ELECO plc

 ("Eleco" or the "Group")

Eleco to Produce Home Design Software for Grand Designs

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and Eleco have announced plans to partner on the production of a range of home design software under the talkbackTHAMES produced Grand Designs brand which will enable amateur design enthusiasts to create and visualise their own Grand Designs projects. The Grand Designs 3D product range, including Self Build & Development, Renovation & Interior and Kitchen & Bathroom packages, will be launched at Grand Designs Live on 10 October 2008.

Grand Designs 3D is based on "ARCON", Eleco's leading 3D design software. With input from FME's UK licensing team and the talkbackTHAMES production team, Grand Designs 3D contains the quality and maintains the credentials of the two brands to create a unique product offering. 

Grand Designs 3D will allow the user to quickly, easily and accurately design the exterior, interior and garden of their dream home. Initially, there will be three software packages in the product range catering for projects of a variety of sizes and budgets; from simple remodelling of existing properties to complete self-build projects. The product output can also be used by homeowners to apply for outline planning permission.

2D drawing tools will initially allow the user to bring to life ideas before visualising them in a 3D environment. A database of fixtures and fittings allows each project to be furnished and decorated with rendered images demonstrating the effects of texturing, lighting and even shadows. Finally, the 3D walk through feature allows each project to be examined in close-up detail and provides a genuine impression of moving around the finished home or room. Adaptations can be easily implemented; altering both small and large details at will until the users own Grand Design is completed

Dan Naylor, CEO of Eleco Visualisation Software, commented: 

"Eleco has a strong reputation as a provider of home design software across the UK and Europe; it is a perfect match to work alongside Grand Designs to attract a wider consumer audience to engage with the design process of their living space.

We feel our product is launching at an ideal time in a market where homeowners are increasingly looking to improve their existing property rather than move on. We hope that our software allows increasing numbers of consumers to visualise their ideas and perhaps even start their own Grand Design."

Dominic Burns, FME SVP Licensing UK, added: 

"We are delighted to be partnering with Eleco on this cutting edge software that will give users a keener understanding of the skills required to take on a Grand Design. The TV series actively encourages Grand Designers to work with the correct experts on their projects, be it architects or designers and this type of product will enable them to speak the same language."

For further information:

Buchanan Communications:

Tim Anderson

Isabel Podda

Christian Goodbody

Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000

christiang@buchanan.uk.com  

Eleco:

Ruth Fraser, Chaloner Associates

Tel: +44 (0) 1954 270599

ruth@chaloner-associates.co.uk

Fremantlemedia:

Laura Saunders, The Lippin Group

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 3008 5407

laura.saunders@lippingroup.com

ABOUT ELECO VISUALISATION SOFTWARE

Eleco Visualisation Software, a division of Eleco plc, has been developing 3D successful visualisation Software since 1999. The business has its roots in the professional construction market where ARCON has been used by Architects, Architects and Builders in the UK and Europe. ARCON is considered a leading design software in Europe with over 1.5m copies sold since 2005. Dan Naylor is the Chief Executive of Eleco Visualisation Software.

Eleco is a holding company focusing principally n advanced offsite building systems and software for the construction industry. Eleco operates in the UK, Sweden, Germany and South Africa.

Visit www.3darchitect.co.uk for further information about ARCON

Visit www.eleco.com for further information about Eleco plc

ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES and FREMANTLEMEDIA 
FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment. It is a division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 countries worldwide.  FremantleMedia is a subsidiary of RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is 90% owned by Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's media markets.  For further information, visit http://www.fremantlemedia.com.