IceKing UK and Cookology have officially joined CIH’s approved supplier network, strengthening the group’s appliance offering for independent retailers.
Andrew Wright — founder of Cookology and owner of IceKing UK — says the partnership marks a strategic step forward for both brands: “We’re always looking for new ways to leverage our brands, and so partnering with CIH is yet another positive step towards greater B2B collaboration, strengthening national supply chains, and advancing how our products perform on the shelves of high street retailers.”
The move gives CIH members wider product choice, improved supply chain support, and access to two fast‑growing UK appliance brands known for reliability and strong retail performancr
Category Archives: UK
Lacanch Duck Blue
Lacanche UK has officially launched its new bespoke Duck Blue enamel finish for the Lacanche range cookers.
Currys’ Essentials Brand Joins AMDEA, Strengthening the UK Appliance Voice
AMDEA has confirmed that Currys’ Essentials — the retailer’s value‑driven appliance brand — has officially joined its membership community, further broadening representation across the UK home appliance sector.
Essentials brings a portfolio of budget‑friendly small and large domestic appliances, aligning with AMDEA’s mission to champion quality, innovation and high standards across the industry.
AMDEA CEO Stefan Hay welcomed the move, noting that Currys’ scale and expertise will help strengthen AMDEA’s collective voice as it continues promoting excellence and sustainable growth. Currys’ Group Technical and Health & Safety Director Judith Peacock added that the retailer looks forward to collaborating with fellow members to support the sector’s ongoing development.
The addition of Essentials marks another step in AMDEA’s expanding role as the UK’s leading home appliance association.
Smeg UK Reports 9.3% Revenue Growth as Cooking & Coffee Strategy Pays Off
Smeg UK has delivered a confident performance for 2025, recording 9.3% year‑on‑year revenue growth and a 20% uplift in profit, according to newly published figures. The business reached £73.7 million in revenue and £1.54 million in profit,
AMDEA Unveils Evolving Brand Identity to Reflect a Broader UK Appliance Sector
AMDEA has announced the next stage in its ongoing evolution, revealing a refreshed brand identity that better reflects the growing diversity of its membership across the UK appliance industry.
The update, rolling out over the summer, acknowledges AMDEA’s expanding community — now spanning manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers with their own appliance brands, and Associate Members representing the wider value chain. To reinforce this broader remit, AMDEA’s new logo will introduce a clear sector descriptor: “The UK Home Appliance Association.”
AMDEA CEO Stefan Hay said the organisation’s direction remains true to his commitment of “evolution, not revolution.” He highlighted rapid membership growth, deeper engagement with government, and AMDEA’s increasingly central role as the collective voice of UK home appliances.
The refreshed identity will be phased in over the coming months as AMDEA continues strengthening its position as the leading representative body for the UK home appliance industry.
Fenwick retailer joining Euronics UK
Fenwick has officially joined the Euronics UK network through CIH, strengthening its electrical offer across eight UK stores. Founded in 1882, the family‑owned retailer gains access to CIH’s buying power, exclusive ranges and supplier partnerships.
The Cost of Hidden Costs: Marks Electrical Hit with Over ÂŁ1 Million in Fines and Refunds
The Cost of Hidden Costs: Marks Electrical Hit with Over ÂŁ1 Million in Fines and Refunds for the UK retailer
When you’re shopping online for a major household appliance—whether it’s a new washing machine, a dishwasher, or a cooker—the last thing you expect is to be sneaked into paying extra for services you didn’t actively ask for.
Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened to thousands of shoppers at Marks Electrical, and the UK’s competition watchdog has just stepped in to lay down the law.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ordered the Leicester-based online major domestic appliance (MDA) retailer to issue widespread refunds and pay a hefty penalty after an investigation revealed unfair checkout practices.
Here is a breakdown of what happened, what it means for consumers, and why this is a massive wake-up call for the entire e-commerce appliance industry.
What Did Marks Electrical Do?
The issue boils down to a classic e-commerce compliance failure: pre-selected paid add-ons.
According to the CMA, Marks Electrical was automatically enrolling online shoppers into paid add-on services during the checkout journey. When customers went to buy essential household goods, optional paid services (such as installation, recycling, or extended delivery options) were already pre-checked.
Unless a customer was meticulously checking their cart line-by-line and manually unticking those boxes, they were charged for extra services without giving explicit, proactive consent.
The Financial Penalty Breakdown
The CMA is not letting the retailer off lightly. The “million-pound blow” is a mix of dynamic consumer redress and a direct fine:
Refunds to Customers: Marks Electrical has been ordered to refund nearly 40,000 customers who were automatically charged for these hidden add-ons.
Financial Penalty: On top of the mandatory refunds, the retailer must pay a ÂŁ600,000 financial penalty directly to the regulator.
Combined, the cost of putting things right and paying the fine pushes the total impact well past the ÂŁ1 million mark—a stinging blow to the online retailer’s bottom line.
A Major Lesson for White Goods Shoppers
For anyone currently in the market for a new appliance, this case serves as a vital reminder of why it pays to be vigilant at checkout.
While buying white goods online should be smooth and transparent, some retailers still rely on “dark patterns”—subtle user interface designs that trick users into doing things they might not otherwise do, like buying extra warranties or installation packages.
Your Quick Checkout Checklist:
Review the Itemised Bill: Before entering payment details, always look at the breakdown of the total price. Ensure no unexpected installation, removal, or warranty fees have snuck in.
Look for Pre-Ticked Boxes: Watch out for pre-selected options on delivery or service pages.
Know Your Rights: Regulators like the CMA are actively cracking down on hidden fees. If you notice a retailer automatically adding paid extras to your cart, you have every right to complain.
Final Thoughts
This ruling sends a clear message across the retail sector: transparency isn’t optional. In a competitive market like white goods, building trust with the customer is everything. For Marks Electrical, a shortcut in the checkout journey has turned into an incredibly expensive lesson.
AO World Posts Record FY26 Results and Confirms ÂŁ20m Capital Return
AO World has reported its strongest financial performance to date for the year ending 31 March 2026, with adjusted pre‑tax profits up 16.1% to £50.5m. Group revenue climbed 11.4% to £1.267bn, driven by continued market share gains and the first full‑year contribution from the musicMagpie acquisition.
Founder and chief executive John Roberts confirmed a £20m capital return programme, split evenly between a £10m special dividend and a £10m share buyback, reflecting the group’s strengthened balance sheet and confidence in future growth.
AO’s core B2C electricals retail division delivered 9.5% growth to £911m, underlining the brand’s resilience in a competitive market. The group also passed a global milestone, becoming the first retailer to surpass one million Trustpilot reviews, reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s most trusted online electricals specialists.
Looking ahead, AO expects FY27 performance to land in line with market expectations, supported by the rollout of its new Switch24 subscription model and the expansion of the AO Mobile membership platform.
Welbilt UK Uses Pricing Strategy to Offset Tariff Pressures
Welbilt UK (Merrychef’s owner)has successfully protected its profit margins through strategic pricing actions and operational efficiencies as uncertainty around US tariffs continues to affect global manufacturers.
The commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer reported strong financial results, supported by robust export sales, manufacturing improvements and targeted price adjustments. With international markets accounting for a significant share of revenue, the company has been closely monitoring potential tariff impacts and implementing measures to mitigate additional costs.
Welbilt said a combination of pricing initiatives, productivity gains and supply chain management helped maintain profitability despite ongoing geopolitical and trade challenges.
The results highlight how manufacturers are increasingly relying on pricing discipline and operational excellence to navigate an uncertain global trading environment.
IceKing product named Best Fridge Freezer for small kitchens and awarded Good Housekeeping Institute Approval for 2026
IceKing, a trading arm of the Cookology family of home appliances, is proud to announce that its IceKing IK8951EW Freestanding Fridge Freezer has been recognised as the Best Fridge Freezer for Small Kitchens and has received official Good Housekeeping Institute Approval for 2026.
Designed to offer exceptional performance without compromising on style or space, the IK8951EW is a perfect fit for compact living spaces, including city apartments, kitchens with limited footprint, and utility rooms. This 50/50 split fridge freezer boasts a 142L total capacity and combines practical features with energy-conscious design.
WHITEGOODSNOW 