Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
9th May 2008
Links Not Working? Go to http://www.thekbzine.com
ATAG
UK Launches New Gas Hob Range
ATAG UK has recently launched the MAGNA Design Line that includes
a cutting-edge collection of gas hobs. Visually striking the Stainless
Steel Hob, 900mm wide, HG9711MT, is designed to cater for a diverse
range of cooking styles and personal tastes from the sophisticated
dinner party to the casual weekend brunch
More
here:
Franke
- All Squared Up
Providing an alternative to traditional chimney-style cooker hoods,
the new Kubus High Wall from Franke presents a modern
block design that's the perfect partner to today's modular kitchen
furniture
More
here:
New
Siemens Dishwasher
Siemens has just introduced a freestanding
dishwasher in a fingerprint free stainless steel look. What sets new
model SN26M890GB apart from the rest is the fact that this 60cm wide
dishwasher can now accomodate 14 place settings - instead of the standard
12
More
here:
Egg
Cooker Exclusive to Cooking Time
A quick and effective way to cook your eggs, the
Severin Electric Egg Boiler is a fantastic kitchen gadget exclusive
to Cooking Time
More
here:
Maytag
UK's Refrigeration
Maytag UK says that not only is the
company the purveyor of genuine American refrigeration it is also
the inventor of the side-by-side
More
here:
Electrolux
Launches Auto-focus for Chefs
Electrolux is launching a new oven
called Inspiro, the first oven that thanks to a breakthrough heat
management technique automatically selects the right heating mode
based on the contents of the oven
More
here:
Team
UKI Steam Iron
Team
UKI,
the Birmingham based small domestic appliance brand, has added a new
steam generator iron to its collection
More
here:
De
Dietrich Designer Hood
This De Dietrich wall mounted designer hood is designed
to act as a showpiece above a 90cm hob and is sleek and sophisticated
in its minimalism
More
here:
Fagor
8kg Washer
Fagor large capacity 8kg stainless
steel freestanding washer dryer is AA-rated for energy and wash performance
More
here:
New
Monchrome Look Kettle
Monochrome is the latest 'must have' look from the
catwalk. Now you can make a style statement in your kitchen with the
new Morphy Richards Accents Dove White Kettle and Toaster
More
here:
Cosentino
SenSa Granite
Specialist in natural stone, Cosentino is launching
a new range of granite work surfaces this autumn. SenSa Granite benefits
from exclusive stain protection, which is designed to last for fifteen
years
More
here:
Bushboard
Omega Ebony Stripwood
For a touch of the exotic, look no further than
Ebony Stripwood on Bushboard's newly launched Omega
worktop range
More
here:
LG
HI-MACS for Counter Top Perfection
A good example of how LG HI-MACS can
be used for design and performance perfection for a modern kitchen
worksurface with integrated sink
More
here:
The
Future is Electric
Triton
Showers has launched a new 'Inscriptions' electric shower
collection that combines designer style and performance with an affordable
price tag.
More
here:
New
and Improved Trevi Shower Kits
A new and improved shower kit range has been introduced by Trevi,
Ideal Standard's brand for shower valves and kits. Elipse
is designed to replace the existing Compact range whilst other Trevi
ranges have been simplified
More
here:
Chic
& Sophisticated Milton Walnut
Walnut is the fourth finish to be added to PWS'
successful Milton in-frame collection. Milton Walnut embodies essential
elements of style to inject sophistication into the kitchen with
its classical in-frame design and distinctive walnut colouring adding
warmth to the scheme
More
here:
Light
Up your Life with Miele die Kuche
Award winning kitchen manufacturer Miele
die Kuche says that it is the only company to offer customers
a choice of eight different ways to not only illuminate, but enhance
their kitchens.
More
here:
Utopia
Extends You Modular Range
Utopia Bathroom Group has added a new high gloss finish
and a range of new single drawer cabinets to its popular YOU range
of modular bathroom furniture
More
here:
Xil
Bathroom Collection from Smirk
For over a decade Smirk has provided consumers with
a collection of bathroom choices coupled with its design expertise.
2008 sees Smirk showcase the Xil bathroom furniture collection,
utilising natural materials such as wood and stone to give the bathroom
an organic feel
More
here:
Easy-fit Linea 320M Waste Sorter Bin from Carron Phoenix
Complementing
its extensive sink and tap portfolio, Carron Phoenix can
provide an added eco-solution with its competitively priced Linea 320M
waste sorter bin
More
here:
Marbella
from Aeon
Aeon Radiator Heaven unveiled
the new Marbella designer radiator at KBB in March. Marbella
is a departure for designer radiators, with four natural stone
elements divided and supported by polished mirror finish stainless
steel 'belts' in this vertical hanging design
More
here:
Credit
Crunch May Yet Bite
It's becoming a little more difficult
to ignore the effects of the credit crunch. Persimmom Homes has announced
it is to stop building any more homes until the situation improves, and
the latest Plimsoll report into the construction industry suggests that
14% of firms in the housebuilding sector are vulnerable.
That may of course mean that the refurbishment and interiors market stays
reasonably healthy as people improve rather than move.
Sales of building materials at builders merchants cross the country are
also in decline - down 3.1% over the first three months of this year.
Further,
a recent report by MTW Research into the K & B distributor market
identifies that a substantial proportion of recent asset growth may have
been heavily subsidised by rising levels of borrowing by the industry.
In 2007, the combined assets of the Kitchen and Bathroom Distributors
grew by around 4%, whilst borrowing rose by 5%.
The in-depth report (100+ pages) goes on to find that an average distributor's
turnover has risen by around 7% since 2004, reflecting growth at, or slightly
below, inflationary levels in recent years. Forecasts for turnover, profitability,
asset and debts are provided by MTW to 2012, with a number of reasons
for the industry to be reasonably cheerful.
On
a brighter note Rachel Mulvihill of Taps4Less.com and her
daughter Shelby are racing 5km to help Cancer Research. Good luck to them.
Potential sponsors can read
More
here:
More
Summer Showers for Scotland
Aqualux is reinforcing its presence across the border as
it appoints Dave Stewart as area sales manager covering Scotland.
[More
here]
Whirlpool:
Juan Pillay New Marketing Manager
Whirlpool has announced the appointment of Juan
Pillay to Marketing Manager of Fabric Care and Dishwashing. Juan
previously held the position of Business Planning Manager at Whirlpool
and brings valuable market insight to the position.
[More
here]
FIRA
Appoints New Testing Boss
FIRA
International has appointed Mark Bronka as Operations Manager,
Testing Services.
[More
here]
New
Sales Manager for PWS
PWS has appointed Jane Hubery as Area Sales Manager, responsible
for the sales development of the PWS portfolio in the East Midlands.
[More
here]
Aqualux
Boosts Sales Team
Aqualux is welcoming an additional member to its UK wide
sales force as Gary Laister is appointed area sales manager for
the Midlands.
[More
here]
'New
for 2008' from Aqata
Aqata, the independent British manufacturer
of shower enclosures, has unveiled the 'New for 2008' brochure to
accompany the launch of its new Spectra range of ultra minimal frameless
enclosures.
[More
here]
Screwfix
Introduces 'Simply the Best'
The latest catalogue from Screwfix
(issue 91) focuses on offering 'Simply the Best' and features more
than 18,000 high quality, low cost building, maintenance and refurbishment
items for use by the trade and serious home improvers, this 1188-page
issue also includes over 900 new products.
[More
here]
Marflow
Showroom Price Guide
Bathroom supplier Marflow Engineering has launched
its latest showroom price guide containing details of its complete
portfolio, from the traditional St James to the ultra contemporary
designer range, Tangent.
[More
here]
Tecnargilla
2008
The time is coming around for Tecnargilla,
the most important international showcase of supplies for the ceramics
industry, organised by Rimini Fiera in partnership with ACIMAC.
[More
here]
Cesana
at Salone Del Mobile
Italian shower manufacturer Cesana exhibited
its range of stylish, contemporary showers at the Salone Del Mobile exhibition
in Milan last month.
[More
here]
Expansion
for Kitchen & Bathroom Show
The Kitchen & Bathroom Show has been
extended from two to three days to enable visitors with a professional
interest in the industries to spend time at the event during their normal
mid-week working day as opposed to taking up their valuable weekend leisure
time.
[More
here]
First
News from THE Conference 2008
TV presenter and comedian Nick Hancock has been announced as guest
host of THE Conference, which is taking place this year
in Tenerife, 26-29 June.
[More
here]
Whirlpool
Announces Scholarship Winners
Whirlpool Foundation has announced the results of the 56th
annual Sons & Daughters Scholarship competition on behalf of Whirlpool
Corporation's Twin Cities grouping. Three $16,000 scholarships, payable
over four years, two $2,500 Honour Awards and one $1,000 Incentive Award
were presented to outstanding graduating high school students.
[More
here]
Ad Campaign for Silestone
Spanish-owned Cosentino, the manufacturer of Silestone quartz work surfaces, has unveiled its new press advertisement for 2008.
[More here]
New
Website for GROHE
GROHE, tap and shower manufacturer,
has launched its new website - aimed to inspire, inform and support
on all aspects of bathroom and kitchen design.
More
here:
Slick
and Stylish
The
introduction of an extensive range of built-in domestic appliances
is the catalyst for a new, stylish website for Sovereign Appliance
Marketing Ltd.
More
here:
Miele Plays Host to Sales and Customer Care Course
The Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon was the venue for the latest one day Sales and Customer Care course, which is approved by KBB NTG and CITB Construction Skills.
More here:
Taps4Less.com Races for Cancer Research UK
Rachel Mulvihill of Taps4Less.com and her daughter Shelby are racing 5km to help Cancer Research.
More here:
New
Rialto Range from Hammonds
Whether you describe your style as vintage boudoir
or elegant and sophisticated, Rialto, the latest design from Hammonds,
offers versatility while providing storage solutions for the way
we live today
More
here:
Decorum
Tile Studio Launches New Ranges
2008
marks another exciting year for Decorum with a number
of new launches including its collaboration with English Heritage
to produce a range depicting the richness and diversity of the English
tile craft.
More
here:
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
Mereway
has Handleless Options
Futura;
part of Mereway's Cucina Colore Collection brings Italian
chic design and practicality together with storage solutions
hidden behind dramatic contemporary styling. The Futura
handleless range presents clean lines with smooth top
extrusions so fingers tuck over the top ridge for opening
doors.
[More
on this Product]
The
K&BZine Search Engine
Just
type in your search term and hit the button
to search over 700 pages on The K&BZine
website.
East
Ayrshire Council Requires Electrical Domestic
Appliances
East
Ayrshire Council is looking to contract
for the provision of furniture, furnishings
and white goods to Council hostels and homeless
tenancies. (Time-limit 01.07.2008).
[More
on this Tender]
Cardiff
Tenders for Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
Framework
Cardiff County Council
is tendering for a framework agreement for
carrying out the upgrading of existing kitchen
and bathroom facilities to Council owned
properties. Estimated value excluding VAT:
24,000,000 GBP. (Time-limit 28.05.2008).
[More
on this Tender]
K&B
Distributor Market: Debt Surges in Difficult Times
Research for a new report on the Kitchen and
Bathroom Distributors market has found that the industry is set
to experience tougher trading conditions in 2008/9, despite signs
that the market should continue to experience positive performance
in terms of overall sales turnover.
[More
on this Story]
Merchant
Sales in Q1 Reflect Market Downturn
Sales of building materials at builders'merchants
across the country were down by 3.1% during the first three months
of 2008, when compared with the same trading period of the previous
year, latest figures from the Builders Merchants Federation reveal.
[More
on this Story]
Collapse
of Cotswoldgate Leads to Calls for a Change in Company Law
Cotswoldgate
has become the latest housebuilder to fall victim to the credit
crunch after going into administration last week. The demise of
the 13m turnover company prompted creditors to call for a change
to the law that allows housebuilders and their financial backers
to share the same company directors.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Announces Major Changes to Drive Forward Growth
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association
(KBSA) has announced that it has restructured its administrative
operations as a key part of its new plans to improve member benefits
and services. This will be coupled with a new membership campaign
for both retailers and corporates.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK Appoints New Distributor for Ireland
Maytag UK has announced the appointment of C&F
Quadrant to handle the distribution and service of Maytag UK's
brands throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
with immediate effect.
[More
on this Story]
New
Showroom for Aquadreams
Sean McCann and Jason Humpherston say tht they
have proved that dreams really do come true, with their new bathroom
showroom in Sutton Coldfield. Aquadreams is a [tc] totally committed
showroom, consisting of 40 displays of [tc] bathrooms products
in a 2,100 sq ft double fronted store, just a couple of miles
off the M6.
[More
on this Story]
Tradestyle
Cabinets Opens Riverside Studio & Showroom
A
new flagship boutique 'Riverside Kitchen Design Studio and Showroom'
was officially opened last week to produce the very best in creative
kitchen solutions in Glasgow. This is the third kitchen showroom
to be opened by Elaine Sutherland whose other studios are in Elgin
and Inverness.
[More
on this Story]
Samsung
Staron Targets KBB Market with ArtiCAD
ArtiCAD, the computer-aided design software
developer for the KBB marketplace, has announced a new partnership
with Samsung Staron UK
[More
on this Story]
Nobia
and DMG Acquire German Kitchen Chain Vesta
Through
Culinoma, Swedish company Nobia and Dutch company DMG have acquired
75 per cent of the German Vesta Group, a kitchen retail chain
located in Germany with ten stores that generated sales of approximately
EUR 27 million in 2007.
[More
on this Story]
Bugs
Like it Hot!
Keep everyone smiling this summer with the latest
appliances from Maytag UK. National Food Safety Week takes place
from 9th to 13th June this year and it is an excellent opportunity
to remind consumers of the dangers of food contamination by bacteria.
[More
on this Story]
Premium
Appliance Brands Customer Support Service
Warrington based white goods company Premium
Appliance Brands has proved that customer service is the top of
its agenda by overhauling its customer support and service operations.
[More
on this Story]
Call
for Water-Wise Business to Shout About Success
The
Environment Agency is calling on innovative businesses and other
organisations to lead by example and demonstrate their outstanding
contribution to water conservation by entering the Water Efficiency
Awards 2009.
[More
on this Story]
Satinjet
Awarded Waterwise Marque
Deva's Satinjet shower system - that saves up
to 40% on water and energy whilst providing the most rejuvenating
and luxurious cleansing experience - has been awarded the Waterwise
Marque in recognition of its environmental achievements.
[More
on this Story]
Ten
Marques of Excellence
Waterwise has announced ten new water saving
devices which have been awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque.
The new products bring the total number of Waterwise Marque products
to 25 across a broad range of products for saving water indoors
and outdoors.
[More
on this Story]
Shades
Smashes Environmental Targets
Shades has just released its environmental target
results for 2007 and the picture couldn't be greener - the figures
are not only excellent for the company, but for the environment
too.
[More
on this Story]
Green
Issues Taken Seriously in Eco Kitchens
Eco
kitchens and carbon footprints are much banded about terms, but
interestingly enough consumers are starting to take things seriously.
Traditional craftsmen like Cotteswood have in fact been environmentally
dedicated when producing kitchens and advising customers on green
issues for many years.
[More
on this Story]
Home
Baker of the Year Launches at Poggenpohl Manchester
Sticky
cakes were the order of the day at Poggenpohl's Manchester studio
on 10th April. The newly-opened showroom enjoyed a visit from
actress and queen of home baking, Jane Asher, to launch the Home
Baker of the Year award 2008.
[More
on this Story]
HPP
Illuminates with Environmentally Friendly Lighting
Furniture
component supplier, HPP has joined forces with Sensio to offer
the latest UK technology in stylish, energy efficient lighting.
[More
on this Story]
SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
Defra
Claims Retailers are Key to Water Efficiency
In
a new report titled 'Future Water - the Government's
water strategy for England', Defra when referring
to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA)
Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme claims that
retailers are key in the development of water efficiency
initiatives.
[More
Here]
Building
A Business In 2008
This
time of year always brings numerous surveys and economic
forecasts about what is in store for the coming twelve
months. Now that the madness of the sales has passed
retailers in the KBB industry can take stock and assess
how their businesses are going to prosper during what
is generally termed to be 'tough trading conditions'.
[More
Here]
We
have archived items from the following Channels: News,
Appliances,
Awards,
Bathroom
Products, Events,
Kitchen
Products, Literature,
Marketing, People
and Taps
& Showers.
KBB
2008:[Exhibitors]
BKEXPO 2007: Exhibitor List here;
Product Launches here:
Reviews
here
Reviews
of product launches from KBB 2008 can be found here.
SUBMITTING
EDITORIALShould you wish to submit editorial to THE K&BZINE, please email Richard & Debbie Schwarz at news@thekbzine.com or telephone 0208 656 9878, mobile 07889 664061 Editorial is FREE OF CHARGE but may be edited to house style. An image manipulation charge may apply.
Write to us at: The K&BZine, PO Box 1488, Croydon CR9 7WH
ADVERTISERS
Should you wish to advertise on THE K&BZINE, please email KBZineSales or telephone 0208 656 9878, mobile 07889 664061
A Ratecard is viewable here
Copyright 2004/8 Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
Permission to use any of the material contained in this EZine should be obtained from Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
IF
YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THIS EMAIL BY A COLLEAGUE,
PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE