Look out for a new trend in Nordic-style plain woodgrains and an exciting collaboration between Blum and EGGER, two of our longest standing trading partners.
Those are two of the HPP headlines from the latest Interzum, the trendsetting, biennial trade fair held in Cologne, Germany, and billed as the biggest event of its kind in Europe.
Keeping our ranges up-to-the minute to meet customer demands is a constant priority, and one that took three members of our management team - Deputy MD Gareth Evans, Marketing and Business Development Director Dan Mounsey and Purchasing Manager Gary Kinder (a veteran of every Interzum over the past 30 years) - to the latest event.
Our intrepid trio were among 60,000 visitors from 148 countries taking in the 1,600 exhibitors, from 57 countries, at the four-day event.
Dan Mounsey says: "This is the leading event for interior furniture and construction suppliers across the world, it's where the future trends and visions for modern living spaces using the latest materials, outstanding design, and exceptional innovations are brought to life.
"We were struck by the cautious optimism among the people we spoke to, there seems to be a general feeling that the market has bottomed out now after what's a been challenging period in the UK and on the continent.
"Whether that is a rapid upturn, or a gradual uplift, remains to be seen and our own government and global politics will have a part to play in that."
What caught the eye of the HPP team?
Exciting news for HPP customers is a partnership between Blum and EGGER, two of our most prominent suppliers.
They have collaborated on a product called PLICOBOX, which has an innovative folding base, space-efficient packaging and easy assembly, due to be launched in the UK next year when it will be added to our Blum range.
Although branded as a Blum product, the drawer backs and bases are actually EGGER chipboard HDF. Flat packed and marketed with a tagline of 'Fold. Push. Done.' PLICOBOX is quickly assembled without tools.
The box system is unique thanks to a combination of three components. The 5mm folding base is available in two versions - the first has one fold and the second (the compact folding base) has two. Both versions are connected to the drawer sides without tools.
To make the box, fold up the back and the drawer base (including back) then push it into the drawer sides and secure with locking levers.
Smooth times ahead for new wood grain finishes
While matt and gloss finishes remain prominent, wood grains are increasing in popularity again, albeit with a flatter, smoother finish than the previously popular rustic, knotty finishes.
Dan explains: "There was a lot of talk of wood grains starting to come back in, but it's very much about plain wood grains now.
"A few years ago, it was all about very knotty, rustic looking finishes with lots of planking and wood effect, whereas the newer generation of wood grains, are more what I would call Nordic or Scandi style, they're very flat, there's no planking, there's no knots, it's just a very flat, consistent wood grain throughout the whole board. It's very clean looking compared to the rustic, detailed finish."
Sensio Lighting, another HHP trading partner, makes Interzum debut
Of the 1,600 exhibitors, from 57 countries, only 16 were wholly UK-based businesses, including another prominent HPP trading partner, Sensio Lighting.
We've been selling Sensio products since their inception in 2000, with the range comprising almost 300 products for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms to satisfy any requirement, design and specification.
The range includes popular energy efficient LED lighting, halogen task lighting, remote controlled colour changing LED lighting, unique SensioPods, and the latest Sensio Razor, an edge-lit, recess-able flexible strip, which is a super-slim evolution of the fully diffused polar COB lighting strip.
Dan says: "It was great to see Sensio there - it was their first time at Interzum and really cements their place as brand not only in Europe but reaching out into the world."
Sensio has become well-known for its considerable experience, knowledge and understanding necessary to exceed industry expectations.
All of Sensio's products are certified by UK laboratories and come with a five-year guarantee.
For a full overview of our Sensio range of cabinet, plinth, drawer, and shelf lighting solutions and all the necessary accessories, see our dedicated Sensio page here.