THE K&BZINE ISSUE 236 25th April 2008
New
Avenue for Aqualine as Reginox Appoints BBD as Distributor
Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox, has
appointed Bedfordshire Bathroom Distributors Ltd (BBD) as exclusive distributor
in the South of England for its Aqualine collection of designer washbasins.
[More
on this Story]
SodaStream
Overhauls Brand for 2008
Designed to reflect modern trends and lifestyles, iconic
drinks maker SodaStream is unveiling a fresh new range of products this
month. The line up includes a selection of new look drinks makers, plus
healthier, fruitier and all natural concentrates.
[More
on this Story]
Early
Warning Signs for the UK KBB Manufacturers Market
At a time when even the most ambivalent are starting
accept that a recession will hit the UK economy in 2008. A new study by
industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing has looked at how the UK slow down
is already impacting on Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Manufacturers
market.
[More
on this Story]
InSinkErator
2nd Quarter Sales Highlights Demand for Eco-products
InSinkErator,
the manufacturer of food waste disposers, has achieved its sixth successive
month of impressive sales, which the company says cements its position
as clear leader in the food waste disposer market and highlights growing
consumer demand for eco-products.
[More
on this Story]
ATAG
UK and Big Brother 8 Raise Money for Charity
ATAG's
luxury turbo oven, which cunningly appeared in the housemates' bedroom,
along with the sleek and elegant ATAG induction hob, has been auctioned
off for Charity.
[More
on this Story]
Bag
a Bargain from Morphy Richards
If
you are feeling the pinch from the credit crunch but still want to treat
yourself then check out the new Special Offers section on the new look
Morphy Richards website for a last minute bargain.
[More
on this Story]
Don't
be an Out-law!
If the bathroom industry is to uphold a good reputation,
we can’t ever risk falling foul of the competition law and coming
under scrutiny by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in the same way that
112 construction firms in England have recently for allegedly engaging
in bid rigging and cover pricing activity.
[More
on this Story]
Waterwise
Marque for Armitage Shanks Waterless Urinal
Armitage Shanks waterless urinal, Aridian,
has been awarded the highly-respected Marque from Waterwise, the leading
authority on water efficiency. Aridian joins just 15 other water saving
products with the Marque, which was introduced in October 2006 and is
the first award scheme of its kind.
[More
on this Story]
Moores
Green Goddess
In its ongoing work towards sustainability and eco-awareness
as a manufacturer and employer, contract kitchen manufacturer Moores has
announced the appointment of Nicola Whitehead as its very own ‘green
goddess’ and in-house environmental specialist.
[More
on this Story]
Baumatic
Advances Eco-Credentials
With the Government's Code for Sustainable Homes and
HIPS making home owners and developers ever more eco-aware, it's perhaps
not surprising to hear that Baumatic is continually driving to improve
the eco credentials of both its product's performance and their manufacture.
[More
on this Story]
Environment
Minister Speaks at Annual Conference
Environment Minister Phil Woolas will attend and speak
at the 2008 Bathroom Conference 'Sustainable Solutions - Awareness, Engagement
& Action' on 14th October 2008 at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel,
Meriden in Warwickshire.
[More
on this Story]
Walk-in
Showers: The Design Of Choice For New Builds
British designer and manufacturer of shower enclosures,
Kudos Showers has experienced a sharp increase in the sale of its walk-in
shower units to new build developers.
[More
on this Story]
Lakes
Bathrooms Launches AllClear at No Extra Cost
Shower enclosure specialist Lakes Bathrooms has announced
the launch of AllClear an invisible protective coating that repels water,
dirt, soap scum and limescale on bathroom surfaces. This coating is to
be offered by the company as standard on its Lakes Collection products
without any price increase.
[More
on this Story]
Chalon
Showrooms Launch Designer Kitchen Collection
Chalon UK Ltd, a specialist in handmade kitchens, bathrooms
and classically styled furniture, has announced the launch of the company's
latest kitchen range from its London and Harrogate Showrooms - the Chalon
Designer Collection.
[More
on this Story]
Inspection,
Inspection, Inspection
With the slowdown in property sales, desperate vendors
might be tempted to hide faults. Homebuyers need to be savvy - not viewing
a property thoroughly could cost £10,000, says Which?
[More
on this Story]
Miele
Supports 8th Annual SPARKS Fashion Show
Premium domestic appliance manufacturer, Miele, is supporting
the 8th annual SPARKS charity Fashion Show. The show is a glamorous evening
that will be held at the Café Royal in London on Thursday 8th May.
[More
on this Story]
Furniture
Footprinter Launched
Developed by FIRA in partnership with leading environmental
consultants Best Foot Forward, the Furniture Footprinter is a revolutionary
analysis and accounting tool developed to help companies within the furniture
supply chain reduce their carbon footprints.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 235 18th April 2008
Pyramis
UK Appoints DK Distribution as a National Distributor
Pyramis
UK has appointed DK Distribution as a national distributor of its sinks
and taps, including the latest offer from its stylish 'Elegant' range.
Pyramis luxury sinks, including models from the new Crystalon, Axon, Tetragon
and Studio collections were featured on the DK Distribution stand at KBB
2008, together with some of its popular Pyragranite models, which received
very positive interest at the show.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington's
Group Announces New Bathroom Division Appointment
Pilkington's
Group has announced the launch of Pilkington's Bathroom Division which
will be headed by Tony Robson. As a Commercial Director of the new venture,
Tony's responsibilities include the creation, sourcing and implementation
of a full domestic and commercial bathroom offer.
[More
on this Story]
BGH
Welcomes Sales Director with a Clear Vision
Kitchen
manufacturer Bernstein Group Holdings has appointed a sales director with
thirteen years' experience in the bathroom industry - and a clear focus
to support retailers and their businesses in his new role.
[More
on this Story]
Pirelli
National Rally - this Weekend
The Leaker Direct-backed rally team of Alick Kerr and
Drew Sturrock are making their second trip of the season south of the
English Border for the Pirelli National Rally. Kerr (19) and Sturrock
(18) are heading to Carlisle to contest the second round of the 2008 M-Sport
Fiesta Sporting Trophy on Saturday, 19th April.
[More
on this Story]
The
Heat is On at Interbuild '08
A
new heating & plumbing pavilion is being launched at Interbuild 2008
(Sunday 26th - Thursday 30th October at Birmingham's NEC). Leading trade
body, The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), is supporting
the area.
[More
on this Story]
Unleash
The TEN's Potential with Showerpower
Ensuring
precision and quality is brought to every aspect of The TEN, bespoke shower
enclosure portfolio, Simpsons has appointed Showerpower as a preferred
installer of the luxury made-to-measure enclosures and over-bath screens
throughout the UK.
[More
on this Story]
Burbidge
Opens Doors to Updated Showroom
With
a number of trend-setting new kitchen frontal and accessory ranges launched
since the beginning of the year, Burbidge has opened its doors to a newly
updated showroom, allowing customers to experience the craftsmanship and
innovation behind the new designs first hand.
[More
on this Story]
Abode
SWICH - Filter Water Diverter
'The bottled water industry is bordering on the
immoral and it is daft that six million litres of bottled water are drunk
every day in Britain' stated Phil Woolas, Environment Minister recently.
Kitchen tap manufacturer Abode clearly thinks the same and the company's
latest product SWICH, will convert any kitchen mixer, new or old, into
a filter water tap.
[More
on this Story]
Bauhaus'
New Basins Set the Scene for Success
Following
hot on the heels of Crosswater's recent acquisition of the Bauhaus brand,
a new collection of contemporary basins and modular furniture is now available.
[More
on this Story]
Foster
Stainless Steel from Italy
With
an eye for a winning product, Geoffrey Baker, based in Leeds, is the man
behind a number of brands. In fact, he has a long history of discovering
materials, having uncovered DuPont's Coria in 1979 and driving its success
by being the sole UK distributor for this flexible material. Now he and
managing director Toni Hibbert are busy launching new brands.
[More
on this Story]
Fast
and Environmentally Friendly
As
part of its ongoing expansion, William Ball has invested considerably
in its manufacturing equipment to speed up production - providing a much
faster turnaround for its customers at a reduced carbon footprint.
[More
on this Story]
Enjoy
Barbecue Week in Style - With Gadgets and Tools from Brabantia
For all those looking forward to getting behind the
barbecue this summer, Brabantia offers a range of utensils to make cooking
outdoors fun and easy. And, with National Barbecue Week (26th May to 2nd
June) just around the corner you'll have the perfect excuse for some alfresco
dining!
[More
on this Story]
'Ride
off' with Manhattans Stylish Polo Shirt
Throughout
May and June 2008 Manhattan is offering a fantastic Distributor promotion,
giving away a free work wear polo shirt with every M3 shower door purchased
via distribution.
[More
on this Story]
The
Furniture Ombudsman to Launch Online Selling Course
Following
a recent report from the Office of Fair Trading which was critical of
online furniture retailers for failing to protect consumers' rights, The
Furniture Ombudsman is to introduce training on ecommerce and the Distance
Selling regulations.
[More
on this Story]
AFG
Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG Sets a New Sales Record
Swiss-based
international building products supplier AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
experienced mixed fortunes in the 2007 financial year. In the five years
since the takeover by Edgar Oehler, AFG's net revenues have more than
doubled to CHF 1.471 billion (previous year CHF 1.243 billion, annual
growth of 18.3%), with the Group winning yet more market share in most
of its territories.
[More
on this Story]
Blum
Builds New Plant and Creates New Jobs
Blum is running short of warehouse capacity, dispatch
area and loading ramps at its existing dispatch sites in Vorarlberg and
that is why the Austrian fittings manufacturer has bought a plot of land
with a rail connection.
[More
on this Story]
Record
Year for HOMAG Group AG
A
positive business development coupled with above-average growth in earnings
resulted in record figures across all indicators at HOMAG Group AG in
fiscal 2007.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 234 11th April 2008
Friarton
Completes Purchase of Norske Interiors
On 18th March, Friarton Limited completed the purchase
of Norske Interiors Limited for an undisclosed sum. 'I am delighted that
we have completed the purchase,'says Chairman of Friarton Limited, Simon
Howie. 'We can now concentrate on running the business'.
[More
on this Story]
Demand
Looks Steady, According to Galaxy
Despite
increasing uncertainty over current economic conditions, the ongoing credit
crunch and a decline in consumer confidence, the latest statistics for
the UK's shower market indicate that demand will remain steady, according
to Keith Bevan of Galaxy Showers.
[More
on this Story]
GE
Monogram Pro Canopy Hood - 'The Designer Label for the Kitchen'
GE
Appliances has introduced its new Monogram kitchen appliance collection.
Using the highest quality materials, Monogram is a striking range incorporating
refrigeration, cooking, extraction and cleaning products.
[More
on this Story]
T5
Sofitel Soars for Success with GROHE Atrio
When
specifiers of the new £180m Sofitel at Heathrow Terminal 5 were
in search of stylish bathroom fittings with pure understated design, GROHE
had a perfect solution for this prestigious project.
[More
on this Story]
Danfoss
Acquires British Heat Pump Company
Danfoss
has entered into an agreement to take over the majority of shares in Sheffield-based
ECO Heat Pumps, which sells heat pumps into the commercial and domestic
heat pump markets.
[More
on this Story]
James
Latham - Officially The Natural Choice!
The UK's leading timber and panel products distributor,
James Latham, has announced that it is officially the 'Natural Choice'
after registering the name - incorporating the company's renowned tree
logo - and it being approved by the Patent Office.
[More
on this Story]
Dutch-Design
Predicts Kitchen Trends
The
Dutch-Design duo of the premium Dutch appliance brand ATAG with the contemporary
Dutch kitchen company Keller appreciate that colour satisfies our desire
to display our individuality.
[More
on this Story]
Lakes
Bathrooms is the New Name for Provex
Established bathroom manufacturer Provex Products is
changing its name to Lakes Bathrooms. According to sales director, Robin
Craddock, the name change has been prompted by increasing awareness of
the firm's leading brand of shower enclosures and bath screens; the Lakes
Range.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Announces Next Steps to Further Strengthen its Zanussi Brand
Since
its acquisition of Zanussi in 1984, Electrolux Group has taken the brand
from strength to strength - developing its ranges, investing in design
and technology (take the IZ washing machine pictured as a good example)
and consolidating Zanussi's position as one of the best known brands in
the UK - the choice for the younger person who seeks good design and value
for money.
[More
on this Story]
Planit
Fusion Signs European Agreement With Electrolux
Planit
International has signed an agreement with Electrolux which allows kitchen
designers across Europe to show their customers exactly how the appliances
will look in their planned kitchen using industry-leading Planit Fusion
design and visualisation software.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK Announces New Customer Service Contact Details
Maytag UK, the supplier of premium household appliance
brands Amana, Maytag and Admiral, has announced, with immediate effect,
new Customer Service contact numbers.
[More
on this Story]
Reva
Industries Launches Stevens & Jubb
Reva
Industries, the manufacturer of acrylic baths, has launched Stevens &
Jubb, a new operating division to develop a collection of designer baths
and bathroom equipment which will be sold exclusively through independent
retailers.
[More
on this Story]
Three
Nominations for UK Tile Manufacturer at Industry Awards
The
Tile Association has nominated UK tile manufacturer British Ceramic Tile
for three awards at its prestigious annual awards ceremony, to be held
on the 19th of April 2008.
[More
on this Story]
Roman
Showers Saudi Hotel
UK
shower manufacturer, Roman, has won a contract to supply products to a
hotel in Saudi Arabia. Roman has supplied a large quantity of the company's
Jupiter Quadrant shower enclosures and trays to suit, after fighting off
competition to win the contract.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Wins Two ADDY Awards
Whirlpool Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer
of appliances, has received two Silver ADDY awards from the New York Chapter
of the American Advertising Federation for its recent marketing and advertising
work for the Maytag brand.
[More
on this Story]
Siemens
Takes to the Road with Branded Livery
Kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens has introduced
five branded Lorries in to its transport livery for 2008. Based at the
BSH National Distribution Centre in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the five
new 40ft vehicles will be making daily deliveries to the company's six
platform operations around the country.
More
on this Story]
New
Look for the KBSA
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association
(KBSA) has launched a modern new logo which is incorporated into a revamped,
consumer facing, new look website, which went live on 1st April.
[More
on this Story]
Ideal
Standard International Reinforces Global Leadership Team
Ideal
Standard International, a leading provider of bathroom solutions, has
announced two new additions to its global leadership team. Gary Cleaver
is appointed as Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer,
and Kenneth Ng becomes president of the company's Asia/Pacific region.
[More
on this Story]
C&DHT
Customers Have a Say on Everything Including Kitchen Sink
Chester
& District Housing Trust (C&DHT) invited residents to decide which
companies should supply new kitchens and front doors for the coming three
year Improvement Programme
[More
on this Story]
13
Red-Hot Red Dots for Electrolux
In
recognition of their design excellence and innovation, thirteen Electrolux
appliances received the international Red Dot Design Award 2008.
[More
on this Story]
Blum
Opens its Doors to ukfirst
Attendees
from 11 UK furniture companies recently visited the manufacturing headquarters
of Blum in Austria for a two day best practice programme organised by
industry forum ukfirst.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Launches New Anti-Finger-Print Coating
Gone are the days when the dishwasher and fridge door
were covered with little finger prints - despite the fact that they were
wiped clean just the day before.
[More
on this Story]
Homag
Increases Flexibility at L and R Kitchens
Southport based L and R Kitchens and Bedrooms has recently
invested in two crucial Homag Group machines to give the additional flexibility,
capacity and to further increase product quality.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 233 4th April 2008
Cosentino
Hosts Summit for 150 European Silestone Distributors
The
UK and Ireland Cosentino distributors have recently returned from the
Group's second European Convention. Attended by over 150 European distributors
from fifteen countries, the event was hosted at Cosentino's headquarters
in Almeria, Spain.
[More
on this Story]
Aga
Launches Campaign for Historic Anniversary
2009
sees the 300th anniversary of the historic foundry in Coalbrookdale where
Agas have always been made. It's where Abraham Darby famously started
the Industrial Revolution, when he first used coke to smelt iron, and
it's now a United Nations-designated World Heritage Site.
[More
on this Story]
Cooking
with Nitrogen - Hot and Cold Delicacies
Nitrogen-grilled blini with Beluga caviar, raspberry
meringue à la nitrogen served with a Bloody Mary Nitro... What
may read like a banquet menu for the astronauts manning the international
space station ISS, is in fact the latest fad consuming aficionados of
so-called molecular cuisine - or cooking with nitrogen.
[More
on this Story]
Deva
Extends Guarantee to 12 Years
Highlighting
its confidence in product design and quality, Deva has extended the guarantee
on its entire range of chrome taps to 12 years.
[More
on this Story]
Duncan
Hornett goes National for Reginox
Sinks,
taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, has promoted Duncan Hornett
to the role of national sales manager. Duncan's new role coincides with
Reginox's announcement that its 2007 sales are up by 10% compared to the
previous year.
[More
on this Story]
Environmental
Investment for James Latham
The
longest established timber business in the UK, James Latham continually
strives to create awareness on government policies for sourcing timber
products. The main aim of the company is to increase the percentage of
verified legal and third party certified timber that it imports.
[More
on this Story]
Kim
Wilde Fronts Magnet's 'Kitchen Ecolution' Campaign
Green fingered 80s pop icon Kim Wilde has teamed up
with national kitchen giant Magnet to lead a 'Kitchen Ecolution'. Kim
and Magnet have put together 'Eight Simple Steps for Going Green in the
Kitchen 2008'.
[More
on this Story]
DW
Burns Handpicked to Market New ilux Digital Range
DW
Burns, one of Surrey’s largest bathroom retailers, has been handpicked
by award-winning shower manufacturer Aqualisa to market its exclusive
new range of ilux Digital showers and bath fills.
[More
on this Story]
Success at Homag Open House
Homag
UK enjoyed notable success at the company’s recent open house exhibition
from March 12 - 14 at its headquarters at Castle Donington. During the
three days of the show over 80 companies attended representing more than
three times that number in actual visitors.
[More
on this Story]
Hudson
Reed to Launch Arco Brassware
Arco, a new brassware range from Hudson Reed, launches
on May 1st as a complete programme for both the bathroom and shower.
[More
on this Story]
Ideal
Bathrooms - Leading the Way
Ideal
Bathrooms, the UK's largest specialist distributor of bathroom products,
has restructured its senior management team in line with the company's
plans for future development.
[More
on this Story]
Illuminating
the Way to Safety with JCC Lighting
Picture
the scene: you’re at home with your feet up in front of the television.
It’s dark outside and the children have just gone to bed. Suddenly
the circuit breaker trips, the lights go out and you can’t find the
torch or candles.
[More
on this Story]
Improved
Benefits for KBSA Members
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has recently launched
a selection of new benefits for its members.
[More
on this Story]
Express
Espresso from PAB
Premium Appliance Brands has signed a deal with Japanese
company Devicestyle to be the UK's sole distributor of the Brunopasso
PD-1 coffee pod espresso maker.
[More
on this Story]
Royal
Charter for IPHE
Chartered status has been awarded to the Institute of
Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the professional body for the plumbing
and heating industry in the UK.
[More
on this Story]
Screwfix
Plumbing - Simply the Best
Screwfix
has added the Rothenberger range of professional quality hand tools to
its plumbing pages together with additional boilers and accessories from
Vokera, and the brand new Grey Push Fit range from John Guest Speedfit.
[More
on this Story]
Christians
and Muslims Team up to be Waterwise
Waterwise
and Muslim Aid have joined forces in a partnership to promote the need
to save water. The Love Water, Love Life campaign, endorsed by Christian
Aid, aims to spread awareness of the conditions faced by people in developing
countries and provide useful tips on how to conserve water.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Debates Sustainability Rituals that Influence its Design Thinking
At
the launch of the Whirlpool Green Kitchen on 13th March, Whirlpool invited
an Expert Panel of some of the leading influencers within the sustainability
design category to share their knowledge, insights and views on sustainability
and how it will shape our future rituals.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley
plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and
heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of
building materials, has announced five bolt-on acquisitions for an aggregate
consideration of 33 million.
[More
on this Story]
Millions
to Stay Away from Work for a Day
In what could be the largest mass absence from work
for a generation, an estimated five million people will not be coming
in to work on Thursday, May 15th. None of them will be making excuses.
And none of their employers will be accusing them of skiving.
[More
on this Story]