoeurope.com.”The future distribution plans of the other brands handledby Naturelli were unknown as Tile and Stone Journal wentto press.4 TSJ APRIL 2009

NEWS & COMMENTCeram takes on slip resistance testingSlips are the most common cause ofmajor accidents both at work and inpublic spaces, costing businesses andlocal authorities more than £512 millionper year in compensation and legal fees.There is a duty of care upon flooringmanufacturers, distributors, specifiersand installers to ensure that all flooringsurfaces are 'fit for purpose' and do notpose a safety risk. One of the key componentsof safety is defining how slipperythe floor is; this is known as its 'slipresistance'. In fact, The Workplace(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations1992 stipulate that floors must not beslippery so that they put people's safetyat risk. UKAS-accredited, Ceram is a leadingprovider of testing for slip resistance,offering both the Pendulum Test (pictured)and the Ramp Test and a full onsiteconsultancy service regarding skidand slip issues. Ceram’s experts can testthe slip resistance of any type of flooringmaterial: ceramic, granite, slate, marble,resin, timber, stone, cement, PVC, glass,metal, plastic, clay pavers and concrete.Testing of floors and surfaces in situ canidentify a significant number of factorsthat can influence the skid slip performanceof flooring materials. For example,cleaning regimes, maintenance, integrityof substrate, wearing or weathering ofthe flooring surface, presence of anysealants on the surface of the floor andtrafficking pattern can all affect significantlythe performance of flooring materials.0845 026 0902 www.ceram.comPic: www.sure-footed.comWhen Riders, the exclusive dealer of BMW and Ducati motorcycles, decided to opentheir latest dealership in Cardiff, Wales they contracted Taylor Tiles Installations to fixthe fine porcelain floor tiles. Using Kerakoll adhesives and grouts from the H40 rangeof polymer modified products, Taylor Tiles Installations were able to complete theproject ahead of schedule. Keragrip and Keratech R10 levelling compound was usedto level the uneven screed and H40 Rapid, H40 Ideal, and H40 Flex provided the solutionfor a bonding the large format 620 by 620mm porcelain tiles from Magica. Thefloor was finished with Fugabella Porcelana 0-5 grout for a smooth and compact joint.Rob Price, Managing Director of Taylor Tiles Installations, selected the H40 range ofproducts for their high performance characteristics with SAS (Shock AbsorbingSystem) testing which reproduces real on site conditions through severe thermal andmechanical strains. Rob Price says “Our confidence in the Kerakoll product rangeallows us to work in very demanding situations and we can have complete confidencein the final result” 01527 578000 www.kerakoll.comKEVIN FARRELLKevin Farrell, who servedas Chief Executive of theBritishCeramicConfederation for 25years, died peacefully atthe Douglas MacMillanHospice on 28th March.Kevin had been due toretire in June. The funeralwas held on Monday, 6thApril at Our Lady and St Werburgh Catholic Church,Newcastle-under-Lyme.Kevin was educated at St Joseph’s College, Stokeon-Trent,and graduated from the Royal School ofMines Imperial College London. During his years ofhigher education, his experiences were broadenedby undertaking vocational work and scholarshipsin the USA and Spain between 1964 and 1966.Later he studied for a national postgraduate diplomain Management Studies at what is nowStaffordshire University. Kevin began his career inthe late 1960s working for the National Coal Boardin Staffordshire.After working in the mining industry during anhistoric period of change, Kevin joined the BritishCeramic Confederation in 1984. BCC is a tradeassociation that provides vital support for UK manufacturersof ceramics. From tableware to bricks,from tiles to bathroom furniture, the BCC representsthe full range of ceramic production. Duringhis tenure Kevin helped the industry to operatemore effectively in the global marketplace, in particularin the USA and Europe.Kevin, an experienced lobbyist and negotiator,was proud of how the Confederation uniteddiverse companies to focus on projects and campaignsthat supported the industry as a whole. Inrecent years he devoted much attention to influencingGovernment policy in relation to energypricing and supply and, as Chairman of the EnergyIntensive Users Group, he helped secure morefavourable market conditions for manufacturingindustry generally. As Chairman of the Coalitionfor Safe Ceramicware in the USA, he defended theUK tableware and giftware industry’s interests inthe face of burdensome legislation that could haveseriously impacted on sales in North America.Kevin was also a dedicated supporter of Stokeon-TrentCollege and other local educational institutions.He served on the Council at KeeleUniversity for many years. In 2004 he was awardedan Honorary Doctorate by Staffordshire University.Kevin, who was 64, leaves a widow, Jackie.Condolences should be sent to Clement McGough& Sons, 79-83A Roundwell Street, Tunstall, Stokeon-TrentST6. Commemorative donations shouldbe made to the Douglas MacMillan Hospice,Barlaston Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3NZ.APRIL 2009 TSJ5

NEWS & COMMENTSpeed is of the essence for SGSWith speed of installation and thepressure to keep downtimes to anabsolute minimum, Technik SGS(Special Grouting System) could bejust the answer; a cement-based, highpolymer content grout, which ispourable and also rapid setting forfast-track installations.Ideal for high traffic areas, TechnikSGS is extremely flexible and durableand can be used with a wide variety oftile types including ceramic, porcelain,stone and marble and is particularlysuited for use on timber floors.Versatile, Technik SGS can be usedwith joint widths of between 3mm and 20mm and is walk-on ready in justthree to four hours at 20°C, with full cure in just 72 hours at 20°C . It is also easyto apply and easy to clean, which delivers greater productivity and faster servicecommissioning. Technik SGS can also be used both indoors and out.Available in grey, dark grey, ivory, beige, limestone and sandstone to complementthe widest variety of natural stone, Technik SGS comes in a 10kgpack size providing coverage of approximately 0.4 kg per sq. metre.01785 272727 technik.tiling@bostik.com www.bostik.comElaine sales grow by 10% in 2008Leading Brazilian tile manufacturer Eliane’s 2008 results show that itachieved sales of almost 34 million sq. metres, up 10% on 2007. By value,sales reached Real 586.6 million, almost 10% more than Real 532.7 millioninvoiced in 2007. Sales in the domestic market accounted for 77.7% of thistotal, at Real 456.1 million.“At the current moment, the world-wide economy demands caution andconstant monitoring. We continue to strive for quality in the portfolio, andwill carry through any business adjustments necessary to guarantee thecompetitiveness of our products. We have the flexibility to adjust rapidly tooscillations in the market, but we have a very solid base as a company andthus have good grounds to be optimistic regarding our performance goingforward,” stated Executive President, Edson Gaidzinski Jr.Despite the strong overall performance, Eliane was not immune to thepoor state of the global economy. Exports to the USA fell to US$ 50 millionin 2008, against US$ 64 million in 2007. Overall, exports accounted for closeto 23% of sales."We knew that 2008 would be a difficult year for the ceramic tile sector,mainly regarding export performance. This, combined with the irregular situationof the global market, had a significant impact on our export sales volume,"explains Gaidzinski. “However, although we have seen a fall in invoicingsince 2007, we have still managed to reach new markets, and are nowserving a total of 86 countries, against 75 in 2007.”The Tile Association signs up its 1,000th memberThe Tile Association has had a thousand companies join its ranks since itwas formed in 2000. Member number 1,000 is Altwood Tiles ofMaidenhead who are a new branch for Caversham Tiles of Reading. TheTile Association represents all aspects of the wall and floor tile industry inthe UK, from manufacture to installation. TTA membership now includesabout 300 retailers and 250 tile fixing companies, each one having beencarefully checked for financial, technical and service standards.Membership benefits include preferential insurance and PDQ rates.020 8663 0946 www.tiles.org.ukMADELEINE HARRINGTON“So you’ve got your Facebookpage sorted, and you’re also onLinkedIn, as well as putting photoson Flickr, tweeting away onTwitter, and posting on yourfavourite tile forum, or whicheversite you visit in your spare time.But did you know that, accordingto MSNBC.com in August 2007,23% of American humanresources’ recruiters were already checking social networksto see potential employees’ pages on social media? Thatfigure is sure to have increased by now, and to have started tocatch on, on this side of the Atlantic. But before you rush todelete your posts about throwing a sickie, bear in mind thatthere are now companies that offer to trawl through the deepweb (the bit with all the murky stuff that you thought you’ddeleted, swimming around in it), and find out anything andeverything that you did or wrote on the web from the last fewyears. The search encompasses companies such as Amazonwhere they can view your wish lists, Spotify, your play listsand so on, so they can tell a lot about your habits as well.They search mainly by email address, so if you have acommon name and create a hotmail address that you useonly for job applications you may be at least partiallyimmune.There is a useful side to this as well as far as marketers areconcerned because you can use the services of some of thefirms to understand your customers more fully. By searchingon your customer email list you can identify trends in areas ofinterest that will allow you to buy lists of similar customers, orcarry out partner marketing with firms which provide aservice that should be of interest to your own customers.The companies argue that the information is all in the publicdomain and is therefore okay to use, but not everybody is sohappy about the ethicality of its use. Anonymous marketingresearch into customer tastes is one thing, an over inquisitiveboss prying into one’s private life or a jealous ex researchinginformation on a specific individual is quite another and bothare equally possible. So be very sure that you won’t regret itin years to come before you post those images of you on astag night in Amsterdam or moan about your boss to a friendon Facebook. He may not be able to access your page butSpokeo can.”Madeleine Harrington is a director of McMullin HarringtonLimited, a marketing consultancy specialising in the tile andstone industry. She can be contacted onmadeleine@mcmh.co.uk.6 TSJ APRIL 2009

NEWS & COMMENTROBIN MOOREPantos wins Camglass contractPantos Logistics, the Korean-owned logistics and freight forwardingcompany, has added Hertfordshire glass and stoneimporters Camglass to its list of newly-won customers. Pantosprovides Camglass with inbound ocean services from Brazil,China and Turkey, carrying glass as well as stone, and anticipatesmoving consignments of around 500 teus in 2009.Camglass imports various sizes and styles of glass, direct fromthe manufacturers which they supply to the glazing industry,glass merchants, double glazing manufacturers, either in directcontainer loads or smaller vehicle loads. They also import tilesand sanitaryware, as well as washbasins and WCs.Pantos work with Camglass to manage order availability byliaising with manufacturers from receipt of purchase order.Milestone progression on availability is fed back to Camglass ona regular basis to enable advanced sailing schedules and planningto optimise transit times. Upon arrival around 50% of consignmentsare de-vanned at port from containers on to curtainsidedvehicles for ease of unloading at destination. Deliveriesare managed through to either the Camglass facility or direct totheir customer in many cases.01753-310-421 Mark.Talbot@pantosuk.comMapei products were specified for the refurbishment of the Swansea LeisureCentre. Laing O’Rourke of Cardiff appointed several contractors to install Domustiles to all new pool areas using Mapei adhesives, grouts, sealants and waterproofingsystems. The team of contractors - N C Ceramics Ltd, Sealability Ltd andWK Plasterers Ltd - specified a system of Mapei waterproofing products. All pooland shower area walls were rendered using Mapei’s Nivoplan levelling mortar,which is fast curing, therefore requiring less time before tiling. Cracks within theconcrete or screeds were sealed with Mapei Eporip solvent free epoxy adhesive.Mapei’s Mapelastic, a two-part flexible cementitious membrane, was used towaterproof the pool walls and floors. Domus Ceramic Pool tiles were installed,after only five days, using Mapei’s Keraflex, a high strength cementitious tileadhesive with no vertical slip and extended open time. The finish was achievedusing Ultracolor Plus flexible fast setting coloured grout, with Bioblock antimouldand DropEffect water-resistant technologies.0121 508 6970 www.mapei.co.uk“We are told often enough that size matters,but in the current environment theassumption that big is always best comes infor a knock in some research recentlypublished by the Economist IntelligenceUnit and Barclays Wealth. This states thatfamily firms will fare better in the currentrecession than listed companies. As themajority of tile retailers are indeed smallerfamily run enterprises I thought this wouldbear some examination. I wanted to seewhat truths it might contain that would give us more confidence about theway we run our businesses, compared with the larger corporations withtheir many experts and departments, who always come up with the rightanswer. Or do they?The research says there will be a number of reasons why the familybusiness is more resilient and better equipped to deal with recession.These all have to do with the values and the outlook of the business, plus itsorganisational structure, providing a better foundation for coping withrecession than larger, listed companies.The first reason is that family-run businesses have a much longer termperspective than listed companies. The need to produce short term gainsto satisfy the demands of share-holders does not exist. The strategies thatare pursued may frequently be more conservative, but bear fruit down theline, very likely exposing the business to less risk in the short term.Certainly in terms of company finances the approach will be much moreaverse to taking risks, taking a more stable, longer term view, possibly lessdriven by debt.Which leads into the next reason: because ownership and control of thebusiness are not separated, decisions will tend to be made to suit the bestinterests of the business, rather than by management pursuing some otheragenda, possibly in order to prove themselves. And, because the family is aclose-knit entity, there will be greater commonality of goals. It’s their nameon the door, so the protection of that name and the long term survival ofthe business will be of greater importance to them. Family businesses arefrequently dynastic and one of the goals of the current generation will beto continue to grow the business and be able to pass it on to the nextgeneration. The asset has been nurtured, not with a view to a sale but toprovide something to sustain those who follow.The length of service, too, that comes with ownership of a family businesshas other advantages. Experience is accumulated over a long span and thebusiness benefits from a consistency of direction. Managerial expertise isnot dissipated by a succession of managers moving on just when theirexperience becomes really valuable, each giving way to a new managerwho quite possibly has different objectives.Now that may all seem overly positive, and I am sure we can all think ofsituations and scenarios where a family business has not conformed to theideal set out in the report. In fact it is the very essence of soap opera.Nevertheless on a global basis, and this was a global study, the truths arethere. So we should examine our own businesses and ask the questions tosee how closely they match up. There’s a lot with which we will agree atonce. Finding where we don’t could prove to be a valuable exercise.”8 TSJ APRIL 2009

NEWS & COMMENTPerfect protection for M&SWhen P. Plunkett Tiling Contractors won the contract totile 9,000 sq. metres of flooring at a new Marks & Spencerstore in London, they needed the essential tile protectionto look as good as possible. In particular, they wanted themovement joints where the floor met the wall and otherupright structures, to match the intermediate joints thatwere specified extensively throughout the store. Schluter-Systems suggested the new Schlüter-Dilex-KSA which hashas metal anchoring legs connected to a replaceablemovement zone made of soft PVC..“Other perimeter joints would also have protected thetiles from movement, but we wanted something thatmatched the coloured insert in the intermediate movementjoints,” said Plunkett’s Contracts Director, David Baker.P. Plunkett installed 500 linear metres at the store inWestfields Shopping Centre . The joints were used to createmovement joints at walls, structural pillars and the centralatrium containing the escalators. Light beige movementinserts were fitted to the stainless steel anchoringlegs on the main sales floors to protect the H & R JohnsonJurastone Ancaster beige tiles.ADP provides Beccles’ management solutionBeccles Tile Centre Ltd needed to replace its financialledgers and a quotation package with a new trading systemoffering tight stock control. Having reviewed the market,it decided to install ADP K8-Small Business Edition. Withthe help of ADP consultants, the project was successfullycompleted and all staff trained. ADP K8-SBE now handlesthe company's day-to-day trading needs, manages stock,and provides integrated financial ledgers. As the tradinginformation builds up in the new system, Beccles Tile willmake greater use of standard reports for comprehensivebusiness analysis and decision support.01488 688800 www.adpk8.comValue tile and stone retailer Tile Depot expandsTile and stone retailer Tile Depot hasopened a new London store to copewith the current consumer trend foraffordable home updates.The new store, on Teddington HighStreet, is the 15th for the family-run company,which has specialised in high qualitytiles at competitive prices for morethan 20 yearsTile Depot is one of the UK’s largest andbest value independent tile and stoneretailers, and has stores across Londonand the South East which supply ceramic,porcelain and natural stone tiles from19 different countries around the world.As Tile Depot is a one stop shop, customers’tiling needs can all be satisfiedon site. The company sells tiles, all typesof adhesive, sealants and grouts plusunderfloor heating and tools to consumersand trade customers. Customerscan also buy online at www.thetiledepot.co.ukThe company has seen a boom in businessas more and more consumersadopt a ‘don’t move, improve’ attitudeduring the economic downturn.www.121builders.com is a new websiteset up by entrepreneur Shane Hiskins. Asa professional carpenter Hiskins was fedup with the industry’s lack of representationonline and decided to take mattersinto his own hands. The result is a sitewhere professionals can register their businessesand services and where customerscan post prospective jobs. Businesses canthen pitch for the jobs and build a reputationthrough the feedback forum. It iscompletely free and simple to use and willencourage local business, but ultimatelyspread nationally to shake up the entireindustry.Firstly, users have to register with thesite. To post a job, all users have to do is‘log-in’ to their account, then find the ‘clickhere to post a job’ tab and fill out a simpleOperations Director, David Fitzgeraldsaid: “It’s vital we offer all of our customersas many reasons as possible tocome to us. We give them a price promise,a buy back service - even for individualtiles - and a facility for them to takehome a tile to help them reach a decision.We keep all products in stock, sothere are no long waiting times.“Our lifestyle displays ensure the customercan get a good impression of howtheir home will look when tiled, ratherthan trying to imagine from the smalldisplay boards offered by other retailers.We also make sure staff are trained toprovide advice and assistance on bothtechnical and design issues, so we makethe entire process as hassle-free as possiblefor customers.”The new Teddington store will openseven days a week, and has on-site parkingand full loading facilities. The store isrunning a 50% off opening offer on arange of products to all customers, anddiscounts to trade customers who openan account.www.thetiledepot.co.ukNew website allows users to post or pitch for jobsform. The job will then be published onthe site for tradespersons to view.Interested companies will then contactthem directly to arrange a quote.For builders and tradesmenwww.121builders.com is billed as the perfectplace. Once again, the first step is registration,completing a company profileusing the fields provided. Entries can beenhanced by uploading a logo to thecompany’s profile page and adding adetailed description. Tradesmen are thenable to access all jobs posted on the site.They can then view all jobs and submitquotes or queries at their leisure. Userscan also control responses via the site’sMessage Centre.TSJ would welcome any user feedback onthis or similar trade websites.10 TSJ APRIL 2009

NEWS & COMMENTNEWS IN BRIEFAscer, the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association, hasorganised a series of conferences about ceramics in architecturethat will be held at Harvard Graduate School of Design. Theconferences are part of a series of activities designed tostrengthen the links between the association and Harvard. It ishoped that this will lead to closer collaboration in the futuresuch as setting up a Ceramic Tile Studies department at the university.In fact, industry experts Eduardo de Miguel and architectJesús Aparicio, who head the CTS departments at Madridand Valencia respectively, and Javier Mira, who is the head ofthe architecture department at the Institute for Ceramic TileTechnology, will be at Harvard to run training sessions with theteaching team at the prestigious school to improve their understandingof ceramic as a material and its potential in architecture.Italian architect Benedetta Tagliabue will deliver a lectureat the Harvard Graduate School of Design in which she willspeak about the current status of architecture and the ceramictile industry in Spain. She will also refer to projects undertakenby her own practice, EMBT Arquitectos, in which ceramic tilesplay a prominent role. One of these is the Santa Caterina marketin Barcelona, a project that won her practice the architecturecategory prize in the 2004 Ceramic Tile Awards.BuyBrandTools.Com has launched abrand new 50 page glossy cataloguededicated to high quality professionaltiling tools and equipment. The cataloguecontains one of the largestranges of tiling tools and equipment inthe UK, featuring well establishedbrands such as Rubi, Fein, Marcrist,Armeg and 365 Drills. MarketDevelopment Manager forBuyBrandTools, Neil Hale, adds: “Onecatalogue contains a Charlie and theChocolate Factory style ‘golden ticket’with the lucky recipient winning a tiling tools kit worth approximately£400, including a Rubi TX-700 tile cutter. Five other cataloguescontain ‘silver tickets’ which all win a 365 Drills diamondtile-drilling kit.” To receive a copy e-mail michelle@buybrandtools.com,or call 0114 251 3535.As part of its efforts to represent the wall and floor tile industry,The Tile Association has been lobbying Government over theproposed 5% increase in Business Rates that were due tobecome effective in April. We are delighted to announce thatChancellor Darling has reduced the increase to 2%. Althoughthe Association was lobbying for a full cancellation the 3% cutwill go some way to help TTA members in the current economiccrisis.Well-known TV presenter and property expert, Amanda Lamb isto front the Silestone advertising campaign in the UK. Theextensive press campaign will run throughout 2009 and willappear in trade, commercial and consumer press. The advert isalready appearing in both OK! and Hello magazines. Amanda’srelationship with Silestone started in 2007 when she requestedSilestone quartz worktops for her former London home. Havingrecently undertaken a project to refurbish an Edwardian propertyin southwest London, pure white, Blanco Zeus Silestoneworktops were Amanda’s first choice for her new kitchen.Amanda say: “I love my Silestone worksurface. I couldn’t believethat something so beautiful could be so hardwearing. It’s theonly quartz work surface to contain Microban anti-bacterial protectionso is 100% hygienic too!”JOSS THOMAS“As the year progresses, the stonemarket is becoming more and morecompetitive. It’s a buyer’s market andthere are endless products available -both good and bad. From a consumerperspective, it’s often hard to tell thedifference, and products can bedeemed ‘bad’ for many reasons; notjust in aesthetic terms. But, with propereducation, the tables could still beturned.The internet, although an exceptional research tool, has in manyrespects made the industry very transparent and consumers evermore price aware. Unlike other industry sectors, we don’t haveFSC, or similar certification, to give credibility to responsible andreputable suppliers. As a result, many products are becomingcommodities, especially low priced travertines and externalpaving materials.It’s a difficult issue to tackle but one which can, like many thingsin life, be steered in the favour of the good guys! Yes, the buyerholds the cards, but this also means that UK importers have moreflexibility to negotiate with manufacturers and potentially, turnout the bad apples.In order to build good foundations for the future, ethics need totriumph over price. Buying cheap, in order to make a quickprofit, stores up a heap of problems in the long-term. Inferiorsuppliers give little continuity of service; communication is oftenpoor, deadlines are often missed and, at the end of the day,product is very often poor quality. And, this can impact greatlywhen it comes to installation.With an absence of quality control, stone tiles can varyconsiderably in size, with poor calibration leading to hugevariations in the thickness of material. Poor quality stone is oftenhidden amongst first grade material, leading to differences in thecolour of tiles, visual saw marks and unacceptable pitting of thesurface. Meanwhile, a poor tumbling process can lead to brokenand potentially sharp corners, storing up further problems forthe future.There are also other more far reaching reasons to avoid dealingwith unreputable suppliers; many don’t have correct health andsafety procedures in place and often use child labour. Childrenas young as five are regularly used to quarry throughoutdeveloping countries; this is particularly prevalent in India, fromwhere quarries supply vast quantities of Indian sandstone, whichclosely mimics Yorkstone.To maintain – and ideally increase - its value in the marketplace,stone needs to differentiate itself and consumers need to beeducated in the truth behind the low prices. If sub-standardgoods continue to enter the market, it will ultimately devalue thestone market. It’s time for change and when better to make astand than during changing times.”For more information, please call 01993 824200 or emailenquiries@indigenousltd.com. www.indigenousltd.com.12 TSJ APRIL 2009

NEWS & COMMENTBARRY ASHMORE“I have just been reading the debate about the proposedchanges to the Construction Act. Or, rather, the latestHouse of Lords debate about the proposed changes tothe changes. The amendments have reached a key stagein the laborious process of becoming law and are aboutto be adopted unless someone does something about it.And they should.Onix to star at hotel showOnix will be exhibiting at The Hotel Show 2009, the leadinghotel supplies fair for the Middle East. This internationalevent is directed towards the equipment, technologyand services industries for the design, construction andsupplies of hotels, tourist resorts and luxury facilities. Onixwill introduce the differential quality of its mosaics, createdwith a dynamic, creative and advanced philosophy, to thehotel industry of the Middle East. Onix’s avant-garde aestheticsclearly influence designers, architects and decoratorswhen they design their projects. The Hotel Show,which will be held at the Dubai International Exhibitionand Convention Centre from 24th to 26th May 2009. ThePersian Gulf area is currently developing, with around 87luxury hotels being built. During the next five years 150and 200 new resorts are expected to be finished.www.onixmosaic.coThe Act has been in force since 1st May 1998 and, in myopinion, it was and still is, the best thing since slicedbread (or battery-powered tools) as far as specialist subcontractorsare concerned.Since the Act came into force specialist sub-contractors'groups and trade associations have lobbied for changes to rule out the deficienciesin the Act, such as the loophole whereby the innocent party could end up paying allthe costs in an adjudication. This kind of clause effectively rules out adjudication,which was one of the cornerstones of 'Constructing the Team' - Sir Michael Latham'sreport into what were regarded as the draconian practices of main contractors thatled to the Act in the first place.Now, I don't profess to have kept up to speed with the process by which theGovernment's proposed changes to the Act came about, but they seem to be a bit ofa failure as far as ruling out that problem, and a bit of nonsense in other areas too.Hence the Specialist Engineering Contractors' Group is proposing changes to theGovernment's draft changes. Basically, the SECG said that everyone should use theadjudication rules in the Scheme for Construction Contracts. And why not? It works,it is fair and it is straightforward - probably three very good reasons why certaingroups don't want it.On the subject of adjudication provisions, as things stand, the Act will feature thefollowing new section: 108A Adjudication costs; effectiveness of provision.(1) This section applies to any contractual provision made between the parties to aconstruction contract that concerns the allocation as between those parties of costsrelating to the adjudication of a dispute arising under the construction contract. It isimmaterial whether or not the contractual provision is contained in the constructioncontract.(2) Any contractual provision to which this section applies is ineffective unless it ismade in writing after the giving of notice of intention to refer the dispute toadjudication.(3) In subsection (1) the reference to costs relating to the adjudication of a disputeincludes the fees and expenses of the adjudicator.Now if you can make sense of that you are a better man than me.F Ball supports Steps children’s charityF Ball and Co. has donated market-leading subfloor preparationproducts and flooring adhesives to the Steps charityin Leicestershire. F Ball’s Stopgap Isolator Membrane andStyccobond F47 adhesive were used as part of an extensiverefurbishment of the existing Steps conductive educationcentre. A registered charity, Steps provides nursery facilitiesfor children with specialist educational needs, such asDown’s Syndrome or cerebral palsy. The charity also offersongoing support for parents and families once the childrenreach school age. Donations from F Ball and other localbusinesses enabled the existing hall at the Steps centre tobe renovated, providing additional educational resources.The new facility now includes a theatre/function roomwhich can be hired by external parties, helping to increasethe funding and secure the future of the charity.What I do know is that I agree with Rupert Choat from Cameron McKenna when hesays: "It permits a range of devices designed to avoid the Act to survive." This is aposh way of saying that main contractors can still put one over on sub-contractors.There are also other deficiencies in the draft changes that, in my view, won't improvethe Act for anyone. They will just assist those who seek to abuse it.So, here we go. The very Act that sub-contractors' campaigned for, and won, andthen campaigned again for sensible amendments and improvements, is about tobecome worse, not better.Now at this point the sub-contractors have a choice. Option one is to pretend it isn'thappening. This is far and away the easiest option, but - and it's a big but - one daythat choice might just come back to bite them in the backside.Option two is to do something about it. Suitable actions could include:•Writing to your MP and asking them what they are doing about the issue.• Forward this article to every other sub-contractor you know.• Start a petition against the abuse of specialist sub-contractors.• Create as much stink about it as they can, in the press and elsewhere.I were still a sub-contractor, I would choose option two, mainly because theproposed changes are just not going to improve matters, except maybe forthose who seek to abuse the Act. This will be a major problem in the future forspecialist sub-contractors unless, that is, they so something about it!”Barry J Ashmore Dip Law Dip Arb FCIArb MCMi, Ashmore ConsultingT: 01773 715062 E: bjashmore@btconnect.com14 TSJ APRIL 2009

TTA NEWSLETTERTTA Membership BenefitsMembership of The Tile Association not only sets you apart from the cowboys and rogue traders,it brings with it a wide range of membership benefits that offer real financial advantages.Credit Credit Information meetings for Manufacturer, Agent, FSO and Distributor members andfree online credit checks for all members. Preferential rates with Barclays Merchant Services ondebit/credit card machinesPublicity Free listing in TTA Directory and your own page on the website. The Tile Association isactively promoting the use of wall and floor tile to all tile customers.Free advice On employment law, industrial relations and wage awards for specialist contractors.Health and Safety advice helpline and TTA members can have access to free legal advice on anymatters relating to their businesses. Technical advice and Independent Technical Inspections areavailable to members. For advice and assistance with most matters relating to running your businessjust ask TTA.Insurance Discounts of 10-15% on a range of insurances from Public, Products & EmployersLiability to Commercial Vehicle/Fleet insurance Non VAT-registered fixers in UK are eligible for£1m public liability cover. Pensions/Life Cover/Private Medical Care at discounted ratesPublications Copies of Tile & Stone Journal are issued free of charge to all TTA Members. TTAmembers also receive free copies of the Annual TTA Directory and all TTA technical publicationsthat apply to their sector.For these and more check out TTA website at www.tiles.org.uk and click on benefits.Two New TTA Technical PublicationsTiling in WetroomsIn the past few years there has been an increase in theinstallation of wet rooms in domestic bathrooms. A TTATechnical Working Group has prepared the paper Tiling inWet Rooms in response to this demand. The documenthighlights the importance of correct design, water resistantbackground materials, tiles and installation products andmethods to bring about a safe and long lasting wet room.It also sets out what is considered to be best practice guidanceelaborating the information provided in BS 5385:4Wall & Floor Tiling – Code of practice for tiling and mosaicsin specific conditions.It covers topics such as minimum and maximum falls infloors, slip resistance, the correct provision of rails seats andshower curtains as well as ventilation requirements. There is a section on tanking systems and adetailed section on the choice of tiles including mosaics, glass tiles and natural products. It coversthe choice of adhesives, grouts and sealants and the installation of underfloor heating. Itconcludes with recommendations on general cleaning and maintenance. This document hasalready been circulated to members.Large Format Tiles in Internal TilingBecause of modern manufacturing techniques, ceramic tiles can be manufactured in sizes previouslyonly used in the stone and marble sector. Ceramic tiles can now be manufactured withdimensions of length and width greater than 1 metre. Large format tiles are now readily availableon the market and special consideration should be given to fixing these tiles. The documentsets out to provide advice on considerations to be given to the background, tolerances oftiles, setting out limitations and the physical and mechanical fixing of large format tiles.The document covers the Health & Safety considerations of handling these products. It alsocovers design considerations including the maximum recommended weight of tiling per squaremetre on particular wall substrates. It also considers floor tiling and particularly movement jointsand fixing tiles to acoustic systems or underfloor heating. Recommendations on the choice ofadhesives and grouts is also included. This document will be sent to all TTA members within thenext month or so.To purchase a copy of these and all other TTA publications please go tohttp://www.tiles.org.uk/help/publications.shtml where you can download an order form.TTA Members Working TogetherThe Tile Association checks potential member companies forfinancial health and insists on references, so it isn’t surprising ifTTA members trust their fellow members and like to work withthem.CD Tiling and Ultra Tile Over the last four years tiling contractorTTA member CD Tiling has successfully completed tiling installationsin over 60 brand new Nando’s restaurants throughoutthe UK and Ireland using Ultra tile products.East Midlands Ceramics and Mapei TTA member East MidlandsCeramics put on a special breakfast show for local tile contractorsto demonstrate an exciting range of coloured grouts fromfellow TTA member, adhesive manufacturer, Mapei.Pilkington’s Tiles Group and Kemtile Pilkington’s and Kemtile workedtogether on the development of Pilkington’s Dorset Hexagonrange especially for use in the food industry. The range wasused at Uniq, Northampton, which is short listed for TTA AwardBest Technical use of Tile in a Construction Contract.Schlüter-Systems & P. PlunkettTiling Contractors These twoTTA members collaboratedon a major contract totile 9,000 sq. metres at anew Marks & Spencerstore in London usingSchlüter-Dilex-KSA tilingprotection (left).Schlüter-Systems & W. B.Simpson & Sons (Midlands)These two member companiesworked togetheron the new £350 millionHighcross retail and leisure development.New British Standardfor Fixing Wall and Floor TilesAfter several years of revision work, British Standard, BS5385,the code of practice for fixing wall and floor tiles has been completelyrevised and published. The last two remaining sections,Part 4 (special conditions including wet areas, under floor heatingand chemical attack) and Part 5 (natural stone and agglomeratedstone tiling and terrazzo) has now been publishedTTA members wishing to obtain copies should contact the TTAoffice for details of how to order their own copies. All previouseditions of BS 5385 parts 4 and 5 have now been supersededand withdrawnThe Tile AssociationForum Court83 Copers Cope RoadBeckenhamKent BR3 1NRT: 020 8663 0946F: 020 8663 0949E: info@tiles.org.ukW: www.tiles.org.uk16 TSJ APRIL 2009If you are in the tile industry, you need to be in The Tile Association.

MILAN TRIENNIALEA display of diversityAn exhibition called ‘Ceramic Tiles of Italy: A NaturalBeauty’ will be held in Milan this April where eightdesigners will showcase tile’s vast design potential.Following a tradition established in recent years by Ceramic Tiles of Italy’sArchitectural Food in 2008 and Mario Botta’s Guscio project and the Sit DownPlease exhibit by various designers in 2007, Italian ceramic tiles will be returning tothe Milan Triennale this year for the 2009 edition of I Saloni. From 22th to 27thApril the aesthetic and technical qualities of Italian tiles will be showcased at anexhibition called Ceramic Tiles of Italy - A Natural Beauty, promoted byConfindustria Ceramica and organised by Edi.Cer.spa.The purpose of the event is to highlight the environmental and social aspects of sustainability.The key themes explored will include the combination of natural and artificialelements in Italian ceramic tiles, their multi-functionality and their aesthetic qualities.It will also provide a prominent showcase for young designers who use tiles intheir projects.The 300 sq. metre exhibition space will have an Italian garden theme, and feature variousitems made of ceramic tiles such as gazebos, walkways, lamps and even a maze.Each day the garden will host activities ranging from adult dining to children’s games.As part of this co-ordinated project, ceramic products manufactured by eight differentItalian companies will be interpreted artistically by emerging Italian designers:• Walkway by Mattia Parmiggiani for Atlas Concorde• Dubl Oval XXL by Corvino + Multari for Casalgrande Padana• TileINside by Giacomo Sanna for Ceramiche Coem• Flameless Frame by Giorgio Grandi for Co-operativa Ceramica d’Imola• Mirator by Lagranja Design for Ergon• Il Cancello del Labirinto by Alessandra Pasetti for Etruria Design• Snake by Andrea Panto for Marazzi Ceramiche• Claustrum by Andrea Carletti for Vietri Ceramica Group.While each of the projects will highlight the individuality of the tile manufacturerand their design partners, the exhibition as a whole is intended to convey a broaderimage of the Italian design tradition.Il Cancello del Labirinto by Alessandra Pasettifor Etruria DesignTileINside by Giacomo Sannafor Ceramiche CoemSnake by Andrea Pantofor Marazzi Ceramiche18 TSJ APRIL 2009

MILAN TRIENNIALEDubl Oval XXL by Corvino + Multarifor Casalgrande PadanaMirator by Lagranja Designfor ErgonWalkway by Mattia Parmiggianifor Atlas ConcordeClaustrum by Andrea Carlettifor Vietri Ceramica GroupFlameless Frame by Giorgio Grandifor Co-operativa Ceramica d’ImolaAPRIL 2009 TSJ 19

REVESTIR REVIEWAfter all the doom and gloom of recent exhibitionsaround Europe, one approached Revestir - which ranfrom 24 th to 27 th March in Sao Paulo, Brazil - with an elementof caution. However, this was misplaced. The event was verybusy, the programme of seminars and presentations by leadingarchitects and designers, packed to overflowing, and theoverall feedback from the exhibiting companies themselveswas refreshingly up-beat. While no-one was hiding theimpact of the global downturn - after all the USA is one ofBrazil’s leading export markets - the Brazilians clearly feel thatthey are better placed than most to weather the storm. Notonly are Brazil’s three largest banks profitable and wellresourced,a benefit of limited exposure to the sub-primemarket and a generally prudent investment programme, butthe companies themselves are on the whole burdened bylower levels of debt than many of the large manufacturers inItaly, Spain and China. So, while UK visitors were thin on theground, those that did make the trip were handsomelyrewarded. The product offering was strong in all market sectors.There was also a trace of the exotic, such as ‘tiles’ madefrom coconut fibre, jack-fruit, Brazil nut husks and otherindigenous plants that could offer any UK showroom a realwow factor. Glass and mosaic tiles were in abundance, andthere were also some interesting metallic glazed tiles, as wellas actual metal tiles.Revestir is the largest coverings trade event in Latin Americaand the fourth largest in the world. This year the showbucked the global trend by reporting a 20% rise in attendance,to around 40,000. The number of companies showcasingtheir products and services was also up.Among these exhibitors, common design themes emerged.These included tile designs inspired by, or drawing on, nature,including sophisticated wood-effect tiles and decorative surfacesmanufactured from the husks of coconuts, brazil nuts,bamboo and various native plants and fruits from Brazil. Tileswith sustainable-credentials, including ceramics with a significantrecycled content, were also to the fore. These were supplementedby tiles mimicking natural stone and, as notedearlier, a strong selection of glass, ceramic and stone mosaics.To emphasise the ecological theme, Gail’s sustainablebooth, created by landscape architects Benedito Abud andBrazilian bravadoJoe Simpson reports from Sao Paulo on a hugely successfulRevestir show that drew record number of visitors andinjected some much-needed positivity into the tile market.André Luque, transported the nature to the exhibition, in theform of palm trees and sounds and scents of the forest.Ekobe struck a similar note with a planted wall comprisinghexagonal honeycomb shaped tiles made from pressedcoconut waste.Bambu Revest, who has been developing coverings madefrom bamboo for the last 15 years, presented flexible, lightand durable materials. Also made of bamboo, were handmadecoverings from Oré Brasil.Eco-tiles were shown by Lepri. Its Madeira and Paper Foscolines are manufactured using recycled fluorescent lamps.This cuts the use of gas during manufacture by up to 15%.The company also claims that its process prevents mercury inthe lamps from causing land contamination.Top left: Argile Creme byPortobello.Top right: Forest by Gyotoku.Above: Emporio by Eliane.APRIL 2009 TSJ 21

REVESTIR REVIEWTop row: Three mosaics fromthe Platanum range by Falcon.Tactile 3-D surfaces comprisingcuboid elements with differentprojection depths were acommon feature at Revestir.Top Right: Cushion-edge mixmedia mosaic by Inti.Right: Kitchen featuring tactile,organic, mosaic from Ekobe.Far right: Vitra Preto by Gail.Botton left: Nature byPortinari.Bottom right: Vogue Noir byPortobello.The Pieces of Forever collection by Studio Marmo is madefrom recycled Pet plastic and mineral residues. The collection,available in 300 by 300 and 300 by 600mm, aims to reproducetree bark and rocks to perfection.Resistance to wear and abrasion is the main feature of productslike Atlas’ small porcelain tiles with a metallic finish.Villagres’ Tecnovilla range also offers high resistance for commercialand industrial use. The Dry Tech porcelain tiles fromTecnogrés, including the Wood line launched at Revestir,have been developed to offer scratch and wear resistancesuperior to that of natural granite. Porto Ferreira offeredPronto!, a new range intended for use in wet areas in bothinternal and external locations. It uses advanced Spanishglaze resulting in a PEI 5 rating and high resistance to chemicalattack. Eliane unveiled the Protec Décor finish that isbilled as offering the ultimate protection against stains. Ituses nanotechnology to provide definitive protection againststaining agents. On an aesthetic front, ranges like the 200 by200mm Kitchen by Lineart Ceramic showcase the possibilitiesof four-colour screen-printing. Tecnogrés, meanwhile,has a wide range of 100 by 100mm tiles that use lively andbright hues that reproduce all colours of the rainbow, whoseintensity is the result of a double layer of glaze.Portinari’s new Havana Collection features more soothingand mild colours. Porto Ferreira had a number of designs thatrevisit vetrosa technology to provide texture without affectingthe fidelity of the tiles’ colours and designs.The Solar Line, by Super NGK, features four new metalliccolours with nuances of silver, gold and copper, ideal formodern and contemporary environments. Atlas presentedits Blend 24 line, with small bronze porcelain tiles combinedwith small satin black tiles. Continuing the metallic theme,Mozaik showcased stainless steel tiles that use many techniquesto change the surface of the metal, like localisedmechanical sanding and stamped reliefs.At Super NGK, texture is one of the features of the GranPrimitive line, which looks like stone, and has irregular edges.Also by Super NGK, the Neoclassical Stone line features differenthues of brown and beige and a wide range of textures.Eliane displayed what is claimed to be the largest wall tile inBrazil. The extra-large 440 by 880mm format was used in theArea, Calacata, Faces and Natural ranges. It is best used inhorizontal banding with 2mm grout joints. The tiles can alsobe matched with 440 by 440mm floor tiles for the contemporarymonolithic look.Spetaccollo by Lineart Ceramic features third-fire pieceshand finishes in gold and platinum, for added glamour andsophisticationDesigners and artists put their name to several collectionsat Revestir. At Oré Brasil, the entire collection is signed by22 TSJ APRIL 2009

REVESTIR REVIEWarchitect and designer Paulo Foggiato; while Biancogreslaunched its Artist Collection, which features porcelain tilesdesigned by Ana Paula Castro.On Jatobá’s stand, the highlight was the Bico de Jaca rangefeaturing small tiles inspired in the jack-fruit, which wasbrought to the country from India in the 18th century. Thecollection, designed by Marcelo Rosenbaum, also makes referenceto the bico de jaca glass pattern of the 1970s and 80s.Eliane adopted the slogan Your House, Your Environment toflag up its concern for the environment. The company hasintroduced systems and devices that reduce input consumption,and are recycling and reusing residues generated duringmanufacturing. The Ecostone porcelain tile, for instance, ismade with up to 60% of this recycled material. Ecostone isalso made with 90% of reused water and has allowed a 50%saving in electric energy.Agrocon’s brand Revestimentos da Amazônia displayedBerthollettia, a collection of ecological products made fromBrazilian nut casings.Incefra’s Dry Tech brand featured a strong range of woodeffecttiles. This porcelain range included a design that accuratelysimulated distressed timber, with very naturalisticcolouration. Dry Tech Wood is available in 150 by 600, 300 by600 and 600 by 600mm rectified. With a tactile rustic texture,including knots and etched grain patterns, Dry Line Woodcomes in three colours: Haya (light), oak (mid tone) and walnut(dark).Two of the recurring themes at Revestir 2009 – sustainabilityand wood-effect decors – were brought together on theLepri stand. The company’s Wood range reproduces the lookof old floorboards and is manufactured using recycled fluorescentlight bulbs. The Wood range comes in a choice ofthree species-inspired colours: imbuia, cerejeira andmahogany. A choice of formats is offered: 40 by 460, 150 by1,000, 150 by 1,500, 300 by 1,000 and 300 by 1,500mm. Leprialso offers mosaic effects in a range of soft and subtle colours.They are available in 30 by 30mm and 50 by 50mm, with rusticor traditional straight edges. Lepri’s Echo range is formedusing materials such as ceramic waste dust and fuel ash. Theenvironmental credentials are enhanced by the use of abioglaze finish. The pieces come as 10 by 10mm, 30 by30mm and 50 by 50mm in two colours: Cappuccino andcream, and the same choice of two edge finishes.Super NGK launched the Gran Primitive range at Revestir.Comprising nine colours, the range has strong textures, suchas the irregular appearance of rock and edges. To display currentmarket trends, the company’s stand featured compositionswith the Rupestre and Rupestre Primitive ranges. Thetraditional tesserae of the Nautical and Antiskid range werealso prominent. They are ideal for swimming pools anddecks.Portinari’s Pietra Nobilis is offered in two complementaryforms: a satin finish, suitable for internal use, and a natural,anti-skid finish for external use. This porcelain range followsthe trend of large rectangular sizes, and is suitable for areaswith high traffic levels. Four contemporary colour options areoffered in 150 by 900, 225 by 900, 450 by 900, 150 by 600 and600 by 600mm.With Eco Nature, Portinari presents the texture of reclaimedwood in four colour options. This rustic porcelain tile is availablein both natural or lapata finishes and it is rectified in allsizes: 110 by 900, 150 by 900 and 225 by 900mm.Aresta, an interpretation of limestone, is a porcelain tile forcontemporary architecture. The satin interior version is pleasantto the touch and there is a structured anti-skid versionmade with powder decoration technology that provides anatural look for internal or external applications. There arethree colour options in 225 by 900, 150 by 600, 450 by 900and 600 by 600mm. This extensive range of porcelain tiles issuitable for façades and swimming pools. There are 24 colourAbove: Loft porcelain tilerange by Incefra.Top left: Primitive LumieŕeEiffel by NGK.APRIL 2009 TSJ 23

REVESTIR REVIEWTop right: Mosaic by Inti.Above: Porcellanato Durata by Gail.Right: Rose by LEF.Bottom right: Cementwood Naturale by Portobello.options that are harmonised with other Portinari collections.For swimming pools, there is Céu, Ácqua, Anis, Marinho andBlue Mix. For walls, there is Camel, Cinza, Oliva, Carmim,Cream, Cimento and Canário. The technical porcelain tilescome in Brick, Carbon, Asfalto, Fendi and White. Crearecomes in 48 by 48, 45 by 145 and 23 by 23mm.The Urban collection feature three colours that range frombeige to brown. It features ceramic wall tiles and porcelainfloor tiles. Available formats are 300 by 900mm wall tiles and450 by 450, 600 by 600 and 450 by 900mm floor tiles.The Havana range is characterised by its calm and softcolours – white, pearl, grey, aquamarine - that are anticipatedto prove popular in 2010. A strong range of decors is availableincluding bold florals and geometrics, plus 300 by 600and 150 by 600mm special pieces with Swarovski Crystals.Formats are 150 by 600, 300 by 600 and 300 by 300mm.The Casablanca range lives up to its name with its strikingset of white textures on deep white backgrounds with subtledifferentiation in the intensity of brightness or the discreterelief. These 300 by 600 and 300 by 900mm wall tiles comeTram (chessboard), Línea (lined) and Lustrum (square) options.Vetromani offered a large selection of glass mosaics andtiles in formats ranging from 15 by 15mm up to 75 by300mm and 200 by 200mm, in 47 colours. Vetromani’sDesign Line range Mix de Formas offers 11 decorativeoptions: Florença, Bergamo, Tramma, Verona, Venice, Vicenza,Ravenna, Novate, Trento, Bologna and Modena. Crystal,Bubble and Heat Treated finishes are available, as well as abespoke service for particular projects. Options include 23.5by 50mm straight line, 23.5 by 50mm knotted and melanges.Micron is billed as ‘small details that make the difference’.Together with the Vision, Slim Mosaic and Border ranges, ithelps make this a very complete portfolio.24 TSJ APRIL 2009

REVESTIR REVIEWREVESTIR EXHIBITORS DATABASETop left: Sensitive by Gyotoku.Middle left: Ekobe portfolio features natural textures.Bottom left: Dry Tech Madeira by Incefra.Anfacer info@anfacer.org.br www.anfacer.org.brAtlas divulg@ceratlas.com.br www.ceratlas.com.brBambu Revest contato@bamburevest.com.br www.bamburevest.com.brBiancogresfernanda.guanaes@biancogres.com.brwww.biancogres.com.brBuschinelli vendas@buschinelli.com.br www.buschinelli.com.brCasagrandecasagrande@rcasagrande.com.br www.rcasagrande.com.brEkobe luiz.henrique@ekobebrasil.com www.ekobebrasil.comEliane disque@eliane.com www.eliane.comFalconfalconmosaics@falconmosaics.com.brwww.falconmosaics.com.brGail sac@gail.com.br www.gail.com.brGisele cagiseli@giseli.com.br www.giseli.com.brGyotoku info@gyotoku.com.br www.gyotoku.com.brIncefra camila@incefra.com.br www.grupoincefra.com.brIncesa cristiany.chagas@incesa.ind.br www.incesa.ind.brInti inti@intinet.com.br www.intinet.com.brJatoba markrting@jatoba.com.br www.jatoba.com.brLEF lef@lef.com.br www.lef.com.brLeprilepriceramicas@lepriceramicas.com.br www.lepri.com.brMozaik mozaik@mozaik.com.br www.mozaik.com.brNGKvenda_pastilha@ngkntk.com.br www.ngkntk.com.brOre Brasil atendimento@orebrasil.com.br www.orebrasil.com.brPortinari mip@cecrisa.com.br www.ceramicaportinari.com.brPorto Ferreirasac-info@ceramicaportoferreira.com.brwww.ceramicaportoferreira.com.brPortobello emoritz@portobello.com.br www.portobello.com.brR da Amazonia agroconltda@yahoo.com.br www.revestimentosdaamazonia.com.brStudio Marmo marciafbuschinelli@bot.com.br www.studiomarmo.com.brVetromani vendas@vertomani.com.br www.vetromani.com.brVillagres villagres@villagres.com.br www.villagres.com.brTop right: Casablanca by Portinari.APRIL 2009 TSJ 25

RED DOT AWARDSAwards for Agrob-Buchtal and KaleTwo of the world’s best known tile manufacturers, Turkey’sKale and Germany’s Agrob-Buchtal, have won prestigiousRed Dot Design Awards for 2009, reports TSJ.Top right: Reflex by AgrobBuchtal.Top left: The Aya design(detail) from the Orientilerange by Canakkale Seramikand Kalebodur, designed byCan Yalman.Two of the best known tile manufacturers inGermany and Turkey have won prestigious RedDot Design Awards for 2009..The Orientile Collection, designed for Canakkale Seramikand Kalebodur by Can Yalman, is one of the winners.Yalman’s design transposed the rich forms of the Ottomanand Seljuk culture onto a ceramic tile surface.Orientile exploits the design trend towards orientalism.A modern interpretation of the elegant beauty of the past,it offers a subtle blend of modern minimalism with theembellishments of Ottoman design. Using a specialmould lends the design 3-D, tactile, energy.There are three designs in the range. Aya is inspired bythe rich embellishment of a Sultan’s ceremonial robes andOttoman motifs. It is available in white, black, beige (mattand gloss), bordeaux, mink and petrol blue (gloss) colours.Middle left: The Feza designfrom the same Orientile range.Bottom left: Vision by AgrobBuchtal.Feza is inspired by the Seljuk culture. From a singlequadrangular form, Feza tiles join to take on a distinctivehexagonal, flower-like shape. They are available in white,black, beige (matt and gloss), bordeaux, mink and petrolblue (gloss) colours.Finally, Rumi’s design has been inspired by golden ornamentationand tombac arts. It offers simple elegance withits black-yellow colour.In 2008, Agrob Buchtal participated in the Red Dot competitionfor the first time, winning an award for Bosco;while its Geo range, featuring photoluminescent glassindicators, received a Special Distinction.This year the company entered its Reflex and Visionranges; both of which carried off a coveted Red Dotaward.Reflex is characterised by structures resembling organictissue and sophisticated matt-gloss impressions that arederived from a special finishing technique. Depending onthe incidence of light, alternating reflections occur thatcreate a luxurious and noble ambience.Thanks to its silky-matt surface with a filigree, thread-likerelief, Vision conveys an impression that is reminiscent offine stress marks. Use of a 900mm long format gives thistextured tile an elaborate and refined appearance. A sensuouseffect is created without superficial, cheap showmanship.Kalebodur www.e-kale.comAgrob Buchtal www.agrob-buchtal.deThe Red Dot Design AwardsThe Red Dot Design Awards are a quality mark recognisedaround the world. In the face of global economic recession,the need to continue to innovate has never been important ascompanies’ strive to remain competitive. Red Dot Awards aregiven for industrial design, packaging design, advertising andinteractive media. They are judged by an independent jury comprising leadingdesign experts. Since its beginnings in the year 1955, it has developed into one ofthe biggest and most important design competitions of the world: in 2009, exactly3,231 products from 49 countries were submitted to the expert judgement of thejury in 17 categories. The members of this jury are exchanged every year; this time,it was composed of 27 experts from Chile, China, Mexico, Israel, Italy, Singapore, theUnited Kingdom, the USA and many other countries. The award-winning productswill be presented in a special exhibition as of June 30, 2009 at the red dot designmuseum in Essen/Germany.28 TSJ APRIL 2009

PORTUGALTradition and technology in harmonyTSJ’s tour of the major tile producing nations reachesPortugal, the country where ceramic tiling has probablyhad the greatest impact on the built environment.In 2007 Portugal ranked 17th among the world’sceramic manufacturing countries, with an output of74 million sq. metres, which represents 0.9% of worldproduction. This figure had been fairly static for theprevious five years, although it is not yet clear whathas been the impact of the current global economicslowdown.Domestic consumption is high at 48 million sq. metresper annum. This is the 29th largest world market, and asignificant figure for a country with a population of just10.5 million.In terms of tile exports, Portugal ranks ninth in the worldat 30 million sq. metres or 2% of total world tile exports.Portugal’s main export market is France, although the UK,Spain, Germany, Holland and the USA are also important.Portugal is the sixth largest tile supplier to the UK, withannual sales around 1.9 million sq. metres. There are 43significant tile manufacturers in Portugal, togetheremploying 4.400 workers. These factories are mainlylocated in the districts of Aveiro and Coimbra.Ceramic tiles have probably had more impact on thearchitecture of Portugal than anywhere else in Europe.Along with the more familiar internal applications in houses,shops, restaurants and public spaces, decorative tiledfaçades are commonplace. The climate also allows the30 TSJ APRIL 2009Top: Metropolitan by Cinca.Bottom: Coral Moments byRecer.use of glazed tiles on terraces and balconies and as swimmingpool surrounds. Tiles are also used as signage, foreverything from house numbers to street names. Andnow, with the emergence of porcelain production inPortugal, both dust pressed and extruded, tiles areincreasingly being used in more demanding locationssuch as factories, commercial kitchens and airports.Portugal’s love affair with ceramic tiles dates back to the16th century. From Mesopotamia, tiles made their way toPortugal via North Africa; brought by artisans who accompaniedthe last Moors as they migrated to the IberianPeninsula.The Portuguese word for tiles, azulejo, has its origin inthe Arabic ‘al zulaique’, a smooth polished stone. The firsttiles were used to decorate the walls of monuments. Overthe years the typical designs on Portuguese tiles evolvedfrom Moorish geometric tracery and chain-link effects toEuropean pastoral and animal themes.The settlement of Flemish ceramicists in Lisbon led tothe start of production in Portugal in the middle of the16th century. Over the next 100 years, monumentalceramic tile coverings in churches and palaces becamewell established. These large one-off compositions wereincreasingly replaced by more repetitive tile patterns in aneffort to keep costs down.The 18th century was a golden age of Portuguese tilemaking, as a series of Portuguese masters forged a distinctiveaesthetic in reaction to imports from Holland.Large orders from Brazil fuelled the expansion of productionin the second half of the century. By 1750, the influenceof the Rococo style became very influential.By the 19th century, the Neo-classicism of Robert andJames Adam started to influence Portuguese tile design.Cheaper patterned façade tiles began to be produced byfactories in Lisbon, Porto and Gaia; while ceramics artistscontinued to thrive, producing exuberant panels combiningpastoral and allegoric designs.In the 1950s a new generation of ceramic artists, cameto fore, creating tile panels that added visual interest toprevailing functional architectural forms. Infrastructuredevelopments, such as the Lisbon Underground, providedanother good showcase for ceramic artistry. This continuestoday, with the underground commissioning walltiles for new stations from Portuguese artists. Today, whilethe artisanal production of tiles continues, Portugal hasestablished itself as a significant force on the world stage.The majority of Portugal’s’ leading manufacturers aremembers of Apicer, the tile sector’s trade association. Aswell as representing the interests of its members and promotingthe use of Portuguese tiles, Apicer publishes aDirectory of Portuguese Wall and Floor Tiles andSanitaryware. This publication is available in Portugueseand English. As well as covering Portuguese companiesmanufacturing wall and floor tiles and sanitaryware, it alsodescribes the range of products made in Portugal, fromhand-painted tiles through to the latest hi-tech ceramics.

PORTUGALCompany profilesRecer was founded in 1977 at Oliveira do Bairro: an areanoted for its high-quality clay deposits. In 1981, it becamethe first plant in Portugal to use single firing roller kilns.Recer has a reputation for innovation and daring. Itexports to over 30 countries: its main markets being UK,France, USA, Canada, Spain, Israel and Greece.Based in Coimbra, Poceram was established in 1973.The company is perhaps best known for Nextile: a newconcept that makes use of advanced production techniques,such as a body formed from coloured paste, toproduce tiles that are said to offer greater resistance andsuperior quality. Nextile, produced at a new plant inFigueira, was designed in partnership with Gamma Due ofItaly. Inspired by natural products such as marble, shaleand granite, Nextile comes in a wide diversity of colours,developed in accordance with the specific demands ofthe focus markets, primarily Mediterranean, Nordic andNorth American countries.Founded in 1977 by Adolfo Roque, Revigrés producessingle-fired floor and wall tiles, and porcelain tiles. One ofPortugal’s leading manufacturers, in 1995 Revigrésbecame the first Portuguese tile manufacturer to be certifiedby the Portuguese Institute for Quality. RevigrésPorcelanato, the company’s porcelain production arm,commissioned two new processing units in 2001:Revigrés 2 for the production of porcelain tiles; andQualipasta for the production of raw materials. Today,Revigrés offers a choice of co-ordinated solutions in floorand wall tiles. Over the past decade, Revigrés has establisheda reputation as one of the world’s most innovativetile producers, with a keen eye for avant garde design.Formed in 1905, Aleluia produces floor and wall tiles, aswell as a wide selection of decorative pieces. Modernindustrial production is complemented by the productionof artistic pieces, painted by hand, thereby offering a combinationof traditional and modern styles. ISO 9002 certificationis testimony to the company’s quality control programme.Aleluia Cerâmicas has six distinctive brands -Aleluia, Apolo, Ceramics, Keratec, Viúva Lamego and MyTile - each specialising in different types of ceramic tiles.In 2007, exports represented 54% of total sales whichamounted to 50 million euros.Formed in 1999, Keratec produces extruded porcelaintiles, using the high quality raw materials available locally.A milling process that offers reduced granularity, highextrusion pressure and firing at high temperature arecombined to produce finished product with a very highquality. Keratec now offers residential wall and floor tiles,both plain and textured, wall and floor tiles for swimmingpools, special pieces that complement all ranges andcolours, and anti-acid technical floor tiles with plain, antislipand grooved surfaces. A wide range of formats isoffered from 60 by 240mm up to 400 by 600mm.Primus Vitória was founded in 1969. The company producesglazed white clay tiles in traditional sizes such as110 by 110mm and 150 by 150mm. The company’s aimsare to improve the quality of its products, increase its productionand enhance its flexibility to reduce lead-timesand the cost of production.Part of the Levira Group, Goldcer was formed in March1999 and, by November 2000 had already gained ISO9002 quality certification. Goldcer now sells to over 25export markets.Gresart, founded in 1981, produces an extensive rangeof single fired glazed ceramic tiles, in a wide choice ofcolours and patternsNovagrés began trading in 1990 as producer of glazedfloor tiles. Since then, significant investment has beenmade to not only to increase the production capacity, butalso to achieve better quality levels. In 2001 Novagrés wasgranted ISO 9001 Quality Certification. Novagrés producesglazed porcelain tiles in plain and rectified formats,as well as single fired, white body, glazed wall tiles. In May2008 Novagres, now part of the Panaria Group, was rebrandedas Love Tiles. This strong and contemporarynew look is designed to better position the company in itscore markets.The Pavigrés Group comprises three factories. The firstfactory, Pavigrés, was established in 1978. It produces single-firedceramic glazed floor tiles in white body. The sec-Top: Topcer display in TileStyle,Dublin.Middle: Alaska Anthracite byGoldcer.Below: A traditional floor,warm and inviting, by Ceralfa.APRIL 2009 TSJ 31

PORTUGALond factory, Grespor, was established in 1988. It producesunglazed porcelain floor and single-fired wall tiles. Thethird factory, Cerev, was established in 1994. It produceswhite body single fired wall tiles.Cinca claims to be the market leader in Portugal, with17% of domestic production. Part of Ceramiche Ricchettigroup, Cinca operates six production units: two producingglazed and unglazed floor tiles, one for glazed porcelain,two for wall tiles; one of which has 3rd firing and rectifyingfacilities, and one producing extruded tiles.Dominó was founded in 1988 in Coimbra producingwhite body floor and wall tiles and glazed porcelain. Itsproducts combine traditional ceramic techniques withmodern production technology, evidenced by its largeformat rectified wall tile ranges.TopCer offers a wide range of floor tiles in many formatsand finishes. Unglazed porcelain in 100 by 100 and 150 by150mm, are produced in several textures and shapes,complemented by 49 matching trim pieces, all of themavailable in 30 colours. 75 by 15, 100 by 300, and 150 by150mm tiles are also available in 15 colours. Due to theirtechnical characteristics (high breaking strength, resistanceto wear, frost, acid and non-slip properties), TopCertiles are mainly used in high traffic areas, being sold mainlythrough the specification market.Ceralfa quarry tiles are much more than just a quarry.Depending on the surface finish or other factors, they canalso be called klinker or even terracotta tiles. They can beused in a vast range of environments as a natural, clean,safe and resistant finish.Ceralfa’s through-body tiles are naturally wear-resistant,but are given the added protection of a specially-developedsealer that has a lifetime protection guarantee. Thetiles also claim frost- and wear-resistance values of thehighest calibre.Last, but not least, security is a major concern for Ceralfawhich is why the slip-resistance value in references suchas Manual, and Corindon is R12, making Ceralfa productsideal for any Government or public projects since theycan comply with the strictest of safety norms without thedesigner having to make any concessions as far as aestheticsor comfort are concerned.Right: Diagolos, designed byRui Vasquez, for Revigres.The tiles are offered in a comprehensive range ofcolours, surface finishes and sizes. Apart from the mostpopular 150 by 150 and 200 by 200mm sizes, the companyalso produces smaller 100 by 100mm tiles and largerformats up to 400 by 400mm or even larger for specificprojects. Ceralfa also specialises in the wall cladding market,offering a special thin, brick sized, tile that offers a naturaltraditional look without the hassle of laying heavybricks.Revigres wins Alfa de Oro Award: a Portuguese firstRevigrés’ Light wall tile won an Alfa de Oro award for innovation at Cevisama 2009,becoming the first foreign company since 1977 (when the award was introduced) toreceive an Alfa de Oro.Light is a full body porcelain tile, with nearly half the thickness (approx. 6mm), andnearly half the weight, of conventional products. Available in 450 by 900, 600 by 600and 600 by 1,200mm formats, it is especially suitable for ventilated façades, and canalso be applied to exterior or interior walls in refurbishment projects.The efficiency in the use of energy and raw materials during manufacture offersclear environmental benefits. The tile is also lighter and more convenient to transportand easier to handle on site and lay.The Light project stems from the technological expertise of Revigrés’ research laboratories,and responds to the sustainability challenges resulting from the company’scommitment to future generations: reduced energy, raw material and waste consumptionin the manufacturing process, lower transport and placement costs,greater resource streamlining, reduced acid and CO 2 emissions, reduced workloadand, as a result, reduced costs.PORTUGUESE CERAMIC TILE CONTACTSApicer www.apicer.pt info@apicer.ptAleluia Ceramica www.aleluia.pt aleluia@mail.telepac.ptApolo Ceramica www.apoloceramic.com geral@aleluia.ptCeralfa www.ceralfa.pt david@ceralfa.ptCeramica do Liz www.ceramica-liz.pt ceramica.liz@mail.telepac.ptCeramica Sao Paulo www.ceramicasaopaulo.pt cer.saopaulo@mail.telepac.ptCeramica Sotelha www.sotelha.com commercial@sotelha.ptCerbranwww.cerbran.comCerev www.pavigres.com export@pavigres.comCinca www.cinca.pt internacional@cinca.ptDomino www.domino.pt domino@domino.ptGoldcer www.goldcer.pt goldcer@goldcer.ptGres de Coimbra www.gresco.pt 00 351 239 980050Grespor www.pavigres.com export@pavigres.comKeratec www.keratec.pt geral@aleluia.ptLove Tiles www.lovetiles.com lovetiles@lovetiles.comMargres www.margres.com margres@margres.comNovagres www.lovetiles.com lovetiles@lovetiles.comPavigres www.pavigres.com export@pavigres.comPoceram www.poceram.pt poceram@poceram.ptRecer www.recer.pt luis.ascenso@recer.ptRevigres www.revigres.com revigres@revigres.ptTopCer www.topcer.com lx@topcer.comUK ContactsNovagres UK: Ian Bruce 01285 644833 pvtiles@tiscali.co.ukNovagres Ireland: Vivian Hoyne +353 567 763099 vivianhoyne@eircom.netPavigres UK 01488 674500 pavigresuk@pavigres.comFor details of local distributors, visit www.tiles.org.uk. Click ‘Directory’ then ‘Find a Tile’.32 TSJ APRIL 2009

ART ON TILESMaster of MajolicaTSJ talks to Jonathan Waights, owner of bespoke tilecompany Art on Tiles, about his ethos and ambitions.Shippers and forwarders are being offered recordlowall-in rates on Westbound Asia-Europe trafficby shipping lines battling overcapacity. However inmy view these are one off deals that will quickly disappearonce the ships begin to fill up again.As all retailers know, the key to success is selling whatthe customers want to buy. And there’s the problem,right there. As retailers struggle with the twin dark artsof guessing what the customer wants so he can sell it tothem (sourcing) or persuading the customer to wantwhat he is selling (marketing), Jonathan Waights is sittingdrinking his tea with irritating serenity. “Basically,” hesays, “the customer contacts me and tells me what theyare after. I do it for them, they pay me and everybody’shappy.”So, no capital tied up in stock, no agonising secondguessing on the season’s must-have colours and trends,no expensive retail outlets to maintain, no staff, virtuallyno advertising and, actually, no real pressure. Howjammy!Jonathan Waights stumbled on the idea of hand paintingtiles to order as a teenager. So severely dyslexic histeachers and family despaired of him ever having a‘proper job’, Jonathan’s conspicuous talent for art drewhim to a small tile factory in the village of Azeitao inPortugal where his family, originally from Yorkshire, livedthroughout his childhood. The little factory, which is stillin existence, was making traditional tiles, hand pressedclay, fired, decorated in the Majolica method with naturalpigments painted onto raw tin glaze and fired again.With a strong Portuguese tradition of using these tiles,not just in kitchens and bathrooms, but as decorativeAbove: Jonathan Waights in hisWest Sussex studio.Main picture: This panel, a copyof a 17th Century Portugueseoriginal, was created usinghand-made Spanish tiles,painted on glaze with cobaltand copper oxides and a yellowstain, and then fired. It looksolder than the original that ison display in the tile museum inLisbonplaques on the inside and outside walls of houses,Jonathan was immersed already in the Majolica style.Those who know Portugal will recall that the strong blueof Cobalt predominates the traditional hand-paintedtiles, much as in the parallel Delft tradition, but othernatural pigments, such as copper oxide and the variousheavy metals, now largely banned, can give a wide rangeof vibrant colours.By the time Jonathan came to England in his late teens,he had learned enough to set up his own hand-paintedtile company, Art on Tiles. Based originally in London, heworked out of a number of small units, gradually buildinghis reputation with a range of commissions includingone from Her Majesty the Queen, from the Duchessof York, then still married to HRH Prince Andrew, andeven a commission on behalf of the unlucky Dodi Fayed.This commission, of two almost life-sized polo players ontheir ponies, was finished just two days after the fatal carcrash. Jonathan recalls, “I called the Harrod’s interiordesigners to tell them it was finished and they informedme it was no longer required. In the end, it was framedand hung in the sports section cafe at Harrods, althoughI doubt it is still there now.”In the early years much of Jonathan’s trade came fromhis close relationship with the various tile shops acrossthe city. He was the ‘resident’ hand-painted tile artist fora number of outlets, being able to buzz over to speak toa client about their commission more or less on request.He also had his own shop in Fulham, the area whereinterior designers expect to find the range of servicesthey require to complete their clients’ commissions. “Itcost a lot to have an actual retail outlet,” Jonathan recalls.“The overheads took up a big chunk of the business, butthat was just the way it was. Clients would wander in ona Saturday morning, and, by closing time, I would havetaken enough business to keep me busy for all the followingweek.” Nowadays, it is rarer for Jonathan to haveface-to-face contact with anyone for whom he is working.The majority of commissions are managed via telephoneand email and the tiles are despatched by courierrather than collected in person. “This does allow meto service an international market,” says Jonathan, whohas recently finished commissions for Australia, NorthAmerica, Canada and Beijing. “A wide market is important,especially when the pickings get thinner overall.That doesn’t mean the current economic situation, asbusiness is actually rather good but, in general, handpaintedtile artists are very much prey to the whims offashion. The last ten years of buying houses, paintingthem beige and selling them on for a profit hasn’t exactlyled to an expansion in the market for bespoke, personalisedwork like the stuff I produce. Now, on the other34TSJ APRIL 2009

ART ON TILESLeft: This is a copy of a piece bythe German artist and engraverMerian who lived in the 1600sand produced nine beautifuldesigns similar to this one. Theborder is a dutch pattern thatJonathan Waights adapted. The5in by 5in tiles are decorated inunderglaze.Below left: This sea horsepanel, and the smaller seahorses, are decorative featuresin a Fulham bathroombelonging to an Interiordesigner.hand, I do see an increase in work, with more peopleadopting the idea a) that they are allowed to makethemselves at home in their houses and b) that the ideaof expressing your individual taste is a good thing to do.”So how do the customers find him? “The website isincredibly important for us now,” says Jonathan. “We arelucky in not having to have either a high street presenceor a high profile marketing campaign any more. It isenough that our website has a very extensive selectionof past commissions and that it is easy for people tofind.”That tends to mean that Jonathan is dealing direct withhis customers, be they the general public, architects orinterior designers, but he insists there is still a role for thetile retailer. “I am still very happy to deal with tile shops,”he says. “My usual terms are to pay 25% of a commissionvalue to a retailer who introduces a customer.” Thiswould seem to be a real return for a shop owner whowould otherwise fail to achieve a sale at all, and a pointworth remembering as retailers increasingly find theircustomers looking for the unusual or even the unique.What about the future? “I’ve given up trying to findways to expand,” Jonathan admits. “It is my ability to beversatile, to work across a range of styles and techniquesthat keeps me in work. It is really difficult to find that inother artists. Where I have taken on apprentices in thepast, they tend to be time-consuming while they arelearning, then, as soon as they are any good, they go andset up on their own,” he says with a smile.There is still plenty of opportunity to innovate though,as he explains. “Bespoke is definitely where I am at andwhere I will stay but at the moment, I am developing adigital tile printing service. It should allow me to offerthe more complex, time consuming designs in a cheaperformat, although I can’t see it ever replacing handpaintedtiles entirely because the margins for the simplertiles just aren’t different enough to make it worthwhile.”Any last thoughts? “It is always a pleasure to explain tocustomers that they can have whatever they like … really,whatever they like. And, usually, the cost is no more –often less – than the off-the-shelf decorated tiles thathigher end retailers are selling. For the same amount ofmoney, they go away with something unique that theyreally love. That is a very satisfying part of the job.”CONTACTArt on TilesHolly Tree CottageThe StreetWalbertonWest Sussex BN18 0PH01243 552346enquiries@artontiles.co.ukwww.artontiles.co.uk36TSJ APRIL 2009

OPINION: ESCROWThird party paymentRichard Williams, a self-employed tiler and wood floorfitter, explains why he believes escrow could solve the ageoldproblem of payment and contract disputes.Escrow: Image from FreedomTitle Company, Inc.Richard Williams is the owner ofTradesreunited.org.uk, a website aimedat the self-employed and small businesseswithin the UK. It’s aim is to act asa self-help group to assist its membersin making their business more productiveand more profitable.he current financial crisis has highlighted the“Tfragility of the employment market. Already wehave seen reports of redundancies and layoffs at establishedcompanies - those that we incorrectly perceivedwould be best placed to survive a severe financial downturn.This has come as a shock to most people. Perhapswe are having a wake up call? Now is an ideal opportunityfor all of us to take stock of what we are, what we doand, perhaps, find ways that we can do it better.For the self-employed, things are arguably easier, asbeing in this position gives you a degree of flexibility andthe real ability to make changes to your business thatenable you to adapt quickly to change. This only works, ofcourse, if you are able to recognise that you need tochange and it is at this first hurdle that many will fall..Just because you've always done something a certainway, doesn't make that way the best way; every successfulbusiness always evaluates what it does and the waythat it achieves success. The first rule for any businessowner is to set clear goals. Goal setting is one of the mostimportant methods of achieving success both in your personallife and in business. Take a look at where you arenow and set clear, achievable goals for where you wantyour business to be over the next two years.In addition to goal setting, manage your time. It is betterto do three tasks completely than start and not finishtwenty. Don't put off tasks until tomorrow that you needto do today. Customers keep coming back to people whodo what they promise to do in the time required. Budgeteffectively in your business activities. Keep control overyour finances with an effective accounts package. Neverforget that cashflow is the lifeblood of any business, particularlya small one.Excel in what you do. Many people carry out a job withoutreally thinking about how well they do it. Push yourselfto be the very best that you can be in your field. Learnnew skills, improve your existing ones and take courses tointroduce new skills to your business. You will be rewardedwith the knowledge that you are doing the best thatyou possibly can and customers will be delighted withyour standards and keep using you and, importantly, recommendyou to others.Never stand still. Always be alert to new opportunitiesin business and better ways of doing things. Join a localor national trade association and share your experienceswith others. This can give you access to invaluable levelsof skills and experience from a huge resource. Mostimportantly of all - be positive. Think and speak positively.Avoid the current trend for talking ourselves deeper intorecession. Be positive and upbeat with customers and fellowtrades people. And always remember that you, andyou alone, are responsible for your life. What happens toyou is a direct result of the actions you take, so be proactiveand take control of your present and your future.We have all seen programmes like Rogue Traders orCowboy Builders on the TV. We seem to have a morbidfascination with the problems of others. As a selfemployedtradesman in the building industry, I amappalled at the way that these so-called ‘tradesmen’ treatcustomers. I use the word ‘tradesmen’ specifically,because I have yet to see a single programme identify awoman behaving like this!It is just not fair that customers can get absolutelyfleeced by unscrupulous operators and regrettably,because these programmes make such good telly, quite afew people might understandably think that this is commonin the building industry. It is not! I’ve worked withcountless trades people over the past 18 years and I cannotrecall one of them falling into this category.Regrettably, there are always a few who ruin it for everyoneelse and, of course, you get to hear about their anticsmuch more readily. After all, there is no entertainmentvalue in seeing Bob the builder finish his client’s job ontime, to budget and correctly‚ and yet that is probably thereality in the majority of cases.Having worked in the industry for a while, I would alsolike to comment on the flip side of the coin and mentionrogue customers. I cannot think of a single colleague ofmine who has not suffered financial loss because of theshenanigans of a customer at some time or another. Imyself have had the old chestnut of a cheque that‘s gotlost in the post, along with other delaying tactics to getout of paying a bill that was totally justified.It seems to me that there is no protection in place foreither clients or traders, but I think I may have a solution. Icame across this system, called ‘escrowing of funds’ whilebuilding my website. The idea is quite simple really.Builder A submits a quote to Customer B for Job C. WhenCustomer B accepts the quote, they deposit cleared fundsfor the full amount into an independent escrow company,which I will call Escrow Company D. At this point BuilderA knows that the funds are available and are on depositwith Escrow Company D prior to starting work. CustomerB, while paying in full, knows that his/her funds are protectedin Escrow Company D. With all three parties workingtogether, funds are only released to Builder A by theescrow company when authorised by Customer B. This isusually done in stages as certain phases of the works arecompleted to the given specifications.The beauty of this system is that everyone is protected.The builder knows that the customer has the moneybefore he starts. The customer knows his money is safelyon deposit and has control over how it’s paid out. Finally,because a third party is involved, there is scope for arbitrationshould any disagreements occur before any disbursements.In order to fully safeguard the funds, couldn't theGovernment or even a Government department underwritethe escrow company? That would be an excellentstep forward in Government regulation of this age-oldproblem within the building industry. I'll send this off toGordon Brown and see what he thinks! “38 TSJ APRIL 2009

BUSINESS FINANCEPension planningBy John Wilson, Head of Research, HSBC Actuaries andConsultant Limited.The Pensions Act 2008 received Royal Assent at theend of November 2008 and, among its many measures,are new obligations for employers that couldprove particularly onerous for SMEs. However, accordingto recent surveys, most businesses have not yet discussedthe new requirements with their advisers.So, what are the new duties and what will they mean forSMEs?Under Part I of the Act, which is expected to come intoforce in 2012, all employers must automatically enrol theirjobholders into a qualifying pension scheme. There is nosmall company exemption. ‘Automatically enrol’ meansthat job holders must be enrolled into a pension schemewithout the need to take any action or make any decisions.A ‘job holder’ is a worker who has earnings ofbetween £5,035 and £33,540, is at least 22 years old and isnot over State Pension Age. A ‘qualifying scheme’ mustmeet the ‘quality requirement’ (see Fig. 1). If an employerdoes not have such an arrangement, the new PersonalAccounts Scheme, which is being established under theAct to help firms comply with the new requirements, willapply by default. While the enrolment requirement ismandatory for employers, jobholders can opt out of theirpension scheme.Figure One: Quality RequirementsMoney Purchase SchemeEmployer’s contribution is ‘at least’ 3% of qualifying earnings (£5,035 to£33,540, in today’s terms). The total amount of contributions must be atleast 8%.Defined BenefitA contracted-out scheme will normally qualify. If not contracted-out, thescheme must satisfy a ‘test scheme standard’; i.e. a pension at 65 or anyhigher age prescribed; and accrual rate of (at least) 1/120th of averagequalifying earnings in last three years before pensionable service ends multipliedby length of pensionable service.Hybrid SchemesProvision is included, but detail will be in Regulations.Personal PensionsThere has to be an agreement between the employer and the schemeprovider that the employer will pay at least 3%.There has to be agreement between the job holder and the provider that‘shortfall’ up to 8% will be met.There has to be ‘direct payment arrangements’ for passing on of membercontributions to the provider.The proposed new measures will represent a landmarkchange in the pension landscape because, for the firsttime, employers will be required by statute to make contributionsto private pension schemes.Although the changes are over two years away andmuch detail is yet to be published, there is still plenty offood for thought for employers.For example, they will need to consider:• How workers join and rejoin their schemes. Even ifan employee originally opts out, they will have to bere-enrolled at three-year intervals. How may schemescontain provision for enrolment at outset, never mindre-enrolment?• Which workers are eligible to join the pensionscheme. Many schemes simply do not cover all jobholders• The pension scheme contribution and benefitstructure. Do they meet the quality requirements?• For employers that do not already have a pensionscheme, should they establish their own arrangementor contribute to the personal accounts scheme?Naturally, there are also financial implications to consider.A good example is to take an employer with 30employees that does not currently contribute to any pensionscheme. Assuming, for simplicity, that all employeesearn £20,000, that employer is looking at additional costsof approximately £20,000: the equivalent to employinganother worker.The Act also contains numerous anti-avoidance provisions,policed by the Pensions Regulator and backed upby sanctions for non-compliance. An example of this isthe Prohibited Recruitment Conduct provision which iscontravened: “if any statement made or question asked byor on behalf of the employer for the purposes of recruitmentindicates (expressly or impliedly) that an applicationfor employment with the employer may be determinedby reference to whether or not an applicant might opt outof automatic enrolment.”There is also provision to stop employers from giving‘sweeteners’ to job holders in return for them opting outof pension schemes. This anti-inducement provision ispotentially fairly far-reaching and employers will need tobe careful to not inadvertently breach it.Is there any good news for employers?Unfortunately, not a lot. Many SMEs, while not contributingto a pension scheme for all employees, do provideaccess to a designated stakeholder pension scheme, andas required since 2001 pass on employer contributions tothe stakeholder provided.The requirement to designate a stakeholder scheme willbe replaced when the new obligations come into force,but this is without prejudice to employees already using astakeholder payroll deduction facility.What should employers be doing?2012 is far closer than you might think. Company principalsshould consult with their financial advisers to discussthe draft regulations and then plan accordingly.40 TSJ APRIL 2009

TILE DISTRIBUTORSAberdeen Tile Distributors01224 582332ABS International01704 550090AG Ceramics01438 315400Albert & Michael Heath024 7670 5300Amazing Tiles020 8838 4900Armatile02837 527007Atlas Ceramics (South)01425 621173Azurra Mosaics0845 090 8110BC Ceramics01634 373939Bellahouse01274 816708Bellegrove CeramicsBellegrove House, Salisbury RoadWatling Street, DartfordKent DA2 6EF01322 277877sales@bellegroveceramics.plc.ukwww.bellegroveceramics.co.ukBellegrove has been a national distributor ofceramic tiles and associated products for nearly50 years. During this time the company hassupplied products to most sectors of the ceramictile market including retailers and distributors,architects and developers, designers andhouse builders, contractors and specifiers. Aspart of the Italian manufacturing group,Gruppo Ceramiche Ricchetti, Bellegrove offersthe widest range of quality porcelain andceramic tiles direct from its own factories:exceptional tiles combining the essential elementsof quality and design with dynamicstyling at affordable prices.yBernard J Arnull020 8965 6094Boyden & Co020 8683 6000Bristol Tile Co Ltd543-551 Fishponds Road, FishpondsBristol BS16 3AF0117 965 8000sales@bristol-tile.co.ukwww.bristol-tile.co.ukBristol Tile Co Ltd started in the 1970s and wasacquired by The Grafton Group plc in July 1993.We distribute extensively across the South WestSources of supplyTile and Stone Journal’s buyers’ guide to the UK’sextensive network of specialist tile distributors.of England and South Wales. Bristol Tile hasstrong links with new housebuild, tiling contractors,local authorities, specialist tile andbathroom shops, department stores andbuilders merchants. Our extensive range ofTiles, Adhesives, Trims, Tools, Bathroom Suites,Shower Doors, Bathroom Furniture productsgives a ‘one stop shop’ concept for our customers.Selected suppliers: Johnson Tiles, Pilkington’sTiles, Natural Tiles, BAL, Ardex, Biscem,Technik, Classic Collection Tile Ranges fromEurope and beyond, Schluter Systems, GenesisTilemates, Floor Warming Co, Marmox,Lithofin, Rubi, Dow Corning, Armeg,Marshalltown/RST, Dural, Lecico, ManhattanShowers, Woodberry Furniture, Deva Taps.Capitol Tile Supplies02476 633336Ceramic Tile Warehouse (Camberley)01276 678845Ceramique Internationale0113 231 0218Colchester Tile Supplies01206 844161Concept Tiles0161 480 0994Cosmo Ceramics0141 420 1122Craven Dunnill01746 761611Creta Ceramica01785 852860CSW Tiling01202 675836CTD Group0191 276 1506Tiles Ahead01633 875003Dantotsu LtdHowley Park Road East, MorleyLeeds LS27 0SW01924 401189info@dantotsu.co.ukwww.dantotsu.co.ukDantotsu has evolved from one of UK's largestindependent retailers to specialise in supplyingtiles to architects, specifiers, designers, contractors,developers and retailers. Our leanoperations and strategic distribution sites withsubstantial stock holding ensure our entireoperation is geared towards meeting the mostdemanding schedules. Our extensive range oflatest products puts you at the forefront of cuttingedge designs and technologies. Success isdriven by efficiencies, tremendous leverage inbuying power and the lowest distributor margins.Our dedicated Business Support Teamwill be assigned from design to completionhelping you to achieve 'Value Centred Design'and reduce costs significantly.Selected suppliers: BCT, H&R Johnson,Pilkington’s, Azteca, Dune, Italgres, Pamesa,Marmol Comac, Inalco, Peronda, Ceracasa,Vives, Aparici, Marazzi, Cerviva, Gambarelli,Unicom Starker, Fabresa, Onix, Sant Agostino,Bayker Italia, Baldocer, Christacer, Natucer,Mosavit, Todagres, Tosco Ker, Keraben,KalebodurDiscount Tile Supplies01474 351560Distribution Supplies01733 333033Domus Tiles020 8481 9500Doramics00 353 1 8429744DTW Ceramics02392 799007A & C Dunkley01202 526206East Midlands CeramicsSouthglade Business Park, Hucknall RoadNottingham NG5 9RA0115 977 0155emc@emctiles.co.ukwww.emctiles.co.ukEast Midlands Ceramics, which celebrates its30th anniversary this year, has established anunrivalled reputation for servicing the needs ofits trade, contract and commercial partners.Operating from central flagship premises inNottingham, the company is ideally placed toservice and distribute within theNottinghamshire, Leicester and Derby region.EMC Tiles’ has a dedicated Trade Service Centreto keep its tile fixers and commercial customersup to date - and organises regular training sessionsto keep professionals in touch with newproducts and standards. EMC Tiles comprehensiveportfolio of products meets the demands ofall domestic and commercial sectors. The companyworks closely with architects and designersto source the right products for all applicationsand offers a wealth of experience andexpertise associated with tile development andrelated materials.Selected suppliers: AET, Apogeo, Arkim, Ascot,Azahar, BASF, BCT, Blustyle Ceramica, BrightIdeas, Co-Em, Co-Operative d’Imola, DeVi, DolceVita, Dom Ceramiche, Dune, Duro UK, Edimax,Faro, Gardinea Orchidea, Geocell, Grespania, HG, Ibero, Impex, Imola, Johnson Tiles, LaFaenza, Mapei, Opera, Original Style, PCI,Pilkington’s Tiles, Rubi, Schluter, Self, Sichenia,Thermonet, Tomecanic, Versace, Verto,Waxman, WeberEuro Services Ltd (ESL)020 8744 1122Euxton Tile Supplies01257 273111Factory TilesUnits 5 & 6 Bell Lane, Bellbrook Ind EstUckfield, East Sussex TN22 1QL01825 768733www.factorytiles.comFactory Tiles was started in 1996 by Chris andSara Birch from a premises of 2000 sq ft basedin Uckfield,East Sussex. The aim was to sourcetiles from Spain and Italy to run alongside productssupplied by a handful of distributors, thiswas to ensure that they always had some differentand more competitively priced lines thanthe competition. Since then, the premises haveincreased to 10,000 sq ft and although someproduct is still purchased via the distributionroute, some 65% of sales come from their ownimports. Over the years new products havebeen sourced and now Factory Tiles not onlyimports from Spain and Italy but also fromTurkey, Israel, India and Mexico.Selected suppliers: Metropol, La Faenza, Naxos,Arpa, Realonda, Hispano Azul, Ibero, BallesterPorcar, Glass Ceramica, Gardenia, Azuliber, ElMolino, Bayker, Porcelanite, Matex, Tureks,Bayurt, and Milstone.Focus Ceramics01932 854881HTW Tile Distribution01252 333333H & E Smith LtdBritannic Works, Broom StreetHanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 2ER01782 281617fred@hesmith.co.ukwww.hesmith.co.ukH & E Smith has been manufacturing periodwall tiles and embossments for more than 60years. These are are suitable for both new buildand period renovation projects. The company’sspecialist production has been associated withsupply of authentic replicated tiles for the refurbishmentof many London Underground stationsand the company is proud to continue thistradition. To complement this line of wall tiles,H & E Smith also offers a comprehensive rangeof imported quality plain porcelain and geometricmesh mounted floor tiles in various finishesand textures.Selected ranges: Charisma Architectural Glassand mosaics, Charisma Full Body, CharismaGlazed Stoneware, Charisma Hi Ker, Smith'sPeriod Embossed, Top Cer, Westminster42 TSJ APRIL 2009

TILE DISTRIBUTORSInternational Tiles01803 527834KDP Tiles02380 270775M2 Direct Ltd0113 273 2104Mansell & Wells01234 743934Marabese01234 364002(See Quality Tiles)Megatiles0208 385 1355Middlesex Tile Centre020 8848 7391Miles of Tiles01926 312777MinoliTransport Way, Watlington Road, CowleyOxford OX4 6LX01865 778225info@minoli.co.ukwww.minoli.co.ukMinoli, established in 1960s one of the originaltile supply companies in England. Located inOxford but predominately serving London andthe south east, the company started inIslington. Minoli have a reputation for service.Working with leading manufacturers in Europeand the Far East, Minoli offer a comprehensiverange, stocked in the extensive distributionfacility in Oxford, delivered ontheir own purposebuilt fleet, and displayed within adistictivebranding, "The Surface Within". Minoli has aneclectic client base of leading tile and bathretailers , housebuilders and the motor industry,all of which appreciate the quality of productsand service offered. Approaching its fiftiethyear, Minoli is still run by the founding family,and a team of dedicated staff. The companyhas never forgotten that in the end the clientrequires consistency of service, to enable themto fully function their own business, especiallyin these challenging times.Selected supplier: N&C Nicobond also distributeJohnson Tiles, Pilkington’s Tiles, Wooliscroft,Genesis, Warm-up, HG and LTP Products.National Tile00 353 42 933 7678Nationwide Ceramics01773 745797Novatile01384 270786Olympus Tiles020 7511 6210Pacesetter 198101624 622045Parkside Tiles01162 762532Pavigres UK01488 674500Pentagon Tile Distributors01279 626662Prospec Tiles0115 939 5903QPC Ceramics Ltd2 Richfield Place, 12 Richfield AvenueReading, Berkshire RG1 8EQ0118 959 4066info@qpcceramics.co.ukwww.qpcceramics.co.ukQPC Ceramics specialise in large format porcelaintiles, with offices in the UK and Foshan. Allof our porcelain is wax free and manufacturedto tight tolerances. Delivered in 2 to 3 daysthroughout UK by room lot, pallet or container.We also provide a bespoke service, sourcingtiles and mosaics to your specification. We haveexcellent relationships with many Chinesemanufacturers and a wealth of trusted contacts.We are also sole UK distributor forOceano. Our Foshan office will identify a suitablesupplier for your tile requirements andoversee quality control, packaging etc. beforeshipping.Impex and Pamesa. Recently we are involved insourcing from the Far East, our PolishedPorcelain range, ‘Marmi’ has been a huge success,representing quality but at great value. Asa family run company we offer first class service,our friendly sales staff are willing to helpwith all your enquiriesSelected suppliers: Casalgrande, Settecento,Azteca, Pamesa, Serenissima, Grespania, Benferadhesive, ImpexReed Harris0207 736 7511Rogers CeramicsUnit 3 Metcalf Way, County OakCrawley, W. Sussex RH11 7SU01293 612057rogersceramicssp@aol.comwww.rogers-ceramics.co.ukRogers of Redhill was founded by the parents ofcurrent Managing Director Tony Rogers in the1960's. Staff continuity and family valuesremain important to the company's businessphilosophy to this day. The company now has40 employees and four branches, withHaywards Heath opening in 1995. About 60%of turnover is across the showroom trade countersand the remainder from its 300 retailaccounts which are serviced by a seven-strongtransport fleet. The Company prides itself on itsexcellent customer services. Retailers areoffered next day delivery, with no cut off time.Tony Rogers aim is to establish good long-termrelationships and volumes with selected suppliers.The company even cherry-picks from theportfolios of these manufacturers, such as Cisa,Elios, Settecento, Impromta, Ragno, Groan,Valverde, Savoia, Gambarelli and Mosa, to concentrateits sales effort. Stock levels of£450,000 means that the company is wellplaced to serve it’s customer base.Rovic Tiles01732 763167Rustica01235 834192filed ‘tactile’ floor tiles, reinforced with corundum,which alert the visually impaired to thepresence of hazards.Offering far more than a conventional tile distributorShackerley has an experienced inhouseteam of advisors to provide expert guidanceon all technical aspects related to ceramictile specification, installation and maintenanceincluding mechanically fixing large format tilesin exterior and interior applications.In the wider architectural arena Shackerleyoffers Sureclad, its market leading ceramicgranite ventilated facade system for new buildprojects and ‘over cladding’ existing buildingswhich earned Shackerley its second Queen’sAward for Enterprise in the Innovation category.Shackerley is also one of the UK’s largestsuppliers of glass blocks, distributing Sevesglass blocks for architectural and interior designapplications. Other products include heavy dutySentinel entrance matting systems whichShackerley manufactures to the customers’bespoke specification. A specialist in the pooland spa market Shackerley supplies anti-slipflooring, tank linings, Shoreseal epoxy adhesives/grouts,movement joints, pool accessories,and Shoreflow channel grating.Selected suppliers: Ariosti, Atlas Concorde,Bardelli, Blink, Brennero, Ceramic Granite,Cerim, Cesi, COEM, Cogir, Coop Ceramica, CresDe Vals, Domino, Edilgres, Elios, Elite, Ezarri,Fabresa, Glass Block, Gres De Valls, Imola,Infinity, Interbau, Interstrip, Italgraniti, Jasba,Klingenberg, Leonardo, Lonestar, Mapei,Mirage, Monoceram, Panaria, Pavigres, Recer,Revigres, Sichenia, Soladrilho, Solaris,Supergres, Valverde.Own brands: Framelight – dry-fix glass blockassembly system, Quicktech – adhesive glassblock assembly system, Shoreflow – channelgrating system for pools, Sentinel – heavy dutyentrance matting, Interstrip – movement controljoints, Shoreseal - epoxy adhesives, groutsand sealants, Sureclad - ventilated facade systems.Simmy Ceramics020 8208 0416Siramics01706 351122N&C Nicobond41-51 Freshwater Road, Chadwell HeathRomford, Essex RM8 1SP020 8586 4600info@nichollsandclarke.comwww.ncdirect.co.ukN&C Nicobond are both manufacturers and distributorsthroughout the UK, with 6 distributionsites we are able to deliver next day in England,Scotland & Wales the complete solution forceramics & adhesives and all tiling accessories.Account facilities are available for tiling contractors,retailers and regional distributors. Aswell as distributing our own ranges of ceramicsand adhesives including 15x15cm plain colours,contract porcelain and a full range of housebuilder, social housing and architectural porcelain.Quality TilesUnit 5 Windsor Rd, BedfordBedfordshire MK429HW01234 217300lou.jnr@marabeseceramics.comwww.marabeseceramics.comQuality Tiles has been established for 20 years,based in the Home Counties. We are placedperfectly to supply London, East Anglia and theNorth Home Counties. We are able to supply awide range of Ceramics, Porcelain and Stone,distributing high quality product from factoriessuch as Casalgrande, Gambarelli, Grespania,Shackerley (Holdings) Group139 Wigan Road, Euxton, ChorleyLancashire PR7 6JH01257 273114info@shackerley.comwww.shackerley.comAn independently owned manufacturer, retailerand distributor serving the architectural,construction and retail markets, Shackerleysupplies a wide portfolio of products. However,its origins lie firmly in the ceramics industry andproviding technical flooring solutions for tilefixers, contractors and specifiers remains one ofits core businesses.A specialist in the supply of ceramic granitefor tiling and facade applications, Shackerleysources this exceptionally hardwearing materialfrom world-leading manufacturers. Fully vitrifiedClass B1A tiles and panels are offered in afull array of colours, finishes and sizes, ideallysuited to the needs of heavy traffic areas includingpassenger transport interchanges andshopping centres. The range also includes pro-Solus CeramicsUnit 1, Cole River Park, 285 Warwick RoadBirmingham, B11 2QX0121 753 0777sales@solusceramics.comwww.solusceramics.comSolus Ceramics is a large ceramic, porcelain,glass and stone tile supplier based in the UK.The company has met the needs of architects,designers and specifiers since 1995. Our nationwidesales team supplies a huge range of morethan 60,000 products from over 30 Europeanmanufacturers.The central location of Solus Ceramics givesus excellent transport links and allows us todeliver to anywhere in the UK and Ireland within48 hours. Being out of London also gives us alow comparable cost base making us very competitivein the European market.44 TSJ APRIL 2009

TILE DISTRIBUTORSSquare Foot CeramicsUnit C43, Barwell Business ParkLeatherhead Rd, ChessingtonSurrey KT9 2NY020 8397 6284info@squarefootceramics.comwww.squarefootceramics.comSquare Foot is passionate to maintain a freshand innovative approach to business, withoutcompromising an excellent customer servicerecord. The dedicated and enthusiastic teamhas a wealth of experience within the tileindustry. "The loyalty and feedback from ourcustomers has been incredible, we enjoy visitingour customers, nurturing long standingrelationships and forming new ones‚” says ScottWilliams, Managing Director. Fantastic products,efficient stock control, hi-tech IT systems,efficient internal procedures, fresh marketingideas and great communication both internallyand with customers all combine to makeSquare Foot the success it is. With Square Foot- every footprint leaves an impression.Selected suppliers: Alcalagres, Ariostea, Azulev,Bayker, Casalgrande Padana, CeramicAlcora,Cinca, Colorker, Decocer, Desvres, Diago,Edimax, Gigacer, Hoppe, Keope, Metal Border,Mirage, Pamesa, Polis, Provenza, Refin, SantAgostino, Self, Sintesi, Sphinx, Studio Biemme,TodagresStokes TilesHolbrook Industrial Estate,Rother Valley Way, Sheffield S20 3RW0114 2512670sales@stokestiles.co.ukwww.stokestiles.co.ukR J Stokes and Co Ltd has been established forover 100 years as paint manufacturers andretailers. In 1972 the company entered ceramictile distribution and retailing, creating the birthof Stokes Tiles. Their distribution network coversmuch of the UK, north from Birminghamacross and up to the borders of Scotland. StokesTiles has one of the largest selections of tilesstocked in the UK with thousands of designsand sizes to choose from, so you’re bound tofind something to your liking. Those of youfamiliar with the name may have visited theirshowroom on Moore Street, Sheffield which iscurrently undergoing an extensive refurbishment,and is due for completion early March.However, Stokes Tiles have also expanded to anew eight acre site on Rother Valley Way,Holbrook which houses a distribution depot,trade centre and showroom which is open tothe public. Extensive research and planning hasgone into the showrooms design and layout,the light and airy space is easy to look aroundwith professionally designed displays providingthe perfect way to view tiles. There are also anumber of feature bathroom settings to browseif you’re in need of some inspiration. If yourequire some expert advice before you buy,make sure you have a chat with one of theexperienced friendly staff and they will behappy to help. As fashions change, so do thetiles in the showroom. Embracing the latesttrends, the range is constantly being updated.Not only are contemporary tastes catered for, ifyou prefer something more traditional or classical,there are many more styles available.Using floor tiles is an option many people dismissbecause of how cold they can be to walkon. The simple solution to that is under floorheating which Stokes Tiles can provide, with nocomplicated installation, as it simply comes as amat which is laid under the tiles. The beauty ofbuying from Stokes tiles is that you can buy andtake away the same day, as the majority ofproducts on show are held in stock; and if youare buying large quantities a home deliveryservice is available. The selections of tiles availableare sourced, from all over the world,including Spain, Italy, Turkey, Portugal, Brazil,China and Poland. This provides the opportunityto offer a broad selection of slate, glass,travertine, marble, quarry, porcelain, ceramictiles and mosaics to their customers. They buyin volume from major factories to ensure theycan supply effectively and competitively intothe region.Strata Tiles0870 608 8878Studio Ceramics01636 673527Surface Tiles020 8481 9588Swedecor01482 329691Taylor Tiles01792 797712The Ceramic & Stone Company01564 773202Tile North East01670 716767Tile Scotland0131 554 0522Tile Store08452 606025Tiles Ahead01633 875003Tiles UK0161 872 5155TileStyleBallymount Retail Centre, Dublin 24, Ireland+353 1 855 5200contracts@tilestyle.iewww.tilestyle.ieTileStyle, Europe’s Largest Tile & StoneShowroom, is a family run business which wasestablished by the late Jim McNaughton in1982. Located at Ballymount Retail Centre,Dublin 24, just off Dublin’s main ring road(M50), TileStyle has built up a wealth of experiencein dealing with residential, commercialand industrial projects. TileStyle’s state of theart showroom (52,000 sq ft) undoubtedly featuresIreland’s largest collection of luxuriousinterior and exterior wall and floor tiles inporcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass, metaland mosaic. The showroom incorporates severalboutique style tile galleries including anextensive Natural Stone Collection, a stunninglabyrinth of Mosaics, Luxury Bathroom andFlooring Collections and an Outdoor Living area.It also includes two beautifully designedShowhomes allowing customers to view tiles inreal kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways.TileStyle has won several awards including“Best Use of Tile in a Construction Contract”for Harvey Nichols in 2006 and “OutstandingContribution to the Tile Industry”, which wasposthumously awarded to Jim McNaughton inApril 2007.Tilewest01579 362264Trademark Tiles Ltd9 Airfield Industrial Estate, WarboysHuntingdon, Cambs PE28 2SH01487 825300info@trademarktiles.co.ukwww.trademarktiles.co.ukTrademark Tiles is a regional tile distributorlocated in a custom built warehouse facilitynear Huntingdon with a capacity of over 75,000sq. metres. Stockholding consists of a widerange of floor tiles, wall tiles, mosaics and ancillaryproducts. All budgets are catered for with afocus on good quality presentation of product,reliable service, experience and expert advice.The Tilestore retail outlets at St.Ives (Cambs),Bishop's Stortford, Enfield, Ipswich andPeterborough are a part of the Trademarkgroup.Selected suppliers: Novabell, Monocibec,Keraben, Grohn, Cerpa, Faro.Tyne Tees Ceramics LtdUnit F20, The Avenues11th Avenue North, Team Valley Trading EstateGateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0NJ0191 491 0555sales@tyneteesceramics.co.ukwww.tyneteesceramics.co.ukTyne Tees Ceramics has been an establishedfamily business for over 25 years, being thelargest independent distributor of ceramic walland floor tiles in the north east. Covering NorthEast England, Cumbria, Scottish Borders andNorth Yorkshire. With experienced staff onhand, we offer an unrivalled service and anexceptional product portfolio. Working withthe needs of our customers keeps us up to datewith the changes in design and demand. Weoffer a professional service supplying bothtrade and retail clients.Selected suppliers: Aurellia, C.I.R, CE.VI.CA,Colorker, Del Conca, El Barco, Gambarelli,Keraben, Metropol, Mosavit, Pastorelli,Serenissima, Tau Ceramica, Zirconio.Urban Ceramics01482 228800Walls and FloorsHenson Way, Kettering NN16 8PX01536 410484www.wallsandfloors.co.uksalesoffice@wallsandfloors.uk.comWalls and Floors Limited, is the leading UKindependent national tile distributor. Weimport and stock the widest range of tiles forboth domestic and commercial applications,products include Ceramic, Natural Stone,Porcelain, Mosaics, and Quarry Tiles. We sourceglobally and can provide the most competitiveprices on products from Spain, Italy, Portugal,Turkey, India and the Far East. We also supplyall the leading UK manufacturers tiling products,from our main distribution centre inNorthamptonshire, with our fast and efficientnationwide delivery service. Our customer portfolioextends from national DIY stores to independenttile merchants, from house builders toArchitectural practices. This is all underpinnedby our excellent management and support staffto maintain our service to all our customers.Selected suppliers: BCT, Johnson Tiles,Pilkington’s Tiles, Rubi, BAL, Biscem, Genesis,Settecento, Tau Ceramica, Gambarelli Group,STN Ceramica, Porcelanosa Group, PavigresGrupa, Halcon Ceramicas, Ceralfa, GardeniaOrchideaWaxman CeramicsGrove Mills , EllandWest Yorkshire HX5 9DZ01422 311331sales@waxmanceramics.co.ukwww.waxmanceramics.co.ukSince 1981, Waxman Ceramics Ltd has been aleading distributor of tiles and the largest supplierof mosaics throughout the UK. We have avast product range to meet every requirement,encompassing tiles for domestic use, contractand contract styles as well as the largest collectionof swimming pool finishes in the UK.Designed to satisfy the most discerning anddemanding of customers, the range includesceramic, porcelain, glass, stainless steel, slateand marble tiles for walls, floors, interiors andexteriors. From traditional to contemporary,every taste is catered for beautifully, and a hugeselection is held in stock. Our retail distributionteam is highly experienced in sales to bothindependents and national retailers. We offeryears of experience and first rate merchandisingsupport to Tile, Mosaic, Bathroom, Wetroom and Kitchen showrooms alike. With ourvast range of products stocked in our strategicallyplaced depots we can complete our serviceby delivering to showrooms across the nation.Contact us for help with showrooms, boards,displays, fixed displays stands and towers. Withour vast range of products stocked in our strategicallyplaced depots we can complete our serviceby delivering to showrooms across thenation. Waxman Ceramics Ltd is the nationaldistributor of Villeroy & Boch tiles. Our Villeroy& Boch tiles range from the contemporary tothe classic and will enable you to express yourown style.World’s End Tiles0207 819 2100Yorkshire Tile Company0113 279 4611APRIL 2009 TSJ 45

PORTFOLIOProtection against infectionIn response to increasing consumer concern about hygiene in the home,Evo-Stik has launched Anti-Germ, a range of tiling solutions and sealantsthat kills bacteria and stops mould and fungi growth. The Anti-Germ tilingand sealant range is designed to tackle the two main breeding groundsof bacteria in the home: damp, humid bathrooms, and kitchens, wherepoor hygiene causes germs to spread via hands, dishcloths and utensils.The patented formulation of Anti-Germ kills germs including MRSA, E-Coliand Salmonella on contact, while inhibiting the growth of unsightly blackmould and fungi for the lifetime of the product. For tradesmen, thelaunch of Anti-Germ presents a real opportunity to demonstrating addedvalue to the consumer. The range includes bespoke sealants, available inwhite and translucent, for kitchens and bathrooms, a wall tile adhesiveand grout plus a wall grout.01785 272727 www.antigerm.co.ukFlexible grouts come in 32 coloursArdex UK’s Ardex-Flex tile grouts are now available in 32 colours, rangingfrom Classic Vanilla to refreshing Spring Jasmine or the warmth ofAutumn Red. All 32 colours are available in both Ardex-Flex FS FlexibleTile Grout and Ardex-Flex FL Rapid Setting Flexible Tile Grout. Ardex-FlexFS is perfect for use with narrow joints up to 4mm, whereas Ardex-FlexFL has been specifically developed for use with wide tile joints from 3 to15mm. Both products are suitable for all types of tiles including porcelain,ceramic, most natural stone and quarry tiles, as well as extruded tilesand glass blockwork. They are suitable for use in swimming pools,kitchens, bathrooms, wet rooms and commercial locations such as shoppingcentres. Key features associated with Ardex-Flex grouts includeflexibility, ease of application and dirt resistance.01440 714939 www.ardex.co.ukFancy floral fashion statementWith its bright elegant colours depicting a tree with great floral detail, anda new tactile texture reminiscent of the silky softness of fabric,Novoceram's Florilége range revives the charm of the motifs found in18th Century hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. These white body walltiles. are available in four different 1,350 by 900mm versions for a highdegree of compositional freedom, enabling these designs to be used totile large walls, including those rooms with high humidity where wallpaperor fabric would not be feasible.+33 (0) 4 75 23 50 23 www.novoceram.frX-Cores simplify hole drillingThe new RotoZip X-Cores are the latest invention in diamond tooling andclaim to be the fastest hole saw bits on the market. In combination withRotoZip Spiral Saws, this innovative accessory makes light work of difficultfreehand cuts in all hard tiles and stone. Thanks to its diamond-bondingtechnology, one single X-Core bit can cut up to 100 holes in porcelain -absolutely dry. The new X-Core bits were specifically engineered forRotoZip tools and are available in eight different sizes. Working diametersrange from 6mm (for drilling standard fixings and micro bore -radiators/heating) up to 35mm for mains supply pipes and commercialapplications. They have a shank diameter of 6.3mm and can cut to adepth of 30mm. With these new cores, professional tradesmen can makeclear cuts without blow-out in the hardest materials including porcelain,granite, marble and natural stone. The X-Cores will cost from £28.93 forthe 6mm bit through to £65.52 for the 35mm X-Core. Stockists willinclude CTD, Jaymac and Beesleys. They are also available online at:www.rotozipuk.co.uk or www.tradetiler.com46 TSJ APRIL 2009

PORTFOLIOFull body porcelain in four finishesProject In and Out by Italian manufacturer, Monocibec is a range that features floor tileswith total resistance to ISO 13006 in fully-body porcelain stoneware. In and Out is availablein a choice of four finishes (standard, polished, grip, textured). Four large formatsare also available: 500 by 500, 500 by 1,000, 666 by 666 and 333 by 666mm. With rectifiededges, this range is squarely aimed at the contract and specification marketplaces.Available colours include Soft Greystone, Medium Greystone, Dark Greystone and SandStone. The range is complemented by an extensive selection of trims and decors, skirtingboards and step edgings.00 39 (0) 536 861300 www.monocibec.itThe Ultra Tile grout range consists of three products individually formulated for specific applications and allare available in a variety of colours allowing the user to add a touch of designer sparkle to any tiled floor orwall. Ultra Tile Fine Joint and Ultra Tile Wide Joint Grouts can be applied internally and externally in bothwet and dry conditions, and are suitable for use on swimming pool constructions. Ultra Tile Fine Joint Groutis specifically formulated for joint widths of up to 12mm. Whereas Ultra Tile Wide Joint Grout is suitable forgrouting joints up to 20mm. Both products allow for grouting to take place in one application and are suitablefor use with most common tile applications including natural stone, porcelain, conglomerate andceramic wall and floor tiles. Ultra Tile, the high performance tile adhesives, grouts and ancillaries brandfrom the Instarmac Group plc, manufacture premium grade Fine, Wide and Flexible Joint coloured grouts.Ultra Tile Flex Joint Grout is also a product suitable for grouting joints up to 20mm in one application, but isalso formulated with added polymer to increase flexibility and to provide a virtually impermeable set,therefore making it suitable for areas where movement or vibration is likely. All three Ultra Tile grouts areCG2 classified and contain an anti-fungal additive, which prevents the build up of mould once applied. UltraTile Fine Joint and Flex Joint Grouts are currently available in chocolate brown.01827 871871 www.ultratileadhesives.co.ukPRODUCT BRIEFSFrom mid-March 2009Mapei has been adding10% extra free to bagsof Mapeker Rapid-setWhite and Grey - 22kgfor the price of 20kg.Part of the Rapid-SetAdhesive family fromMapei, Mapeker Rapidsetcombines both thecharacteristics of priceefficientMapei Rapid-set and some of the benefitsof Mapei’s Keraquick. Mapeker Rapid-set is suitablefor the installation of ceramic and porcelaintiles and mosaics, quarry tiles and stone materialon both walls and floors, internally and externally.Rapid-setting and frost-resistant, it is ideal for bathrooms,kitchens, showers, patios and swimmingpools. It can also be used in conjunction with bothover-boarded plywood (min.15mm) and under-tileheating. 0121 508 6970 www.mapei.co.ukA practical and versatileaccessory that offersinstant and easy accessto tools has been addedto the extensive rangeof workwear fromDickies (UK). Called theGrafter Duo Tone TwinPack, it is a lightweightbut tough, detachablebag consisting of twotool pockets – one with a zip fastened, deep entrybellows section, and the other, with a double entrycompartment that has a velcro fastening flap.Made from a durable fabric which combines290gsm, 100% cotton and 100% nylon Cordura,the Grafter Duo Tone Twin Pack incorporatesDickies’ Clip2 attachment that allows for safe fasteningto a belt or clothing and easy release. It isavailable in black and one size only.01761 41004 www.dickiesworkwear.comCeracasa has unveiled a new porcelain tile rangewith high technical characteristics called City. Thiscollection offers resistance to flexing of 49Nm/mm 2 , Mohs 9 hardness, PEI 4 and non-slipClass 2. The design has with more than 40sq.metres of pattern, affording the range a highly naturalisticappearance, with the texture and appearanceof basalt in a wide variety of colours and formats,which extend up to 491 by 982mm.Designed for commercial applications and thespecification market, City technical characteristicsmake it ideal for locations that experience hightraffic volumes.01622 683375 www.ceracasa.comAPRIL 2009 TSJ47

BOOK REVIEWSPieces and pontificationsTSJ’s resident book reviewer, Chris Blanchett of Buckland Books, providesanother inspirational selection of new and not so new mosaic publications.SOLO MOSAICO: Vol 1Various authorsSolo Mosaico, Russia, 2008124 pages. English text. A4 colour.£35.00A new magazine devoted to historic and contemporarymosaic is always an occasion, and when it is as good asthis one from Russia (but with international content), itis doubly so. Contains articles on the history of mosaics,modern mosaic art, mosaics of Russia (really stunning),mosaics and education, technology and materials; plusexhibitions, congresses and conferences. The contributorslist reads like a who’s who of mosaics: Elaine MGoodwin (UK), Michele Tosi (Italy), Toyoharu Kii (Japan)and many others.GARDEN MOSAICSEmma Biggs & Tessa HunkinNew Holland, 2009128 pages. Colour throughout. £14.99It is always a pleasure to receive a new book from theMosaic Workshop team of Emma Biggs and TessaHunkin and this is no exception. The beautiful illustrationsand well-detailed text cover a range of projects(19 in all) in a variety of different techniques and styles.Templates are also included for those who wish tocopy, but there is plenty of inspiration for personaladaptation too. Recommended!MOSAIC TODAYElaine M GoodwinDavid Porteous, 2008141 pages. Colour throughout. £20.00Elaine M Goodwin is one of the UK’s foremost mosaicartists so her books are keenly awaited. This particularvolume is fascinating as it will appeal to all aficionadosof modern mosaic design. All the projects in this bookare contemporary designs at the cutting edge of modernmosaic art. A great addition to our ‘how-to’ books!MAKING MOSAICSAngelo CangemiAntonina Parisi Publications, 2003English edition. 189 pages.Colour throughout. Paperback. £19.95This is one of the most comprehensive books ever publishedon the traditional skills and techniques of mosaicmaking. Rather than taking the mosaicist through aparticular project, the text concentrates on the reasonsfor doing things in a certain way. The book commenceswith a short history of mosaic art, followed by sectionson materials, natural and man-made; producing adrawing or ‘cartoon’ for the design; adhesives,binders/fillers and tools; cutting and setting; andamento(the art of following the design lines with the tesserae);workshop practise; the direct, indirect and doublereverse methods; laying/fixing of the finished work, andtexture/colour harmony.The text has been translated from the Italian and thisshows in some places, but it is well written and theauthor is both passionate about mosaic and clearly ableto pass on his knowledge. He has taught at the prestigiousInstituto Statale d’Arte per il Mosaico at Monrealeand also in Ravenna, home of mosaic art.ANDAMENTO 3Robert Field, EditorBritish Association for Modern Mosaic40 pages. A4 colour journal. £12.00The first two editions of Andamento, the Journal of theBritish Association for Modern Mosaic set a very highstandard which this latest edition more than equals.Editor, Bob Field has done a brilliant job in bringingtogether four new articles on the history and art ofmosaic in 20th/21st Century Britain.The first article is on John Piper (1903-1992) who washighly regarded as one of Britain’s foremost visualartists, creating ceramics, murals and paintings, butwhose work with mosaics is less well documented. Hecreated a large mosaic for the BBC Television Centrewhich was built in the 1950s and is now under somethreat of demolition, as well as an entire East wall ofmosaic for the new church of St Paul, Harlow NewTown. Where the BBC mosaic is abstract in design, theHarlow mosaic depicts the Disciples on the Road toEmmaus. The vision and execution of both mosaics isexamined in some detail.Other articles cover the late 19th century Claytonmosaics in Chester Cathedral depicting Bible scenes,the work of Dugald MacInnes, whose contemporarymosaics in natural stone have such a powerful sense ofimage, and a tribute to Brian Bull who created over2000 mosaic murals between 1962 and 1993, an incrediblebody of work in such a short period. All the articlesare well written and illustrated and a fascinating insightinto the mosaic mind.All these titles are available from:Chris Blanchett, Buckland Books01903 717648buckland.books@tiscali.co.ukwww.bucklandbooks.co.uk50 TSJ APRIL 2009