News Archive @ The K&BZine

Please click on 'THE K&BZINE' links to view the whole issue, or on 'more on this story' just to see that particular story:

Wolseley Results Announceed for Year End July 2008
Wolseley has continued to increase market share, reduce working capital and increase cash conversion, against a backdrop of significant market deterioration. Aggressive cost cutting resulted in £76 million of exceptional restructuring charges, but saved £47 million in the year. Full-year benefits of £176 million are expected.
More Here

New Event Will Help the Trade Keep Abreast of New Developments
Finding the time to keep up-to-date with the latest products, systems and services for the kitchen and bathroom can be a difficult, costly and time consuming task.
More Here

Aqualux Launches Pick n’ Mix Promotion
Aqualux is launching its largest ever ‘Pick n’ Mix’ style promotion so customers can choose the very best deal to suit their business.
More Here

John Lewis Turns on to Deva
Prestigious department store John Lewis is turning on to Deva and is now stocking the manufacturer's designer-led Zonos mono basin mixer with pop up waste.
More Here

Wentworth Kitchens Ilkley Makes BBC TV Debut
Wentworth Kitchens’ showroom based in Illkey has made its television debut featuring in a brand new BBC programme due to be shown on BBC One on the 14th October.
More Here

Imperial Bathrooms Appoints New Managing Director
British bathroom manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, has announced the appointment of Paul Kenyon as Managing Director.
More Here

Tim Foley Joins The Panel
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (or iKBBI as it's better known) has introduced a familiar face as the second member of its New Consultation Panel of industry experts.
More Here

Delicious Food and Stylish Clothes with Compliments of AEG-Electrolux
During Oct, Nov and Dec 08 consumers can claim up to £80 in Marks and Spencer or John Lewis vouchers (depending where purchased) on AEG-Electrolux Freestanding Cooling and Laundry.
More Here

Liebherr Announces Dartington Wine Glasses Promotion
Refrigeration and wine storage specialist, Liebherr, has announced a promotion in conjunction with the leading glass and stemware manufacturer Dartington.
More Here

NESP & Sensio: The Future of Lighting Technology...
Successful lighting can transform a piece of furniture, a room or a building. That is why NESP has sourced the market to find the leading manufacturer of high quality lighting solutions, Sensio.
More Here

Avilion Helps John Lewis Stay on Form
A group of John Lewis store partners visited Avilion's premises in Rainham, Essex last week. Led by UK Sales Manager, Haydn Wood, the kitchen department sales assistants were given a tour of the factory facilities as well as product training on the quality Perrin & Rowe taps range.
More Here

Global Player Takes to the Field Ahead of 2012
Amica, leading Polish manufacturer of built-in and freestanding kitchen appliances with it's own football academy in Wronki, Poland, has already begun demonstrating its support of the 2012 European Championship.
More Here

CPC Pushes Dynamic Space®
Northern Ireland's Cookstown Panel Centre (CPC) is one of Ireland's major suppliers of panel products, quality components, fittings and a variety of associated products.
More Here

The BMF London Region Celebrates Centenary in Style
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) London Region really pushed the boat out for this year’s summer social, which took place high up on the unique location of Tower Bridge.
More Here

New Contact Numbers for BSH Home Appliances
The Customer Service Division of kitchen appliance manufacturer BSH Home Appliances has introduced a set of new direct contact numbers for the servicing of its Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau brands.
More Here

Nottingham Couple Named One of UK’s Top Franchisees
A husband and wife team from Nottingham have been named National Finalists in the annual British Franchise Associations (bfa) Franchisee of the Year Awards, sponsored by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers.
More Here

Six 'Bathroom Blunders' Stop Homes from Selling
As the credit crunch tightens its grip and estate agents, buyers and vendors all voice their despair at the sclerosis affecting the housing market, the UK's largest online bathroom retailer, Plumbworld.co.uk, has identified the pivotal role a smart bathroom plays in selling houses.
More Here

Shore Laminates Reaches Final of Entrepreneur Challenge
Perth based laminate fabricator, Shore Laminates, has been announced as a finalist in the Scotland region of the Bank of Scotland Corporate £35 Million Entrepreneur Challenge.
More Here

Indestructible Toilets for Broadmoor Secure Hospital
60 indestructible toilets are currently being installed at Kent House, a high security mental health facility inside Broadmoor hospital.
More Here

100% Design London Awards 2008
The winners of the 100% Design Awards 2008, in association with Blueprint, Architecture Today, Sustain, Lighting Magazine and Londonewcastle were announced on 19th September at a presentation attended by nearly 1,000 people at Fulham Town Hall, London.
More Here

Northern Ireland’s Largest Dedicated Kitchen Retailer Opens with Alno
Northern Ireland’s largest dedicated kitchen showroom has just opened on Belfast’s Boucher Road. With 8500 sq ft of carefully designed space filled with over 30 kitchen displays and a section devoted entirely to leading contemporary kitchen designs from Alno, the company is preparing for a bright future.
More Here

James Latham Celebrates Dudley Opening
The UK's leading timber and panel products distributor, James Latham Dudley, is celebrating its recent relocation to Yorks Park.
Previously based a short distance away at Blackbrook Valley Business Park, the team welcomed the move to the 35,194 sq ft unit and began trading from there on September 1st.
More Here

ATAG Establishes Partnership with World Champion Chef
ATAG has announced that Toine Smulders, Dutch Master Chef and 'Chef of the World' is to work with the company as culinary advisor and ambassador.
More Here

Schüller Kitchens Conquers UK Market
Schüller Kitchens, supplied to the UK market by In-House Design Limited, has achieved phenomenal success in recent months. In July 2008, In-House had its biggest ever month reaching a turnover of €906,000 selling Schüller kitchens through UK independent kitchen retailers.
More Here

Roman and Cooper Callas Join Forces
Roman, the UK shower manufacturer and designer, has announced that it has joined forces with major UK distributor, Cooper Callas, in a move that is designed to offer an unrivalled delivery service to its customers.
More Here

Shower Solutions from New-Look Hüppe
‘Simply the best solution - that's what our customers think when they see the Hüppe brand name’ is the reason behind the new Hüppe 'Shower Solutions' logo given by Rod Goodier, Managing Director of Hüppe UK.
More Here

New Look for for Belling
The UK’s number one cooking brand* Belling has unveiled a new look as part of a marketing makeover designed to broaden the company’s appeal, and reaffirm its market-leading position.
More Here

Imperial Unveils Bespoke Display Units for Bathroom Lighting and Accessories
In support of its expanding network of stockists, Imperial Bathrooms has unveiled an exclusive and bespoke range of freestanding retail display units that feature the company’s latest collections of lighting and accessories.
More Here

A Tasty Offer from Fire Magic
The very best barbecues deserve the very best meat, which is why Fire Magic – supplier of the ultimate in outdoor kitchens and luxury barbecues – has joined forces with award-winning organic meat retailer The Well Hung Meat Company.
More Here

Emergency Services-Style Response for Dealer
A former ambulance station turned bathroom showroom, B & S Bathrooms has witnessed first-hand, the benefits of becoming a ‘totally committed’ tc bathrooms dealer.
More Here

Twinline vs. Digital - Bristan Compares and Prepares to Turn You on...
The whole digital revolution brought with it a wave of innovations across all product sectors, including showers - but are they all they're cracked up to be? Bristan takes a closer look at how digital and it's own Twinline showers compare...
More Here

Whirlpool Announces North America Workforce Adjustments
Whirlpool Corporation has announced a layoff at its Fort Smith, Ark. manufacturing facility. The company said it would lay off approximately 700 employees at its Fort Smith, Ark. facility. The layoffs are expected to begin in November 2008, and there is currently no timetable for when employees may be called back to the facility.
More Here

RIBA Recognition for William Ball's Latest Project
William Ball certainly has plenty to celebrate following the recognition of one of its most recent projects by RIBA. The Unity Project in Liverpool, in which William Ball supplied its Bianca kitchen range to all 161 residential apartments, has received the prestigious RIBA National Award.
More Here

Impey Joins the BMA
The specialist shower tray, enclosures and wet rooms manufacturer, Impey of Somerset, has joined The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
More Here

Members Show Commitment and Support for KBSA at National Meeting
KBSA members turned out in force to support the KBSA at the national meeting which was held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 9th September. More than 50 people attended the meeting.
More Here

iKBBI Announces Latest Sponsor as Healthcare Giant BUPA
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (or iKBBI as it's betterknown) announced a new sponsorship partnership with the healthcare giant BUPA last week.
More Here

PEL Helps Create Ambience in Exclusive Kitchen and Bathroom Showroom
PEL Music & Media has installed a comprehensive professional sound system into the new Boffi kitchens and bathroom Showroom in Chelsea, London.
More Here

Polypipe Invests in Domus Ducting Systems
Polypipe Ventilation, manufacturer of the Domus range of domestic and light commercial ventilation products, has announced a substantial investment into its leading Domus brand of ducting systems.
More Here

…and the winner of the CORGI Boiler of the Year 2008 is the Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE
The Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE has been voted Boiler of the Year 2008. The prestigious award was presented to Baxi Sales Director David Cook at the glittering CORGI Awards ceremony. The event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry was hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre.
More Here

Water Efficient Bathroom Products
A look at the BMA Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme, with a consumer bias and encouragement to look out for the new labels.
More Here

Whirlpool Corporation Leads Industry in Energy Efficiency
Whirlpool Corporation, the global specialist in home appliances, offers the greatest number of energy-efficient appliances in the industry, providing consumers with more ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances than any other company through its leading portfolio of consumer brands, including Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air and KitchenAid.
More Here

MFI Brings Affordable German Engineered Kitchens to UK
In the largest home furnishing product launch in the UK, fitted furniture retailer, MFI is introducing Küchen Lab, the nation’s first ever affordable bespoke German-engineered fitted kitchen range.
[More on this Story]

Nobia to Reorganise Operations
To capitalise on economies of scale, Nobia is consolidating 12 business units into nine from 1st January 2009. Group management will be expanded, effective immediately. The purpose of these changes is to strengthen the competitiveness of the brands and the profitability of the Group.
[More on this Story]

Aqualux Wins Prestigious MOD Contract
Aqualux has secured a contract with the Ministry of Defence to install its Elite Xtra Pivot Doors in the Royal Navy's oldest shore training facility based on Whale Island, Portsmouth.
[More on this Story]

Baumatic Expands to Champs Elysee and Red Square
Baumatic has cornered two of the most important markets this side of the globe - France and Russia. Notoriously famous for being one of the most difficult markets to crack, Baumatic says that it is thrilled to have signed a distribution agreement with one of the key players on the French appliance industry - Eberhardt Freres.
[More on this Story]

Mark Wilkinson and the Hairy Biker
Dave Myers is one half of the TV's Hairy Bakers, or Hairy Bikers. He was recently visited, in his home up in Cumbria by furniture designer Mark Wilkinson, who supplied the furniture for Dave's new kitchen. The kitchen featured regularly on the recent Hairy Bakers TV programme.
[More on this Story]

Whirlpool and LG Agree to Partial Resolution of Patent Infringement Action
On September 11th, Whirlpool Corporation and LG Electronics agreed to a partial resolution of the patent infringement action that Whirlpool brought against LG in the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in January 2008.
[More on this Story]

5-Year Refrigeration Promotion Extended
Maytag has good news for retailers; the summer refrigeration promotion has been extended. The summer promotion of the free 5-Year Parts and Labour warranty on all Maytag refrigeration has been extended to New Year's Eve.
[More on this Story]

Autumn Price Fall at Wrighton
Wrighton International, the kitchen specialist brand from NOW Kitchen Group Ltd is holding an Autumn 'Price Fall' sale on their best selling ranges, specifically for its trade dealers to encourage more refurbishment projects.
[More on this Story]

BCG Big Tour a Big Hit with Suppliers and Customers
Bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG is receiving rave reviews from suppliers and customers alike, following the launch of the 2008 Big Tour.
[More on this Story]

Keeping Pace with Sir Ian on 200 Mile Walk for Leukaemia
PWS' Chief Executive Mark Stephenson is pairing up with Sir Ian Botham on a 200 mile walk through 9 towns in 9 days to raise money and awareness for leukaemia research. Mark is in an extremely privileged position as he is the only person walking every step of the way with Sir Ian.
[More on this Story]

Alick Kerr - Merrick Forest Stages
Junior rally driver Alick Kerr gave his championship prospects a massive boost with a storming drive on the Merrick Forest Stages on Saturday 6th September.
[More on this Story]

New Washstations Discourage School Bullies
A school that has been rebuilt following a fire earlier this year will benefit from stylish new washstations from stainless steel washroom and sanitaryware manufacturer Pland Stainless Ltd.
[More on this Story]

John Brash Serves Up JB Antislip Plus Decking for Rick Stein
TV chef, Rick Stein has chosen John Brash JB Antislip Plus® decking for the refurbishment of his famous seaside restaurant. The company supplied JB Antislip Plus® inserts, fitted into its Decksure® structural timber deck board, to refurbish the large outside decking area of the popular South West restaurant.
[More on this Story]

Reilly Brothers Rely on Homag
Based at Longford in the Irish Republic, Reilly Brothers was established in 1979 to design and make quality fitted kitchens and bedrooms. The company has expanded steadily since then and now employs over 30 people while remaining a family owned concern.
[More on this Story]

Whirlpool Corporation Announces Strategic Sourcing Leadership Changes
Whirlpool Corporation has announced the retirement of Mark Brown, senior vice president, Global Strategic Sourcing, effective November 1st, 2008. John Miller, most recently with Nissan North America, will assume the GSS leadership position, joining the company on September 9th, 2008.
[More on this Story]

ATAG is Steaming Towards Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner! It creates a busy time in the kitchen putting pressure on us all and our kitchens. However, there is lots of help at hand with ATAG's built in appliances and in particular the compact steam oven - a solution that encourages us to get into the kitchen and makes Christmas cooking easier.
[More on this Story]

Whirlpool Corporation Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Whirlpool Corporation has been named to the 2008/2009 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), an international stock portfolio that evaluates corporate performance using economic, environmental, and social criteria. This is the fourth year in a row that Whirlpool has been named to a Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
[More on this Story]

Bathroom Manufacturers Beware!
A new booklet from the UK Government arrived at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) offices recently: 'Good news for those who treat customers fairly - Bad news for those who don't.' It is all about treating customers fairly and the booklet gives details about new regulations which clamp down on unfair sales and marketing practices.
[More on this Story]

Coming to a Cinema Near You - 'The Concept'
Ideal Standard, a leading provider of innovative, design-driven bathroom solutions launches 'Concept', Ideal Standard's biggest single product launch of a range of bathroom products and bathroom furniture in 22 years, beautifully designed by the respected Robin Levien.
[More on this Story]

Alick Kerr - Merrick Forest Stages
Lanarkshire rally driver Alick Kerr heads south to Newton Stewart this weekend for the Merrick Forest Stages with all still to play for in the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship.
[More on this Story]

Bathroom and Kitchen PODs Market UK 2008-2012
A new AMA report provides a major review of the UK bathroom and kitchen pods Market. The bathroom and kitchen pods market has an estimated value of £190 million at manufacturer selling prices in 2007.
[More on this Story]

Fusion Awarded Windows Vista Certification
Planit Fusion - the advanced design and visualisation software supplier for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets - has received Microsoft Windows Vista Certification for the latest version of its Fusion product.
[More on this Story]

Pre-assembled Tandembox
For the ultimate in ease of ordering & speed of installation, 'M' & 'D' height Blum Tandembox configurations can now be ordered from East Coast boxed & pre-assembled ready for immediate installation.
[More on this Story]

Showerlux Creates Bespoke Enclosure for a Princess
Showerlux UK has been specified to install bespoke shower enclosures on a luxury private 25m Princess Yacht. Now successfully complete, the job is a perfect example of the capabilities of the Showerlux made to measure team.
[More on this Story]

Kitchen Generator Continues to Expand with Homag
With now over a year of trading behind the company, Kent-based Kitchen Generator has experienced great success and growth following setting up production with mainly Homag Group machines.
[More on this Story]

Satinjet™ - Low in Flow, Big on Performance
We're all interested in making any savings we can right now and consumers are no different. With the worsening strain on the housing market, more people are staying put and improving their current home to make it as stylish and energy efficient as possible.
[More on this Story]

British BBQs - A Sense of Humour
Sudden downpours, undercooked bangers and swarms of wasps - a sense of humour seems to be a prerequisite for most British BBQs and perhaps that's why Matt Lucas and David Walliams have just been voted Britain's ultimate barbecue guests.
[More on this Story]

It's Back to the Future: We All Need a Larder Today
With rising fuel prices and soaring food costs it's important to shop less and make food last longer; a modern larder is essential. Amana has the answer. ‘It's back to the future,’ says Stuart Frost Product Marketing Manager for Amana. ‘We have lost the knowledge of storing food properly and knowing how to make it last longer.’
[More on this Story]

Stoves Rewards Retailers with Ace Initiative
Cooking appliance brand, Stoves, has just signed up its 200th retailer to a dedicated support initiative designed to help independent retailers increase profits. The Stoves and Ace Centre initiative was launched in the latter half of last year, to support retailers through the provision of training, product information and merchandising support.
[More on this Story]

Metropolitan Launches Dealer Charter
Metropolitan Showers has drawn up a dealer charter that is to be signed by all the company’s retailers. Graham Hackett, Marketing Manager of Metropolitan Showers states that ‘the aim of this charter is to have a consistent standard of 'brand' promotion within our chosen dealer network.’
[More on this Story]

Built in Bonus for Siemens Appliances
Siemens is launching a Pure Card promotion specifically to reward its loyal kitchen specialist dealers for sales of built in appliances. For a limited 13-week period from 1st September to 30th November 2008 inclusive, individual sales of Siemens built in appliances will earn cash rewards in an online credit promotion for the company's extensive built in appliance range.
[More on this Story]

Commercial Water Supply Market is Hot New Prospect for InSinkErator
InSinkErator has launched its 98 degree centigrade Steaming Hot Water Tap into the contracted water services market – answering increasing demand for functional yet elegant water dispensing solutions in offices across the UK.
[More on this Story]

Online Retailer Continues to make Massive Impact
Offering customers a wide choice of leading brands and products, www.bigbathroomshop.com has been met with universal acclaim and high sales growth following the recent unveiling of its new design.
[More on this Story]

Increase in Press Coverage for KBSA
The value of editorial press coverage for the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has risen by 44% compared to results achieved in the previous six months, according to recent figures released by the Association.
[More on this Story]

Waterwise Marque Helps You Save Money on Water and Energy Bills
On 1st September Waterwise relaunched the Waterwise Marque for the third year in a row in order to help consumers save money on water and energy bills. With summer now a mere memory, and the winter months fast approaching, we'll all soon be heating our homes and watching our energy bills escalate.
[More on this Story]