SHAWS EXPAND CUSTOMER SERVICE & MERCHANT ROLES

Stephanie Fielding has joined Shaws, the well-known fireclay sink manufacturer as Customer Services Manager and Leon Harber has been promoted from within the company, taking on the important new role of Merchant Sales Manager.

In her new role, Stephanie’s remit will be to re-inforce the company’s mantra as ‘being easy to do business with’.  Strong customer service and reliability has become synonymous with the Shaws brand and as part of that, the Lancashire ceramics manufacturer has added to their existing team. 

Stephanie joins the company to champion our existing excellent customer service whilst Leon has been promoted to further develop a more direct relationship with our Commercial/Merchant customers.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws comments: “Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to improve our customer service, we pride ourselves on reliability and flexibility for all customers big and small.  Leon has been with the Company for many years and knows our product range technically across the board.  His new role supports the ongoing development of commercial ranges to architects, designers, specifiers and merchants across the UK.”

SHAWS SINKS TEST AS 99.99% ANTIBACTERIAL

Shaws sinks are not only for use in homes, but are commercially used in laboratories, hospitals, institutions, restaurants, hotels, schools, universities and many other applications. To ensure that they are safe for every environment and being a considerate company, testing of the various ingredients used to manufacture our range of unique sinks is routinely carried out.

 Our handcrafted fireclay sinks have recently been tested by SteriTouch, an independent laboratory, for an evaluation of antimicrobial performance. The testing was conducted using the ISO 22196/JIS Z 2801:2000 test method to international standards and all samples proved to be ‘antibacterial’. Shaws glaze reduced bacterial colonies of E-Coli and MRSA by 99.99% over a 24 hour period and were classified as EXCELLENT in this area. Safe to use in every environment.

 The Shaws glaze, is not new or a new glaze development, or a thin coating, as some other manufacturers use, which can be considered temporary, but is the original glaze we’ve always used and is the regular and permanent performance of our glaze. Other tests are regularly carried out include: Determination of Chemical Resistance (BS 3402: 1969) and Determination of Resistance to Staining and Burning (BS 3402: 1969). In these tests Shaws sinks proved to be completely stainless and resistant to aggressive alkalis, acids and bleach. A durable glaze which will last forever.

 Shaws are the world’s only producer of heavy duty fireclay, sourced from the West Country and the clay is at least 25% denser and stronger than fine fireclay. Our heavy duty fireclay is responsibly sourced, sustainable, lead-free and 100% recyclable.

 Our sinks are chip and impact resilient as a heavyweight Shaws Original has 2” thick solid walls giving extra durability. Each sink is twice glazed with up to four times the glaze thickness of other sinks and fired at over 1200ºC.

 Taking over three weeks to create, Shaws use more clay, more glaze, more heat and more care to craft character products, made by real people. Every Shaws sink is unique and designed to last a lifetime!

SHAWS OF DARWEN WIN HIGHLY COMMENDED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD

Shaws of Darwen, the renowned hand-crafted fireclay ceramic kitchen sink manufacturer based in Lancashire, won a Highly Commended International Award at the “North West Insider magazine International Trade Awards” ceremony, held in association with UK Trade and Investment.  Shaws was entered in the ‘International Company of the Year’ category with a turnover of up to £10m. 

When the Awards were first launched five years ago, there was a big push for companies to go global, to seek growth outside a slowing and stagnant UK market.  Since that time, Shaws have grown enormously and continue to celebrate their export success across the world, proving that British made quality products, are desirable worldwide.

This Awards event celebrates import, export and international business right across the North West of England.  Successful entrants were interviewed over a three day period by the team of judges and Rupert Cornford, features editor of Insider commented: “These Awards have gone from strength to strength and it’s great for local companies to be judged and rewarded for their successes”.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws was delighted with the Highly Commended Award and celebrated with some of his distributor partners, who were his guests for the evening.  “It’s always good to receive recognition for all the hard work put into running a successful company.  We are all very proud to be a British manufacturer with an international customer base”.

Belfast Sink Basket Strainer Proves a Storm

Since its introduction last year, our 1.5 Inch Basket Strainer Waste has proved to be very popular, outselling the conventional Slotted Waste (Plug & Chain) by 150%.

The majority of our Handcrafted Sinks require a 3 Inch Basket Strainer, but the Pendle and Belfast Sinks are fitted with a 1.5 inch accessory.

Previously, the only 1.5 Inch option was the Slotted Waste Plug & Chain and while this traditional look is still very popular for these kitchen sinks, the elegance of the Basket Strainer Waste has enhanced the accessory range to provide customers with more choice than ever before.

Our Basket Strainer Wastes are handmade in four colour options using the highest grade stainless steel and feature a ceramic indices with a bespoke Shaws insignia.

To find out more, please view our Accessory Range by clicking the link below.
http://www.shawsofdarwen.com/sink-accessories.cfm

ARE YOU A PROUD OWNER OF A SHAWS OF DARWEN SINK?

Thank you to Maggie Glover from Western Australia for sending us this picture of her fantastic kitchen and #Ribchester 800.

This image will be used on our website www.shawsofdarwen.com and as a thank you, a free accessory bundle is on its way to Maggie.

If you are a proud owner of a Shaws of Darwen sink and you would like us to display a picture of your kitchen on our website, then please send your photos to sales@shawsofdarwen.com

HOMEOWNER KITCHEN DESIGN INVESTMENT CONTINUES

Kitchens continue to solidify their place as the centre of the home with many homeowners choosing to invest while the housing recovery continues.

The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2014, which focused on kitchen and bath design trends.

Kitchen design is increasingly devoting more emphasis toward the space being a gathering spot for family and entertaining.

“The kitchen has become what we call the ‘activator,’ the main space in the residence, and the design requirements often include high functionality to accommodate multiple activities,” said James Walbridge, AIA, chair of the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network.

Material composition is also becoming an essential focal point of the entire design. Natural products are becoming a lot more desirable as consumers consider personal environmental responsibilities within their home.

According to the survey, popular kitchen features continue to include LED lighting, a computer or recharging area, larger pantry space, a double island and high quality appliances.

TRENDS TO COMPLIMENT YOUR KITCHEN IN 2015

Apart from your superb sink, the first thing visitors notice when entering your kitchen are your cabinets. To make sure you keep up with the latest trends and technologies, below are a few popular suggestions we can recommend for 2015.

Add a Splash of Colour

Not everything is black and white, although in kitchen terms this has been the case in recent years. Either strong accent colours or perhaps lighter cabinet shades will change kitchens up and down the country to be more vibrant than ever before.

Laminate Speaks Volumes

Manufactured surfaces like textured laminate, get better and better. The wood look and feel is extraordinary. If you’re looking for a chic cutting edge finish, laminate could well be the answer for your modern kitchen.

Think Outside The Box.  

Touch-and-motion cabinet technology is starting to drive behaviour in 2015 and beyond as we all look for the next new thing. With just the touch of a finger cabinets will simple open and close effortlessly, providing easy access when your hands are full – and of course ‘wow’ your friends.

Let There Be Light. 

LED lights are now available in all kinds of colours and can easy compliment your kitchen shades or accents with warm or cool toned colours. Lighting options both inside and outside your cabinets make it easier for you to work and find the items you need quickly.

The simplicity of modern design is proving ever more popular during 2015. The new tends for 2015 go hand in hand with our Classic Collection to create a stylish contemporary kitchen you’ll be proud of for years to come, while everyone else catches up.

WEBSITE ON THE MOVE WITH SHAWS OF DARWEN

Shaws of Darwen have been in existence since 1897 and are very proud of their heritage, but they never sit back on their laurels and are always looking to modernise wherever possible and their website is no exception.

How many times have you struggled to view a website easily on your Smartphone or Tablet to hand?  Now Shaws of Darwen has made the online experience much more accessible with an exciting mobile friendly version of their website which automatically changes to suit any screen size. Images and copy can be clearly seen across the screen with indicators to all sections housed within the site.

This new mobile friendly website, with all its facets can be used in any location and on any device.  The new facility has been designed for the convenience of all of our customers, trade and consumers and will enable the browser access to the entire portfolio of Shaws kitchen sinks, photographic illustrations, accessories and graphic technical support.

David Dare, Managing Director of Shaws comments: “I know how important it is to be able to access information quickly and efficiently, which is why we have designed our website to provide this facility. I wanted to provide users easy access whilst on the move, plus having invaluable customer support at your fingertips at all times is key to success”.  Almost half our website visitors come from mobile devices and this has doubled in the last two years”, concludes Dare.

The new Shaws mobile interactive web pages are live now and allow the user to source every page of the site whilst on the move on their Smart devices.

ORIGINAL SHAWS OF DARWEN SINK MANUFACTURED IN 1903

This Shaws of Darwen sink was manufactured in 1903 and is situated in a private house in Ireland. The history of each of our sinks can easily be found by viewing the date stamp underneath, along with the name of the craftsman who made it.

If your Shaws sink is older than 1903 email us some pictures and we’ll send you a free Accessory Bundle.

Traditional Sink Vs Contemporary Sink

We produce the World’s finest kitchen sinks and have done for over 115 years, handcrafted at our factory in Darwen, Lancashire. Our current Kitchen sink range includes two distinctly different styles; Original, which is a more traditional fireclay sink, and the Classic, which appeals to more contemporary styles.

The differences don’t end there though, allowing our Customers to select a sink that fits best with their kitchen style; be it Farmhouse, Traditional or Contemporary.

Taps and Faucets for Belfast, Butler and Farmhouse Sinks

Taps or faucets depending on which side of the Atlantic you're from are the obvious necessary addition to your Belfast , Butler or Farmhouse sink.
 

Shaws Hambleton Deck Mounted Faucet

Belfast Sink or Butler Sink: What is the difference?

Butler sink or Belfast sink what is it that makes these sinks different.

Basically both are in fact Butler sinks. That is to say that both sinks were designed to be used below stairs in the Butler’s Pantry. However the Belfast sink has the benefit of a weir overflow and therein lays the difference.

The Belfast Sink showing the weir overflow

The Traditional Ceramic Kitchen Sink

Each of our artisans serves a 10 year apprenticeship before he can call himself a Shaws of Darwen Master Craftsman and he can personally emboss his name into one of our quality porcelain sinks.



This video brings to life the proud heritage and demonstrates the traditional skills and effort that goes into every one of Shaws of Darwen’s quality kitchen sinks.

To find out more about Shaws kitchen sinks and quality sink accessories go to dedicated history page.

The Waterside Kitchen Sink; an Elegant Alternative to the Belfast Sink.

An elegant alternative to the traditional Belfast kitchen sink from Shaws of Darwen is the Waterside sink.

What is a Belfast Sink?

The Oxford Dictionary defines a Belfast sink as: a type of deep rectangular kitchen sink, traditionally made of glazed white porcelain. 

Belfast Sink in Biscuit Galze Finish

Handcrafted Fine Quality Kitchen Sinks

Since 1897, Shaws of Darwen,  have manufactured ceramic heavy duty fireclay Kitchen Sinks employing the same traditional materials and time-honoured techniques that have been used by our Lancashire based craftsmen for over 115 years.