'Next' kitchen collection from Schüller makes great design affordable
The 'next' collection for 2010 is a new modern kitchen classic featuring a streamlined cubic shape, new innovative materials and door designs all with the promise of making great design affordable. The collection includes 'next125' and the handle-less 'nextline' range, which rival premium brands for the finish and the fixtures, but offered at a mid-market price.
Each kitchen has a pure cubic shape, made possible by a depth of 575mm, which not only looks beautiful but provides additional storage space, demonstrating how creativity can be combined with practicality. The collection is also built on a Raster system of 125mm, usually the preserve of premium kitchens, so that the line in the kitchen is continuous and unbroken.
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Bushboard's Encore Chocolate Sparkle solid surfacing is rich and luxurious
Chocolate Sparkle from Bushboard's Encore range offers rich and luxurious looks in solid surfacing, giving those who prefer dark shades an appealing design alternative to black.
The intensity of the colour offers a richness that will combine well with a wide range of plain colours and woodgrain finishes to give an impeccably sophisticated look. Its luxuriousness is further enhanced by subtle pearlescent particles, with the beautifully smooth surface.
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MGA Distributors introduces the brand new Europa-2 drawer from Indaux
MGA Distributors has been chosen as the UK's first distributor of the new Europa-2 drawer from Indaux.
Indaux has been creating, developing, manufacturing and marketing fittings and components for the furniture industry since 1962. The Europa-2 drawer demonstrates Indaux's knowledge of its market and customers' needs.
The complete one-piece steel drawer arrives assembled and is available in 300, 400, 450, 500, 600, 800, 900 and 1000mm widths. It is made from a scratch resistant grey PVC coated steel.
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Digitally delicious! Belling launches interactive cookery book
Leading home appliance brand Belling, has announced the launch of a new interactive digital cookery guide - the Media Chef.
Ideal for cooks of all abilities, the Belling Media Chef is the perfect kitchen accessory for those looking to create a culinary masterpiece.
Pre-loaded with 48 cook-a-long demonstration recipes including three exclusive recipes from top chef, Brian Turner, the Media Chef allows the user to watch, follow and master recipes from its very own eight inch screen.
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Trend forecast 2010: Kitchen intelligence, colourful confidence, purposeful bespoke and eastern details...
The expert design team at Evitavonni predicts some interesting design trends for 2010. Design-savvy consumers can expect to see several key themes emerging including kitchen-intelligence, colourful confidence, purposeful bespoke and modern eastern. These four themes work together to provide interiors that are intuitive, brighter, more lifestyle specific and more globally influenced than ever before, says the company.
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Hate recycling? Look this way
The nuisance of recycling is now an everyday problem, but we all know that it's the right thing to do. Everyone has a different way of doing it – bags, or boxes in the kitchen, in the garden, squashed into a cupboard until the next trip to the supermarket. Even for those lucky enough to have kerbside collections, where do you store your recycled materials until the collection date? Wouldn't it be good to be able to store your recycled material out of the way and out of sight?
The answer is here in the shape of the Compactor built-in kitchen bin range from Recycologic. The Compactor kits convert your kitchen cupboard and door into the most versatile, compacting recycling bin available.
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Two new distributors for Franke
Kitchen specialist, Franke, has recently appointed two new distributors – Leaker Direct and Cooper Callas. Both distributors offer Franke's full range of sinks, taps, hoods and kitchen solutions, and Franke is confident that both companies will deliver high service to meet the exacting standards of Franke.
Leaker Direct is Scotland's largest independent appliance distributor, and the company is a one stop shop for all kitchen appliance and accessory needs.
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Blanco opens smart new showroom
The stunning 2,800 sq ft Blanco showroom is now open at the 41,00o sq ft purpose-built HQ in Radlett to which Blanco moved in May this year, after more than 20 years in North London. The showroom is open from 10.00am - 4.00pm from Monday-Friday with parking for 50 cars.
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Burbridge's new Opus range is a super smoothie
Burbidge has proved it is right on trend yet again, with the launch of a new white matt finish for its highly popular, contemporary Opus range.
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New eLIX tap meets criteria for Code for Sustainable Homes
The eLIX tap by Carron Phoenix is the perfect little number for the contract market, allowing developers to meet level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The code requires all the water products in the house to add up to no more than 105 litres per person per day and eLIX helps achieve this by way of a flow regulator that sits unobtrusively inside the perlator at the end of the tap spout. The eLIX also has a click valve which can be used to give the water a temporary boost - for example when filling a kettle.
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New Ebro tap range goes with the flow
Hot on the heels of several new tap ranges launched in 2009, Pegler Yorkshire has expanded the range further with the introduction of two new tap ranges – Ebro and Pulsar. Both are minimalistic in style and despite being part of the Francis Pegler range are competitive in price.
Ebro is a fresh new design and named after the largest river in Spain, it has an unashamedly European vogue – a flow straightener is fitted as standard and all the basin fittings include an aerator, for that champagne ‘bubbly' water flow.
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Thermastone: for the design conscious kitchen connoisseur
Gadget loving design junkies will love this innovative kitchen 'must have' from Mercury. The super slick, modern styling of the Thermastone heat storage range cooker has embraced all things design to the maximum and created a kitchen appliance that not only looks great, but which also pushes traditional boundaries of cooking technology.
The special silicon carbide material that creates two of the four oven cavities is an exceptionally hard material with what is said to be twice the heat store capacity of the cast iron used in other heat storage cookers. The hob - comprised of two gas burners and an electric solid surface Chef's Plate, perfect for simmering, sizzling and sautéing, all powered separately from the ovens - unusually offers users the option of adjustable heat storage temperatures throughout the summer months, without compromising its slick and exclusive look, perfectly matched for any style of kitchen.
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Baumatic joins forces with Galaxy in series of consumer competitions
The Baumatic brand is being strengthened further thanks to an exciting cross-marketing partnership with chocolate manufacturer Galaxy. The two companies are teaming up for a series of competitions appearing in several high-circulation consumer titles, across both magazine and online formats, including Womenandhome.com and Prima.
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Freestanding induction by Amica
Amica is pleased to expand its portfolio of highly desirable cooking appliances in the UK with the 601IE3Ta, a 60cm oven which combines the versatility of freestanding with the efficiency of induction.
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Retro-chic at the sleep room
Online bed specialist, The Sleep Room, offers a range of glamorous, retro-inspired beds for stylish sleepers. Nostalgia is a big theme for 2010 but it's often difficult to pull-off this look with modern products. Whilst vintage beds look great they rarely offer maximum comfort - are you really willing to put style before sleep?
With the ‘Retro' bed from The Sleep Room, you don't have to compromise on anything. This beautifully nostalgic design offers the much sought-after style of a vintage bed with all the comfort and reliability of modern design.
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Tiles anywhere and everywhere
In the UK ceramic and natural stone tiles used to be confined to the bathroom and kitchen but not anymore. Now British homeowners are becoming more like their European neighbours and are using tiles throughout the home. If your home is minimalist loft, cool, uncluttered Scandinavian, richly decorated Victorian or warm country cottage there is a tile that will perfectly reflect and enhance your style.
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20-20 Fusion welcomes Pilkington's Tiles Group to its fast-growing catalogue portfolio
20-20 Fusion, the renowned developer of advanced design and visualisation software for the kitchen and bathroom industry, is delighted to announce the addition of Pilkington's to its fast-growing portfolio of manufacturer catalogues. Pilkington's will be represented across both the Fusion Bathrooms and Kitchens platforms with the inclusion of its complete product portfolio, encompassing over 500 wall and floor tiles, borders and mosaics.
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Welcome to the
KBzine
With the UK's car scrappage scheme about to end, I've come across a similar scheme in the US which covers unwanted kitchen appliances etc. and is designed to stimulate the economy while saving energy and encouraging recycling - thus helping the environment. Seems like a good idea to me...
The 'cash for appliance clunkers' rebate programme has a pot of $300m. Those taking advantage of the scheme can be awarded up to $200 for the purchase of an energy efficient appliance, through discounts given at the cash register when they make their purchase, as well as a 'mail-in rebate' if their ‘clunker' appliance is hauled away by one of the approved recycling companies.
And of course, consumers will save money not only when they buy the appliance but throughout the appliance's life too, as using less energy will result in cost savings on utility bills.
I hear that the US ‘cash for clunkers' car programme went through $ 1 billion in just a week, so I should imagine the industry and the retailers are feeling pretty frazzled right now as consumers rush out to choose their new appliances before the money runs out!
Lane Burt, Manager of Buildings & Energy Policy with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, D.C., believes that the programme's success could encourage manufacturers to invest more in green technology in the future.
“Green technology is usually a small market, and when the manufacturers expand capacity, it involves changing their manufacturing lines and where they're investing their resources,” he said. “If they see there is a market, they will put more money into developing new, energy-efficient technology.”
And talking of new technology, our rolling KBB 2010 preview kicks off this week with information from a handful of the companies that will be exhibiting.
If you're a manufacturer or supplier who's taking part and haven't yet sent KBZine information that will encourage our readers to attend the show and visit your stand, please do so as soon as possible so we can include it in our pages over the coming weeks. Everything we run will end up in our KBB feature, which can be used by those visiting the show to plan their days there, so do make sure you don't miss out!
Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
New cooperation between Keller Kitchens and Bruynzeel Kitchens
Keller Kitchens and Bruynzeel Kitchens have reached an agreement resulting in a new and exciting cooperation; the Bruynzeel holding company has taken over 100% of the shares of the Keller group from Keller. The contract was signed last week and, further to this new organisation, the Netherlands now houses one of Europe's largest kitchen factories. Due to the combined strength of these two established companies, a solid foundation for expansion of the group over Europe has been laid.
“We are really pleased that this union represents no negative consequences for our employees; the move is entirely positive," says Willem Keller, MD of Keller Kitchens. "I will remain as Managing Director of Keller Kitchens.”
Both companies will retain their own identities and independence and continue with their individual policies, strategies, brands, collections and production plants. This structure is possible as the two companies are serving the residential kitchen market in totally different ways. Bruynzeel has always managed its own kitchen stores in Holland and Belgium, while Keller has a network of independent kitchen specialists in the UK as well as Holland.
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Franke helps provide a touch of luxury
Franke products have recently been used to help furnish the Leekes Retail and Leisure Group's development, Hensol Castle Park. The luxury apartment complex consists of 59 apartments with an average sale price of £350,000.
Hensol Castle Park is a collection of spacious two and three bedroom apartments located within the spectacular and historical parkland of Hensol Castle Estate. Beautifully designed and located within an estate-managed development, these homes promise much from the outside and then deliver more from the inside with so many bespoke design features. The apartments are all furnished with Franke sinks, taps, waste disposal units and cooker hoods.
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Zero from MHS Radiators - a high output alternative to steel panels
MHS Radiators has launched the Zero range of low cost, lightweight aluminium radiators with contemporary styling and excellent heat outputs from 423W to 3,068W.
They make an excellent alternative to steel panel radiators and thanks to their low water content heat up rapidly and are extremely efficient. And where high pressures are needed, like high rise buildings, Zero operates at up to 16 BAR, making specification simple.
Available in white or polished finishes, Zero works well with traditional heating systems, or lower temperature heating systems, such as heat pumps. There are four heights available, (from 373mm to 823mm) and eight lengths (422mm to 2,044mm). All sizes are lightweight enough for one person to fit.
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Rangemaster introduces three new colours to popular Professional+ Range Cooker
 When dated kitchens are in need of a little revival, a colour injection through stylish, cotemporary appliances is the perfect way to enhance and transform. Rangemaster's new additions of sleek black, vibrant cranberry (pictured) or opulent cream to the Professional+ range is sure to be the splash of colour any tired kitchen needs. This new colour palette is available on both the Professional+ 90 and 110 models.
Building on the success of the Professional+ in Stainless Steel, this superb appliance is a culinary masterpiece offering discerning cooks a wealth of features to choose from:
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Secret to long-term business success (as the economy recovers) revealed...
On Tuesday, the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development published the first year findings of one of its flagship research programmes, Shaping the Future, which offers practical insights into achieving sustainable, long term business prosperity.
The report follows six organisations undertaking change programmes, tracking their progress, examining the challenges and opportunities they encounter, and helping to stimulate debate among the 5,500 practitioners signed up to the dedicated Shaping the Future network.
The interim report, 'Sustainable organisation performance: what really makes the difference?' identifies the key areas that organisations need to consider on their journey to sustainable organisation performance. To successfully implement change and achieve sustainability, the report concludes that organisations need to focus on:
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There's nothing like a good bubbly!
Taking a bath has just become cause for celebration! Renowned UK bathroom specialist Frontline, has three new fabulous free-standing baths to entice you to luxuriate in the tub…
The Aquabathe range, exclusive to Frontline, is a clever fusion of contemporary and lavish design. With sumptuous lines, the curvaceous Pano bath is one to admire. This brand new freestanding double ended bath is designed for perfect relaxation. The raised contours of one end and graduated recess provide an ideal head rest. Standing proud at 1800 x 900mm and finished in brilliant white, the Pano bath is designed for pure relaxation.
The IXOS freestanding double ended bath is another newcomer to the Frontline's Aquabathe range. In contrast to Pano, the IXOS bath has clean, masculine lines. The strong angular appearance of this classic shape evokes a more minimalist look. The IXOS bath has a generous capacity of 230 litres.
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Croydex welcomes Damixa to the UK with huge KBB giveaway
Croydex is delighted to announce a new partnership with Danish brassware manufacturer Damixa, whose products are to be showcased at the KBB 2010. Croydex, now responsible for the Damixa brand in the UK, will be kicking off this exciting development with a 'not to be missed' promotion.
Damixa has been eager to regain its foothold in the UK market since its management buy-out last year.
President of Damixa, Kim Kenlev states: “This exciting new partnership with Croydex, one of the country's leading players in the bathroom fittings and accessories market, offers perfect synergy for both parties”.
Croydex takes full responsibility for all sales and marketing activities for Damixa in the UK, offering an exciting range of water saving bathroom and kitchen products. The Damixa range embraces Danish design with an ecological twist supporting the company philosophy 'where design makes sense'.
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Nearly 40% of CEOs worldwide plan to increase workforce in 2010
With their worst fears of prolonged recession behind them, CEOs' confidence for future growth has bounced back from the gloomy prospects of a year ago, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers 13th Annual Global CEO Survey, released on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos.
This rising confidence has translated into a planned boost in recruitment, with nearly 40% of CEOs expecting to increase their headcount this year. That contrasts with 25% who are planning job cuts over the next year, down from nearly half who decreased headcount in the past 12 months.
In Asia Pacific and Canada about half are looking to increase employment in 2010, and this figure leaps to over 60% in Brazil. Meanwhile, nearly a fifth of UK CEOs say they expect their headcount to rise by more than 8% in 2010.
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KBB 2010 PREVIEW
Astro Lighting: Stand No. D13
 
Astro Lighting to exhibit for the first time at kbb Birmingham
With a reputation for innovative designs, high quality manufacture and reliable performance, Bathroom lighting specialist, Astro, makes products for both interior and exterior use, but specialises in IP44-rated bathroom lighting. The industry-renowned KBB exhibition, therefore, presents the ideal opportunity to unveil the latest innovations for 2010.
Premieres include Tokai, (pictured above top) a ceiling-mounted spotlight styled in an attractive mix of polished chrome and glass. IP44 approved, it can be dimmed as desired, and is available as a single spotlight, a triple spotlight on a circular base, or a three-spot bar. The elegant, architectural lines of Tokai are distinctive yet also able to blend effortlessly into any modern bathroom design.
Several new introductions will perfectly complement the existing bathroom design trend for angular or square brassware. Kashima, (pictured above bottom) a case in point, is a wall-mounted light from Astro with striking, sleek lines ideal for fitting above the bathroom mirror to cast a warm glow down onto the user. Square edges and flat highly polished chrome surfaces give this light a contemporary feel that also brings a sense of luxury into any bathroom. The Taketa ceiling light also has strong, square lines with a matching wall light for a co-ordinated look and the sophisticated Broni wall light is available with a square glass shade to continue the theme.
Many more new designs will be unveiled at the show. In fact, visitors will be treated to a broad display of product debuts from across the Astro bathroom lighting portfolio including wall lights, spotlights, down lights, ceiling lights, bathroom mirrors and LED magnifying mirrors.
To whet the appetite these will include an illuminated mirror with jet black glass frame for added drama, high-powered LED lights for recessing at skirting height to create ambient effects, IP44-rated low-voltage spotlights and an ingenious shaver light – the result of two and a half years of product development. Astro believes this product to be unique as it is low-energy and IP44-rated for both the light and the shaver socket.
Find out more at the show!
T: +44 (0) 1279 427001
F: +44 (0) 1279 427002
W: www.astrolighting.co.uk
Brass & Traditional Sinks: Stand Number: G31
Steeling the show!
Brass & Traditional Sinks has upped the ante with an impressively comprehensive collection of stainless steel sinks launching at KBB.
Providing a one-stop-shop for all your stainless steel sink needs, Brass & Traditional Sinks will be launching a brand new collection for 2010 at KBB, featuring trend-setting steel sinks in all shapes and sizes. Consisting of an impressive 28 models, the options are virtually endless. From single, double and triple sinks, square, round and D bowls and both undermounted and skirted installation, there is truly something for every kitchen space, design and budget.
The choice of professionals, a shining stainless steel surface will literally take the battering and abuse of even the most hardworking kitchen but will require a simple wipe over to keep it in pristine condition. The smooth contours of a stainless steel sink give bacteria no foothold in which to flourish and each one is designed to take the addition of a waste disposal unit, for greater efficiency, speed and hygiene.
With so many size options available in this 28-product-strong collection, a stainless steel sink is the ideal choice for when choosing a kitchen sink, and will retain its sleek good looks for years to come with minimal effort on the owner's behalf.
T: 01384 220030
W: www.sinks.co.uk
Bushboard: stand C22 Hall 20
New worksurfaces, splashbacks and panelling make a splash
Nuance bathroom surfacing is the major new product launch from Bushboard at KBB with a dedicated stand in the bathroom hall to showcase this stand-out new range of worksurfaces, splashbacks and waterproof wallpanelling in laminate and solid surfacing.
"Once again applying Bushboard's noted approach of design innovation, manufacturing expertise and market knowledge, the new Nuance brand goes far beyond any comparative product on the market and promises retailers a fantastic opportunity for the bathroom sector," says the manufacturer.
The design-oriented and must-see palette of 35 finishes includes romantic florals, calming neutrals and luxurious classics in laminate and for the first time solid surfacing, opening up designer materials for the mid market. Nuance not only promises upscale bathroom looks but superb performance and very easy installation thanks to its carefully thought-through range of components and sizes which deliver real design-integrated solutions.
Bushboard's hugely successful kitchen worktop portfolio of the Omega, Prima and Encore brands will also be on show with an opportunity to see the stunning brand new designs on the Prima collection.
T: 01933 232 242
E: worktopsamples@bushboard.co.uk
W: www.bushboard.co.uk
Carron Phoenix: Stand no. J18 Hall 18
Simply bursting with new products!
Carron Phoenix's stand is bursting with new sink and tap products, continuing the company's drive for a comprehensive portfolio based on the principles of affordably good design and long-lasting quality.
Billed as its new top-of-the-range stainless sink inset sink, Vela is a fully welded model featuring a super-flat 1.2mm edge, crisp 10mm radius bowls and available in both single and 1.5 bowl handed options. Responding to retailer demand, the highly popular Deca and Tetra styles will be launched as inset options with a simple flat frame detail, while Zeta will now be available too in undermounts in three sizes, the 1.5 option being reversible.
The top-selling Bali granite sink turns up the design tempo with new patterned drainers, and will also be launched in ceramic in single and 1.5 bowls offering a smart, contemporary choice alongside the company's more traditional Shonelle and Belfast ranges. There are five new designer-style taps improving choice at the top end of the portfolio and a brand new waste concept will be unveiled for all high end inset and undermount sinks that guarantees a more aesthetically appealing finish.
A dedicated ‘developer area' will showcase contract-oriented products including the Pacific 150, the 1SD, eco-taps and waste management solutions that meet the requirements for the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Complementing the new products for 2010, there will also be a selection of sinks which were launched during 2009 - Maui, (pictured) Cuba, Aria, Isis, Java and Fiji, as well as the entire 32-strong tap repertoire, giving visitors an unprecedented view of the company's revamped product offer.
T: 01324 638 321
W: www.carron.com
Geberit: Stand Number B42 Hall 6
Raft of
new products set for launch
Leading sanitaryware solutions supplier Geberit will be heading to KBB 2010 armed with a whole raft of new products and innovations ready for launch to the industry.
One of the many highlights of the Geberit stand will be the launch of arguably one of the company's most innovative products to date, the Monolith.
The main obstacle in converting to the desirable Continental-look of wall-hung sanitaryware is that you need to re-tile or re-plumb a bathroom – the Monolith offers a neat solution to this problem for WC's. Geberit's Monolith is a slimline module incorporating a wall-hung frame and an integrated dual flush cistern that can be installed using existing connections and drains. Installation of the entire system is completed in a single operation, with the new wall-hung pan ready for use within just a few hours.
With its slim profile the Monolith can be fitted into almost any bathroom without impinging on space and is ideal for the retro-fit market as it covers any previous wall-fixing marks from previous floor-standing pans and there is no need to alter the soil stack.
Elegantly combining function with form the Monolith is finished in glass and is available in both white and black ensuring it creates a focal point in its own right, while its clear, simple lines and high-quality materials mean that the Monolith will be specified as much for its looks as for its practicality.
“KBB 2010 is the perfect platform for us to showcase our brand new range of products to the industry and we are hopeful of a busy and very successful exhibition,” says Geberit's Product Manager (Sanitary Systems) Victoria Willis.
T: 0800 077 8365
W: www.geberit.co.uk
Grohe: Stand No. B28 Hall 20
Exciting preview from Grohe at KBB
Following an unprecedented number of launches in 2009, Grohe is once again leading the way with more new, innovative and exciting products all of which will be unveiled at KBB 2010. From the stand design to the new range launches, every aspect of Grohe's appearance at KBB will be choreographed to demonstrate and underline the company's position at the forefront of its market.
Adding to its contemporary product portfolio, the Grohe stand will have a significant focus on kitchen products with the company's first ever filtered and hot water, appliances Grohe Blue and Red.
Other highlights will include Grohe Fresh, a completely new concept in bathroom hygiene plus 20 new flush plates. The stand will have news and imagery hot off the press, and a preview of a brand new range of deck mounted bath fillers due out in July 2010.
A visit to stand no: B28, Hall 20 is a must – you will not be disappointed.
E: marketing-uk@grohe.com
W: www.grohe.co.uk
2010 Bathroom Conference announced
 Customer Service is set to be the underlying theme of this year's Bathroom Conference, announced on Wednesday. The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has confirmed that this important event in the bathroom calendar will be held on 19th October at the Carden Park Hotel, near Chester, Cheshire.
A formidable line up of speakers has already been booked for the event.
“Plans for the bathroom conference are well in hand,” says Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive of the BMA. “This year we will be looking in detail at customer service and the customer experience, two vital ingredients for a good bathroom business, whether it is in manufacturing, merchanting, retailing or installation. There will be something for everyone. The 2009 Conference, by general opinion, was an enormous success and the BMA is looking to build on this and to increase the numbers of delegates attending this year with this early announcement of the date and venue."
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How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Direct Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307
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John Austen
Publishing Director
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Fax: +44 (0)1580 754 669
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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RECENT NEWS:
Lawmakers join forces to 'waterproof' EU policies
A newly-established Water Intergroup in the European Parliament has started to help MEPs consider EU water policies more horizontally, as the European Commission prepares to put its water strategies in line with climate and resource-efficiency policies.
"Adaptation to climate change, risks of flooding and water scarcity will be on the agenda, as well as the influence of product design and different production processes," said the new group's chairman, MEP Richard Seeber opening its first meeting yesterday on Wednesday.
more Return to Zehnder!
Zehnder Retail Division tells us it is strengthening its operation in the UK merchant and showroom market with the introduction of the Zehnder brand to the retail market. This will incorporate the current Acova product portfolio from 1st February 2010.
Zehnder will focus on distributing innovative, well designed, towel radiators and heating products through bathroom and kitchen showrooms and the merchant network. The exciting portfolio will incorporate products previously sold as Acova as well as new additions from the Zehnder range. Bisque, acquired by ZGUK in 2007, will continue to offer design-led products to premium showrooms under its own brand name.
more
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen helps citizens 'age in place'
According to a recent report by the National Association of Home Builders in the US, most baby boomers are choosing to 'age in place' at their current homes. And, in honour of Senior Independence Month this February, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen says there are several upgrades that can be made to make a home safe and enjoyable.
more
RETRA shows there is strength in numbers
Retra, the electrical retailers association, welcomed a record number of associate members last year, underlining the importance of the need for businesses to stick together in difficult times.
Proof that there is strength in numbers, retra has been joined by an increasing range of associates from an array of sectors, including distribution and digital services. Retra is especially proud of the additions because they bring extensive benefits to members.
more
National Kitchen & Bath Association reports the styles for 2010
The results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) of the US to reveal the key design trends for 2010. The results of the NKBA 2010 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Survey confirmed the continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace, but also uncovered others that indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take this year. Below are 2010's seven kitchen trends and four bath trends:
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SMEs can utilise free web-based technology to improve cash flow
Recession-hit small businesses are actively managing their cash flow yet struggling to access finance because they are not presenting their management accounts in the correct format to the finance and credit industry.
The news follows the latest research from the Forum of Private Business, commissioned by CreditPal, the free accounts analysis system for SMEs.
The survey found that 96% of the SME respondents have improved their cash position through better controls rather than looking for outside financing. Pursuing late payers (76%) heads the list, with placing tighter controls on ordering supplies (67%) next, followed by internal cost-cutting exercises (67%) and then deferring payments to HMRC under the Governmentís ëtime to payí scheme (25%).
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Tyneside firm has designs on markets worldwide
A Tyneside firm has designs on taking on the world with its range of innovative and sustainable 'Eco' products with the help of UK Trade & Investment.
Cohda Design specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of innovative, contemporary products all with a focus on being sustainable. It has been summed up by the New York media as "Punk Rock ECO design”.
The Gateshead firm, launched in 2006, has already gained world-wide recognition for its innovation and Eco credentials and has now signed up to UK Trade & Investment's Passport to Export scheme in a bid to explore new markets.
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New Premises for Vado
Vado has purchased a new 22,800 sq ft warehouse in Cheddar. Situated on a 1.4 acre site, the new building effectively doubles the company's available warehousing space and also provides much needed office space for the extra two people a month being taken on!
The new building will also house a recreational room for staff enjoyment, a new bank of meeting suites, plus another showroom area for customers.
Sarah Williams, VADO's Commercial Director, comments: “We are committed to taking the business forward and even during these bleak financial times we are planning for a very bright future.”
T: +44 (0) 1934 744466
E: sales@vado-uk.com
W: www.vado-uk.com
Get Waterwise!
Waterwise's fifth annual water efficiency conference, part of UNESCO's World Water Day activities, will discuss the future of water efficiency and how to scale it up to ensure thousands of homes across the UK are water efficient. The inaugural networking event will take place at Keble College, Oxford University from 16.00 on Monday 21st March until 16.00 on Tuesday 22nd March 2010.
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New manufacturing facility for metallic hoses
Opening this month, Hydraquip's new metal hose division is located in a 6,000 sq ft modern industrial unit located in Bolton, Lancashire in the North West of England. The addition of this manufacturing facility continues and strengthens Hydraquip's position in the braided hose market and allows the company to offer a superior level of service combined with a quality product.
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Coolectric to cease as Viking UK importer
Coolectric has announced that it will cease to distribute Viking appliances in the UK with effect from 31st March 2010.
Coolectric cites the very difficult trading conditions of the last two years as a key factor in this decision. Managing Director Mark Bristow, comments: “Whilst there maybe a long term future for the Viking brand in the UK, the investment required in the short to medium term is neither sensible nor sustainable.
“Coolectric will focus on its core business of supplying Liebherr refrigeration to kitchen and electrical retailers.”
T: 08444 122655
F: 0800 197 6591
W: www.liebherr.com RETRA meets Chinese delegation
Retra, the association for independent electrical retailers, has gone global! The Association has been building bridges with a selection of representatives from the Chinese government.
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Black box signals U-turn in bad driver behaviour, turning White Van Man into Golden Boy The knave of Britain's highways and byways will be transformed into the king of the road by the latest technology, says mobile resource management company, Trimble MRM.
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Travis Perkins takes stake in Mosaic Tile Company
Travis Perkins, one of the UK's leading companies in the builders' merchanting and home improvement market, has bought a 49% stake in Leeds-based natural stone tile distributor, The Mosaic Tile Company, for an undisclosed sum.
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Indesit wins Good Design award 2009 with the Quadrio
For the third year running Indesit Company has received a Good Design Award for industrial design. After Scholtès's Multiplo cooking vessel in 2009 and the Indesit Moon washing machine (in the 'Bathroom' category) in 2008, the 2009 award went to Hotpoint-Ariston's Quadrio fridge in the domestic appliances section.
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iF Product Design Award 2010
For over 50 years the iF design award has served as a recogniSed trademark for outstanding design all over the world. This year the jury gave its professional opinion on the design quality of entries in 16 product categories and noted that – especially in economically uncertain times – design is a decisive factor in terms of market success and value creation, with many of the submitted products setting new benchmarks in their respective fields.
According to the jury chairman Fritz Frenkler (of f/p design in Germany): “Good design isn't born of good marketing, it's created by designers.”
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Jade Allen joins 20-20 Fusion's dynamic sales team
20-20 Fusion, the design and visualisation software specialist, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jade Allen as its new Area Sales Manager for the North of England.
Jade comes from a sales background, having worked for a Manchester-based PR agency where she learned the value of nurturing strong business relationships with clients and customers. Coupled with her local knowledge, this makes Jade the ideal candidate for taking the 20-20 Fusion message to retailers and manufacturers throughout the North of England.
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Lee Hobbins joins Utopia
Utopia Bathroom Group has announced the appointment of Lee Hobbins as Contract Area Sales Manager for the South East.
Lee joins Utopia from Porcelanosa where he spent seven years in a variety of roles. His most recent position was Area Sales Manager for the South Eastern region, where he was responsible for a team targeting the house builder market.
The appointment of Lee follows that of Phillip Conroy and Tom Dicks as Contact Area Sales Managers in December and further enhances the expansion of Utopia's Contract and Developer team.
T: 01902 406402
W: www.utopiagroup.com
'Pure inspiration' draws Ken to Novellini
Novellini, said to be Europe's largest producer of bathroom and showering products, has announced the appointment of Ken Mercer, formerly regional contracts manager (SE) for Roman, as sales manager SE for Novellini UK. Ken brings 15 years' experience of the industry to the role and swells the national sales force at Novellini to 12.Ken says of his appointment: “The Novellini range is pure inspiration. I'm delighted to have joined such a fast growing business with diverse and stylish products that suit all types of contract installation.”
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New brochure adds culture to the bathroom
Leading sanitaryware manufacturer Laufen is getting the New Year off to the very best of starts with the launch of its latest product brochure – Bathroom Culture.
In full-colour throughout, the brochure has an impressive 260 pages packed with full details on the manufacturer's complete portfolio of products, printed on heavy-weight stock to lend it the quality feel which has become synonymous with the Laufen brand.
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New brand launched: 'Trade' by Roper Rhodes
'Trade' is brought to you by the Roper Rhodes Group, the UK's renowned independent supplier of toilet seats, bath panels and bathroom furniture. As the name suggests, it aims to target trade customers and those consumers who are comfortable shopping in a trade counter environment.
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A one-stop brochure from Aqata
Aqata, the UK shower manufacturer renowned for quality, innovation and design, has launched a new, improved version of its product brochure entitled ‘the complete collection'.
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 Siamp rises to the challenge to raise money for African charities
Siamp UK joined forces with industry colleagues and people from across the world to tackle a tough fundraising challenge in South Africa.
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Training for the KBB industry: first 12 delegates of 2010 put through their paces
This year's first one day KBB sales and customer care course was held at the Whirlpool training centre in Croydon on Wednesday. Twelve delegates took part in the course, which is designed to give people the skills required to increase conversion rates and improve profitability on installations.
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