Category: Uncategorised

by Luke Shepperson

CDA Managing Director Returns to the Robin Hood Half Marathon After Stroke to Keep His Promise

Chris Ward running the Robin Hood Half Marathon in a fridge costume

Last year, The CDA Group’s Managing Director, Chris Ward, crossed the finish line of the Robin Hood Half Marathon dressed as a CDA fridge, raising awareness and vital funds for Nottinghamshire mental health charities Harmless and The Tomorrow Project.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of colleagues, customers, partners and supporters, Chris raised £3,000, with The CDA Group matching every pound donated to double the impact for the charities.

This year, Chris is returning to the start line for an even more personal challenge.

On Sunday 27 September 2026, Chris will once again take on the 13.1-mile Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. However, this year’s event comes just months after Chris suffered a stroke, resulting in the loss of sight in his left eye.

Despite the challenges of his recovery, Chris is determined to keep the promise he made after completing last year’s race.

Running with purpose

Speaking about this year’s challenge, Chris said:
“When I crossed the finish line last year, I never imagined what the next few months would bring. I promised I’d be back to do it all again, and after my stroke there were times when I genuinely didn’t know whether I’d ever be able to run again, let alone complete another half marathon. Losing the sight in my left eye has meant adapting both physically and mentally, but one thing never changed. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive so much support throughout my recovery, and that’s one of the reasons this challenge means so much to me. If taking on these 13.1 miles helps raise vital funds, starts conversations about mental health, or encourages just one person to reach out for help, then every step will have been worthwhile.”
Chris is aiming to raise at least £5,000, with The CDA Group once again matching every pound donated. Together, every contribution will go twice as far in helping Harmless and The Tomorrow Project continue providing vital mental health support to young people and adults across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

Continuing our partnership with Harmless

The CDA Group is proud to have extended its partnership with Harmless and The Tomorrow Project throughout 2026. Alongside Chris’s fundraising challenge, we are also the official kit sponsor of Henry’s Match, Harmless’ annual charity football match, which brings people together through the power of football while encouraging conversations around mental health and raising awareness of the support available.

Craig Taylor, Head of Sales at The CDA Group, said:
“Chris’s determination is an inspiration to everyone at The CDA Group. His decision to return to the Robin Hood Half Marathon after everything he has experienced demonstrates the resilience, courage and commitment that define him. We are incredibly proud to support Chris, to continue our partnership with Harmless and The Tomorrow Project throughout 2026, and to once again match every pound raised to maximise the funds available to these incredible charities. Through our sponsorship of Henry’s Match and Chris’s fundraising challenge, we hope to make a meaningful difference while helping break down the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring more people know that support is available.”
Jess Paine, Fundraising and Events Officer at Harmless, added:
“Chris’s determination to return to the Robin Hood Half Marathon after everything he has experienced is nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to keeping the promise he made, alongside the continued support of everyone at The CDA Group, will make a real difference to the people and families who rely on our services every day. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and support.”

Support Chris’s challenge

We’re incredibly proud of Chris’s determination to take on this challenge once again and would love your support.


Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Harmless and The Tomorrow Project continue delivering life-changing mental health services to people across Nottinghamshire and beyond.


With The CDA Group matching every pound raised, your generosity will have twice the impact.


To support Chris’s fundraising challenge and make a donation, click here.


To find out more about Harmless and the vital work they do, visit: https://harmless.org.uk


Thank you for helping us support such an important cause and raise awareness of the importance of mental health support.
by Luke Shepperson

Integrated VS freestanding appliances



When it comes to redesigning and introducing a new lease of life into your kitchen, how much time would you spend deciding between integrated and freestanding appliances? It may seem like a simply choice to make, but deciding on the type of appliances for your space matters. Ultimately, you want a kitchen that works for you – not one that causes you more hassle!

Aesthetic appeal:

The biggest deciding factor when it comes to choosing what kinds of appliances people want for their kitchen is how it works with the aesthetics. If you’re a minimalist, you may find the appeal in all integrated appliances. Disguising bulky washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers can give a ‘cleaner’, sleeker look to your kitchen and helps to create a tranquil environment. Or you may prefer for your kitchen to be an eye-catching space that has character at every turn. A show-stopping fridge freezer or dedicated laundry room with the washing machine centre-stage could be your perfect style.

Space utilisation:

But appearance may not be the only thing to consider. Making the most of your space is essential for any kitchen. Whether you’ve got a snug kitchen or a brand new extension, ensuring you maximise the space is important. A large kitchen with wasted space can be just as frustrating as a smaller kitchen with limited options. Deciding to invest in integrated appliances such as microwaves and coffee machines can really help to free up vital countertop space in smaller kitchens. While larger, freestanding appliances can help use up space in kitchens that have room to spare, saving from wasted space that can leave kitchens looking empty and lifeless.

Flexibility:

It’s important to decide whether you’re set with your design choice for the future or if you want to create a space that allows you more freedom when it comes to functionality. Integrated appliances are a sleek solution if you have a definitive plan of how you want your kitchen to look and function. Knowing that your appliance is built seamlessly into your kitchen can be a satisfying result. But for those who like to change their spaces often and enjoy the freedom to move things around, freestanding may be a more attractive option. Appliances that can be freely moved around the space to adapt and grow with your family and lifestyle can be an invaluable asset.

Maintenance and cost:

Of course, cost and maintenance is a huge factor to consider when choosing appliances. Although integrated appliances can offer a sleek and modern look to your kitchen, they are often accompanied by higher price tags and maintenance costs. Freestanding appliances’ ease to manoeuvre makes maintenance much easier and often results in you, or your engineer, having a much easier time identifying and fixing any issues. So, when you next come to redesigning your kitchen, take some time to consider the integration of your appliances. You might just find that appliances you never even considered could be the perfect addition to your kitchen!
by Luke Shepperson

35 Years of CDA: From a Nottinghamshire idea to a national kitchen brand



There are moments in a company’s history when it is worth pausing to reflect on how far things have come. For the CDA Group Ltd, based in Langar, Nottinghamshire, this year marks one of those moments. It is 35 years since the business was founded with a clear and ambitious goal: to design and supply kitchen appliances that combine thoughtful design, reliable performance, and genuine value for everyday living.

Where it all began

When Ian Kershaw founded CDA in 1991, the kitchen appliance industry looked very different to today. Kitchens were primarily functional spaces, and appliances were selected mainly for practicality rather than design or integration. From the outset, our focus was on doing things differently. We set out to build a business that understood the needs of retailers and installers, while also responding to the expectations of homeowners as kitchen spaces began to evolve. What started as a small independent business gradually grew through consistent product development, strong partnerships, and a commitment to quality.

Building something bigger

As the business expanded, so did our ambition. From our base in Langar, Nottinghamshire, CDA developed a growing portfolio of built-in kitchen appliances across cooking, refrigeration, and laundry. Each new product range reflected a changing market that increasingly valued integrated design, energy efficiency, and a more seamless kitchen aesthetic. Our growth has always been driven by steady progression rather than short-term change, built on listening to customers, working closely with trade partners, and refining our products year after year.

A new chapter with global reach

A significant milestone came in 2015 when CDA joined the Amica Group. This marked an important new chapter for the business. It combined our UK expertise and market knowledge with the scale and international capability of a wider European group, while allowing us to continue operating from our headquarters in Langar.

Langar remains at the heart of operations

Our Nottinghamshire base remains central to our operations, supporting design, product development, and customer service teams.

Innovation shaped by real homes

Over time, CDA has built a reputation for creating appliances designed around real homes and real living. From compact urban kitchens to larger family spaces, our focus remains the same. We aim to design products that fit naturally into modern kitchens while delivering dependable performance and contemporary style. Behind every product is a simple principle that has guided the business since the beginning. Appliances should make everyday life easier.

A changing industry, a consistent approach

The kitchen appliance sector has changed significantly over the past 35 years. Energy efficiency, sustainability, and integrated design are now central expectations rather than emerging trends. At the same time, kitchens have become more important living spaces within the home. Through this evolution, our approach has remained consistent. We continue to invest in product development, strengthen relationships with trade partners, and focus on delivering a balance of design, technology, and usability. We are also proud to have received recognition for our commitment to responsible business practices, including ethical accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide, which reflects our wider approach to sustainability and accountability.

Looking back and looking forward

Speaking about the milestone, Managing Director Chris Ward said:
“Reaching 35 years is a significant achievement for the business and is a testament to the dedication of our team members, partners, and customers. The kitchen appliance sector has evolved dramatically over the years, and we are proud to have continued innovating and adapting alongside changing consumer lifestyles, design trends, and technologies.”
Today, CDA continues to operate from our headquarters in Langar, supporting a wide network of partners across the UK and beyond. While the industry will continue to evolve, our focus remains the same. We are committed to designing and delivering well-made, reliable kitchen appliances that support the way people live now and in the future. Because in many ways, the story that began in Nottinghamshire 35 years ago is still being written.
by Luke Shepperson

5 benefits of an induction hob

CDA induction hob

  Finding the perfect hob type to suit your home can be a difficult task. Whether you’re trying to find one that fits your aesthetic, has the right safety features or simply the most functional, at CDA, we’re here to help you understand the differences and find the perfect appliance for your kitchen. To give you a better overview of why many people are choosing to switch to induction, we’ve put together our 5 top benefits and functions of an induction hob. 
1. Rapid, precise cooking 
Confidence in the kitchen comes from ease and control. That’s why having a hob that allows you to perfectly choose your temperature is a must-have for daily cooking. Whether it’s boiling, frying or melting, knowing you have the perfect temperature for your dish is essential.   Our induction hobs all feature easy-to-use touch controls with up to 14 power levels, offering you total control without the guesswork. Many of our models offer additional functions including Boost, plus preset programmes such as Melt, Simmer and Boil, so you can find the perfect hob to suit your cooking needs.   And if you’re looking for a hob that saves time, induction hobs’ heating functionality is the ideal solution. As induction hobs heat the pan directly through electromagnetic induction as opposed to heating the hob surface, foods and liquids are able to heat up in almost half the time of a gas hob. Making it the ideal appliance for fast, even cooking,  
2. Safety features 
Safety in the kitchen it always high on any homeowner’s priority list, which is why induction hobs have become a popular choice in contemporary kitchen design.   Not only does flameless cooking significantly reduce the risk of kitchen fires, it also allows for additional safety features to be added for peace of mind. Features such as child locks, residual heat indicators and overflow detection mean that you can cook with confidence.  
3. Cleaner and healthier cooking 
Unlike traditional gas hobs, inductions don’t emit any kind of combustible gas, allowing for cleaner indoor air quality and reducing the chances of developing related respiratory health issues. Additionally, the smooth glass surface makes induction hobs easy to wipe clean after every use, ensuring your cooking surface looks great and stays clean every day.  
 4. Energy efficiency 
A major benefit of induction hobs is their energy efficiency, as induction hobs directly heat the pan rather than the surrounding air. Up to 90% of the energy is transferred to the food, as opposed to around 40% for gas and 75% for standard electric hobs. This level of efficiency greatly reduces cooking time, lowering energy bills and minimising heat loss in the kitchen.    If energy efficiency is high on your priority list, why not consider a multi-purpose appliance? Our HNE81FR 80cm 4 zone venting induction hob not only minimises the space taken up by appliances by removing the need for a wall, ceiling, or island mounted extractor, but also helps keep costs down without sacrificing performance or style. 
5. Features that suit your lifestyle 
Induction hobs are not just practical, but also come in a range of designs and sizes with a whole host of different functions to choose from.  At CDA we offer a variety of induction hobs ranging from two to five zone cooking, ensuring the most optimal choice for your cooking space. For those who value efficiency and ease, many of our models come with one-click cooking functions such as instant Simmer, Boil, and Melting – allowing you to get back to more important matters, like entertaining your guests or simply taking a moment to relax! 
For more information, or to discover the whole range,  you can view all CDA induction hobs here.            
by Luke Shepperson

What’s New for Energy Labels?

Your home appliance energy labels are about to change, here is what you need to know…

Way back when we started rating home appliances for their energy efficiency, the A, B, C system worked fine. Categorising fridges, wine coolers, dishwashers, washing machines and washer dryers into the different ratings meant that you, the consumer, could make confident decisions about water and energy consumption when shopping for your new model.

As technology has improved, appliances have become increasingly more energy efficient and many of them fit into the same broad energy label bracket. The time has come to revaluate the system in order to make things clearer for you, and to encourage manufacturers like us to continue researching and developing so that we can keep on improving.

When does it start?

The changes have already started to happen, with new energy labels starting to be introduced in 2020. In the run up to 1st March 2021, the official switching date, we have been working hard to test and label our appliances correctly to comply with this new scale.

What should I look for?

There will be a period of transition, where appliances might feature two labels. This doesn’t mean to say that one is wrong, and both labels will be relevant for the appliance. The higher rating will inevitably be the old energy rating and the lower rating will be the new one.

This is what the current energy labels look like:

This is what the new energy labels will look like:

These changes will encourage further energy savings by making manufacturers simply ‘try harder’, and this can only be a good thing for our environment and your pocket when it comes to household bills.