Paul Thompson

Md, Baumatic UK

How would you view the current kbb retail market?

It would be nice to stick one's head in the sand and say that it's all marvellous, but while sales are buoyant now, I fear there's a dark cloud on the horizon in the shape of the predicted recession. I don't share the view that Britain will be brought to its knees but there will undoubtedly be a tightening of belts and that will affect the economy as a whole. Rising steel prices have already had an affect on the appliance market and this could well continue.

Which companies do you think are setting the pace in this industry?

Miele would have to be the brand that's moving forward fastest at the moment. It's just produced a major new collection and is planning another new launch as I type. What I like most about this company is that it stays reasonable price-wise.

Which new products have stood out for you in the past 12 months?

Miele's new Generation 5000 single ovens with 66 litre capacity did catch my eye. Larger capacity cooking without using up additional space will be increasingly important as kitchens get smaller.

Who is the most famous person to have blagged free products from you?

Jordan has a pink oven, a stainless steel cooker hood and an American fridge freezer from the Baumatic portfolio.