Uform’s UK National Contracts Manager, Jamie Abbott (left), talks to Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer about the company’s latest product launch and what it offers the Contract Kitchens market.
Kitchen specialist Uform has recently introduced a new ‘Think Finishes’ campaign to promote its latest solutions. Incorporating an extensive range of new handles, paint colours and ex-stock colour additions to many of the company’s popular door ranges, this latest launch has been designed to make it easier for Housebuilders and Property Developers to specify quality kitchen ranges suitable for a variety of residential projects.
Q. How has Uform developed this new range for the market?
Our Product Development team have listened to our customers and closely monitored market trends in terms of designs, colours, and finishes, with a particular focus on the needs and demands of the contracts market. As a result, these latest additions have strengthened our position in terms of our ability to cater for all types of residential contracts ranging in size and scale.
From small residential developments to large sites featuring over 1,500 plots, Uform has the product offering and infrastructure to support the residential UK property markets, whether it’s one-off houses or multiple apartments.
We offer one of the most comprehensive ranges in the marketplace today, with ranges available on a good, better, best philosophy, we have styles and finishes to suit all tastes and budgets. We now offer 93 ex-stock finishes to include over 10,000 essential ex-stock products readily available, making it easier for developers and housebuilders to get what they need, when they need it.
Q. Which ranges have you focused on in the latest launch?
Our latest launch includes six new ex-stock colours in three of our best-selling door ranges. As the demand for rich, dramatic colours continues, we have added two new ex-stock colours to Aldana, our 5-piece narrow ash painted shaker is now available in Graphite and Heritage Green taking the selection up to seven colours.
Kensington, our premium ash effect foil shaker is now available in nine ex-stock colours with Heritage Green being the latest addition to the range and our Harborne handless shaker range is now available from stock in Light Grey, Heritage Green and Graphite.
Q. How can housebuilders and developers find out more?
To reflect our growing portfolio, we have launched a dedicated Uform Contracts kitchen brochure which showcases eight core door ranges, from contemporary slab door designs to narrow shakers and handleless options, all of which aptly presents the versatility of our product offering. We have a dedicated contracts section on our trade website where specifiers can download our latest brochure and contact our Contracts Team directly for further information. This information is available at uform.co.uk/contracts
Q. Handles are an important part of kitchen design, has Uform introduced anything new here?
As well as our ex-stock door offering, we have also invested in an expansive handle portfolio which includes trendy new finishes such as matte black, antique copper, and brushed brass. A selection of ‘essential’ and ‘designer’ collections is available to the contracts market, again to cater for different price points.
Furthermore, to meet the increasing demand for contemporary, linear kitchen designs, we have introduced two new Gola handleless rail systems in brass and graphite, both of which work with various door styles, offering ultimate design flexibility.
Q. Some housebuilders may want the kitchen to be a real focal point in their new homes. How can Uform help with this?
In addition to our ex-stock offering, our overall product portfolio includes an extensive range of styles, colours and finishes.
For more premium residential projects, specifiers can offer the discerning homeowner a total of 22 different door styles, a standard paint palette of 30 popular paint colours and a range of specialist stained and metal finishes for something truly unique.
This choice, coupled with a Made to Order offering and a Colour Match Service, puts Uform at the forefront of innovative products which add real value and a point of difference.
We also offer a versatile range of energy efficient LED lighting solutions, ideal for task, mood or convenience purposes within the kitchen as well as a selection of internal storage solutions including integrated pull out bins and corner solutions.
Q. Cost remains a key driver in the sector. Can Uform cater for requirements across different price-points?
Yes, absolutely, and affordable products at lower price points don’t mean a compromise in quality. Uform offers ex-stock door ranges such as Dawson and Zola Soft-Matte, both of which are the perfect proposition for the contract market.
Their durable properties including scratch, light and stain resistance, coupled with a diverse colour choice and accessory selection makes them the perfect choice for a practical and affordable kitchen which is not compromised in terms of aesthetic design.
Q. What kind of warranties are available?
Our materials are sourced from the best in the industry through a world class Italian supply chain, and we offer exceptional quality, with ranges tested and approved by FIRA and CATAS.
Property developers and architects should also have the confidence and satisfaction in specifying our products as our ranges carry a 5-year warranty.
Q. Sustainability is a growing issue in the sector. What has Uform done to address this issue?
We continually invest in new facilities and paint technology that reduces the environmental impact of our painting process, something which is becoming increasingly important in the specification process of building projects. In addition, our timber raw materials are FSC certified meaning they’re made from well-managed forests, recycling, and other controlled sources.
Q. What support can you offer housebuilders and developers?
We offer national and regional housebuilders, specifiers, architects, and developers the support and expertise of a dedicated Contracts Team, making it easier to find the perfect solution for their next building project.
Our Accredited Contract Kitchen Partners are available nationwide and selected only on the basis that they can deliver the standard of quality, service and choice associated with the Uform brand.
We have also partnered with leading KBB software providers such as Smart, Easy Quote, ArtiCad, 2020 and Compusoft, making it easy to get accurate design visuals and quotations. Our dedicated nationwide distribution network also ensures complete deliveries on-time and in-full.
