THE K&BZINE - Your Kitchen & Bathroom Industry News First

Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
10th February 2006
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The Intuition range of self-assembly kitchens exclusively from Waterline has just been re-launched with a higher specification
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Burbidge has launched the Italian-inspired Mezzo gloss range of kitchen frontals and accessories
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The Gallery has further strengthened its choice of kitchen styles with the launch of two new modern styled kitchens and a range of luxury aluminium accessories
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Brass & Traditional Sinks has commissioned and designed its own exclusive Gamekeepers ceramic sinks
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This week saw the release of an updated version of Kitchendraw - the kitchen and bathroom planning software
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The five ALNO Libero cabinet systems - window, corner, zoom, tower and jumbo - are receiving reinforcements in the form of additional window, jumbo and a sixth system, the Libero frame, which creates additional hanging space in cabinets
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The new Angel Birch range from PWS is light and airy, achieving the clean lined look so popular in modern kitchen design
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Roper Rhodes used the platform of KBB 2006 to present the latest additions to the popular Valencia and New England ranges
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Geberit Ltd has launched the company's new concealed dual flush UP200 cistern and 0.98m Duofix wall hung frame for WC, washbasin and bidets
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Ceramic tile and sanitaryware manufacturer, RAK Ceramics is targeting house builders and hotel specifiers with the launch of a special bathroom package. HBH is a complete high-end bathroom solution offered at £799 + VAT
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Imperial Bathrooms has expanded its Etoile range following the introduction of a new and distinctive basin stand
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A new pearlescent finish has been added to seven of the latest colour choices in Mermaid waterproof wall panels, from Norske Interiors
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Swish Building Products has introduced a new design to its range of Marbrex internal wall and ceiling panels. Prestige Black adds both style and warmth and is suited for bathrooms, showers, wet rooms, changing and spa areas
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A new Travertine stone shelf vanity has been developed by Avante® to support the ever popular stone basins
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Bohle has introduced a new range of own-branded heated mirror pads that promise to banish steamed-up mirrors for good by the simple flick of a switch
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Jiffy, the supplier of quality protective packaging has developed a new product which guarantees protection for highly polished furniture in transit
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Always on the look out for interesting storage ideas, PWS has introduced a collection of modern baskets
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Have you ever wanted to change the colour of your lighting, but still have the option of white light for everyday tasks? Well now you can have all this and more with a new product from Verdi Lighting
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East Coast Fittings has introduced a series of tambour doors with assembly and fitting advantages
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Bosch says that the Logixx SGS65L22 incorporates the very latest technology so the chore of washing your dishes is safer, easier and more efficient than ever
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De Dietrich, the premium kitchen appliance manufacturer, has developed a new addition to its range. The DED400X coffee machine is designed in the family line with the rest of the built-in range
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World renowned designer Paolo Pininfarina has teamed-up with Gorenje for the second time in 5 years to launch a range of high tech, high spec appliances
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The Amana Reflection BxM, customised in stainless steel and grey-mirrored glass, is the latest addition to Maytag UK's expanding portfolio of American born and bred refrigerators
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Coming soon from luxury built in kitchen appliance specialist Gaggenau is a Ventilation Table designed for building in to a central island unit
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Indesit has launched a washing machine designed to help make the most of consumer's precious time
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Myson has launched new ‘tube on tube’ towel warmers, ‘Tuba’ is an addition to the Myson multi-rail range. ‘Tube on tube’ reflects the design, which sees the horizontal bars laid onto the vertical bars instead of being welded into the product
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Thermic, the Belgian manufacturer of high-quality designer radiators, has launched the latest innovations in the Xtend-Line - Xtend-Horizontal and Xtend-Inox.
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Radiator manufacturer, Aestus, has improved its popular Partito bench radiator allowing it even more universal appeal
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New from Franke is the Orca spray tap, which offers a modern look with a series of cutting edge-design elements
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Just one of the new showering additions from Bristan launched at KBB 2006, the new Prism sequential thermostatic shower has a generous showerhead and diverter to hand-held spray
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One of abode's New Year's Resolutions for 2006 is to launch a number of forward thinking designs which will be the start of a revolutionary new tap design and style
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The new Passion Quadrant from HSK comprises a fixed glass panel with an opening door (both reversible, left or right) together with an aluminium shower panel
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The Half Moon enclosure from Italian shower manufacturer Cesana is designed with simplicity in mind
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Hot on the heels of the ZX Stone Grey sink launch from Carron Phoenix comes the new Zinia tap in matching Stone Grey which 'strikes the balance between stylish neutrality and design simplicity'
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Bottega d'Arte says that its new collection of interior finishes employs a decorative vocabulary of Baroque inspiration, expressing the increasingly obvious links between fashion and habitat
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Ultracolour Plus is the latest innovation from Mapei. 'The ultimate solution for perfect grout joints, free from aesthetic defects such as uneven colour and efflorescence, Ultracolour Plus remains easy to keep clean and will not support mould growth'
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RAK Ceramics has launched a new range of tilescalled 'Oxodium', which features an oxodised finish that comes in subtle orange and blue/black versions
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Maytag Corporation and Sears Holdings Corporation are together donating more than 700 new refrigerators worth nearly $800,000 to Hurricane Katrina victims in an effort to help those affected replace appliances damaged in the storm
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Kitchen design specialist KCA, has been busy celebrating two of the company’s dedicated designer's, Karen West and Peter Evans professional qualification achievement
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Premium showering products brand Daryl Showering has celebrated a major milestone in its retailer product training programme, as 600 sales staff from retail showrooms across the country have now taken part in its 'awareness day' initiative
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The BLUMOTION system from Blum ensures that even when slammed hard the frontals automatically brake at about 80mm from closed and then gently glide shut
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The latest furniture collection from Mg Marga Design is entitled ‘Luce’ and is ideal as a focus piece for a bedroom
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Back to Reality

After the not quite real experience of KBB 2006 - more of which below - this week was marked by two big launches in the household appliance sector. On the one hand, we witnessed the very tangible bricks and mortar type reality of BSH opening its spanking new 400,000 square foot warehouse in Kettering.

While, also this week, a no less important announcement from Electrolux that it has come up with a huge advertising campaign based on the concept that the company thinks about its customers when it makes things. The group is also bringing back the 'Appliance of Science' tag for its Zanussi adverts. Wasn't that the one where the Martians rolled about the floor laughing when they saw a potato peeler...

As well as a few more (very positive) comments from both visitors and exhibitors about KBB2006, this week we also publish the first part of our Review in Words and Pictures, featuring RAK Ceramics, Acova Radiators, Merlyn, Aqualux, Norske, PJH, The Corner Fridge Co, Caesarstone, Geberit, Franke, Shires/Ice-Cube Design, Jacuzzi, Polypipe, Reginox and others.

There is more KBB coverage in the next week or two, so if you have a comment on the show - from either exhibitor or visitor perspective - please drop an email to news@thekbzine.com. It only needs to be a couple of lines.

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Homag's March Open House
Homag U.K. will be hosting its first open house exhibition of 2006 with a special focus on CNC technology from March 14 - 16.
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Hybrid Event for Designers
After its launch last year, 100% East returns to the Truman Brewery, from 21-24 September 2006 with a new focus. Unlike its sister show, 100% Design, held over the same dates in Earls Court 2, 100% East will be noticeably more multidisciplinary.
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KBB and Expotile 2008 are Moving.....
KBB incorporating Expotile, the kitchens, bathrooms and tiling industry event, will be held at a different time of year from 2008. The event will continue to be a part of The Interiors Event in January 2006, but the biennial event will move to 9-12 March in 2008.
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ELECSA's New Series of Free Part P Seminars
ELECSA announced on January 11th another series of free Part P evening seminars for local electricians and tradesmen affected by Part P throughout England and Wales at the following locations:
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Pack-Mate Collection at Spring Fair 2006
Scott Brothers will be exhibiting its growing Pack-Mate brand of home storage products at Spring Fair 2006, at the NEC, Birmingham, 5th-9th February 2006, Stand HPE9, Pavillion.
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Grand Designs Live at NEC Birmingham
Following the successful launch of Grand Designs Live 2005 at ExCeL London, Media 10 Limited has announced the launch of Grand Designs Live Birmingham, 6-8 October 2006 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
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Home & Gift Revises Layout for 2006
Following the success of this year's Home & Gift, exhibitors will benefit from a revised fair layout which will include the following sites: Harrogate International Centre; Cairn Hotel; Design Point marquees; George Hotel; Majestic Hotel; Collectible and General Gift marquees and the Old Swan Hotel and marquee.
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Decorative Panels at ZOW
British paper foil laminator Decorative Panels Ltd is attending ZOW at Bad Salzuflen, February 20-23, 2006 for the first time.
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Grand plans for Grand Designs Live 2006
Following the hugely successful launch of Grand Designs Live earlier this year, publishing group Media 10 and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, have announced Grand Designs Live 2006, 2-4 June, ExCel, London.
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More Events here

Roman Ltd, the UK shower manufacturer, has launched a new 84 page brochure offering the total showering package.
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Victoria & Albert launched its new product brochure at KBB 2006. For 2006 the freestanding bath specialist has embraced the concept of 'small is beautiful' as a design theme.
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Qualceram, bathroom manufacturer throughout Ireland and the UK, launched a new and improved brochure at the KBB show.
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The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has launched a KBSA Members' Handbook and Buyers' Guide at KBB2006.
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Indesit Company shows continued support and commitment to the built-In sector and general training with the announcement of a new appointment.
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Advanced Technical Panels has announced the latest addition to its sales team with the appointment of a new representative for the South East region.
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Whirlpool announced that David L. Swift, previously executive vice president, Whirlpool North America, has been promoted to the position of president, Whirlpool North America.
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Wolseley plc has announced that on December 16th Mr Frank Roach was appointed as a Director of the Company.
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Paul Ricketts has joined Carron Phoenix as the new Area Sales Manager for London, Northern Home Counties and East Anglia.
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Franke, the world's largest sink manufacturer, has appointed a new Northern Regional Sales Manager following Justine Turner's move to look after the company’s distributors in the South of England.
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John Kershaw has recently joined Miele in the new role of Head of Marketing for domestic appliances.
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Premium Appliance Brands (PAB) is welcoming in the New Year with the appointment of new Commercial Manager, Mike Goulding.
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Twyford Bathrooms is taking its new range of products direct to its customers up and down the country during 2006.
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Maytag UK has donated an Admiral laundry appliance to kick start the rugby season for the Petersfield Rugby Football Club.
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As part of a strategy to expand Mereway Bathrooms furniture appeal to customers, the company is renaming all Pergamon furniture and worktops to 'Oyster'.
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At the annual Incentive Travel & Meetings Association (ITMA) award ceremony in London last week, Neff won a total of four awards for its 'Evolution' trade product launch held at the Concept Centre in Bedford in February 2005.
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A talented designer from KBSA retailer Chiselwood Ltd in Lincoln has won a major national award for kitchen design.
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The imminence of the robot age draws even closer as IFOMIND scoops 2005 prize for Progress towards Machine Intelligence, sponsored by Electrolux.
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Kitchen design specialist KCA has announced the launch of its new, fresh, easy to use website.
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Bespoke kitchens specialist Charles Yorke has begun a programme of investment in marketing support for the brand, starting with the launch of an extensive new website.
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This year's Ambiente, scheduled to take place from 10th to 14th February 2006, will again feature some 4,600 exhibitor companies from every continent.
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SPATEX, the exhibition for professionals in the pool, spa and sauna industry, 5-7th February 2006 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Exhibition Centre.
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The preparations for the première of the Deutsche Ausbaumesse in Nürnberg from 27-29 April 2006 are in full swing.
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Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for ISH Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf.
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Interbuild 2006 - The Building Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from April 23 to 27.
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Tim Foley runs a website which includes an excellent Discussion Forum about all things kitchen related.
You'll Find it here:

With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pushing its 'Better Backs' initiative this summer, Granada Material Handling (Granada), one of the nation's leading material handling solutions specialists, is the sole UK distributor of Fezer VacuPowerlift handling units.
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TheK&BZine Team:

Richard & Debbie Schwarz
news@thekbzine.com

Richard Place
sales@thekbzine.com

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CAPTION COMPETITION

!Win £100 Worth of M&S Vouchers!
Think of a funny or witty caption to this picture, which shows BBC's Changing Rooms presenter Graham Wynne dangling a toy duck menacingly over the plughole of one of Merlyn's new showers on the stand at KBB 2006, and you could win, courtesy of Merlyn, £100 of Marks & Spencers vouchers. Simply email your suggested caption to: debbie@thekbzine.com.

PS: Click on the picture to see a bigger version

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

New Click-Seal Profiles Launched at KBB 2006
A new two-part self-sealing Click-Seal profile system, for use with Mermaid waterproof wall panels, was launched by Norske Interiors at KBB 2006, offering an innovative solution to a common problem.
[More on this Product]

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

KBB 2006 in Pictures and Words
Forthright in his views on other designers, and other national characteristics, Laurence Llewellen-Bowen was in a talkative mood when we caught up with him on the RAK stand at KBB. He has put his name to a RAK bathroom suite for the third year running, this time the impressive Rondo, which has been designed to bring a bit of class to traditionally cramped British bathrooms, at an affordable price.
[KBB 2006 Review Here]

More Comments from KBB 2006
Gary Wild from Bolton Bathrooms was a visitor to the recent KBB show and has the following comments: 'I have been retailing bathrooms in this showroom from 1977 and my first exhibition was Interbuild in the late 1970s which was exciting with a large kitchen and bathroom presence. Having visited KBB 2006, I am now getting that feeling back again'.
[More Comments Here]

BSH Opens UK's Largest Appliance Warehouse
Just over six months after the acquisition of land and agreement to build a brand new 430,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art warehouse, UK kitchen appliance group BSH Home Appliances Limited has opened the doors of the UK's largest distribution & logistics centre for kitchen appliances.
[More on this Story]

Electrolux Announces New Brand Communication Platform
Electrolux, the global household appliance manufacturer, is launching a new communication platform with the selling line ‘Electrolux - Thinking of You’. The new line reflects the brand's focus on innovation & product development based on genuine insights and understanding of consumers' needs, wants and desires
[More on this Story]

The Appliance of Science is Back!
Electrolux Group has announced the revival of iconic white goods slogan: Zanussi - The Appliance of Science. Billed by many as one of the most famous advertising slogans of all time, the Zanussi ‘Appliance of Science’ theme is back and updated for the 21st Century.
[More on this Story]

Organic Growth and Improved Profits for Nobia in a Weaker Market
Estimates suggest that demand in the UK market has fallen by around 6-7 per cent in 2005 compared with 2004. Nobia's organic growth was negative at 5 per cent. lnvestments in the store network continued according to plan. A special initiative has been focused on large stores located centrally in major cities and the stores that have been renovated have produced favourable results.
[More on this Story]

Whirlpool Suggests Sale of Hoover Floorcare Division
Whirlpool Corporation acknowledged on February 3rd the announcement by Maytag Corporation that it expects to evaluate alternative strategies for its floor-care products line and commercial businesses, including their possible sale.
[More on this Story]

Maytag Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2005 Results
Maytag Corporation announced on February 3rd fourth quarter consolidated sales of $1.24 billion, up 6.6 percent from sales of $1.16 billion in the same period last year. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $75 million or 93 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $14.1 million, or 18 cents per share, a year ago. Maytag's net sales for the full fiscal year 2005 were $4.9 billion, up 3.8 percent from the $4.72 billion reported for fiscal 2004. Net loss for fiscal 2005 was $81.9 million
[More on this Story]

Wolseley Spends £72m on Three Further Acquisitions: £500m so Far This Year
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, announced on 8th February three further acquisitions.
[More on this Story]

Roman Changes at the Top
Roman Ltd, the UK shower manufacturer, has announced a change to its senior management team as it drives forward into 2006. Company founder and current Managing Director, Gerry Osborne, is to take on a new role as Chairman, with David Osborne stepping up from Marketing Director to take over the day-to-day running of the firm, as Managing Director.
[More on this Story]

Gemini Appoints Reginox as Preferred Supplier of Sinks and Taps
Gemini Kitchens, the specialist supplier of continental style kitchens to the house building industry, has appointed Reginox UK as its preferred supplier of sinks and taps. The appointment marks a successful six year relationship between the two businesses.
[More on this Story]

Stars and Stripes for Clearwater Collection
Clearwater Collection, the manufacturer of luxury handmade freestanding acrylic baths, has recently crossed the pond to launch its collection in America. The new business will be known as Clearwater America and will include a range of freestanding and contemporary baths as well as the patented spa system, Clearspa.
[More on this Story]

Grohe Unveils 2006 Brand Strategy
Grohe started 2006 with an array of new products and a new brand strategy, designed to heighten awareness amongst trading partners and consumers alike, of the qualities that have made Grohe the international brand leader it is.
[More on this Story]

Hanneck Takes the Spotlight at KBB Review Industry Awards
Highly respected kitchen and bathroom industry stalwart Uwe Hanneck has been presented with a Special Achievement Award at the recent KBB Review Industry Awards for his hard work in promoting and improving standards in the industry over the past 33 years.
[More on this Story]

A Hat Trick for Kitchen Culture
There's just no stopping Kitchen Culture. For the third consecutive year the company has been rewarded with yet another prestigious industry award; Marketing for kitchens.
[More on this Story]

Masco 'Top Brass' Strips Off for Charity!
Anyone who visited KBB couldn't have failed to notice the Bristan stand complete with dancers strutting their stuff every hour, on the hour, to the thumping beat of Madonna.
[More on this Story]

Double Top for Victoria & Albert
Freestanding specialist Victoria & Albert is bucking a slow market with its best ever trading figures Leading international freestanding bath specialists Victoria & Albert are enjoying a double celebration - both a hugely successful KBB 2006 and unprecedented worldwide volume sales figures.
[More on this Story]

Orders Galore as Dealers Embrace RAK Ceramics at KBB 2006
KBB 2006 has proved a resounding success for tile and sanitaryware manufacturer RAK Ceramics, who report in excess of 600 product sets being ordered at the show.
[More on this Story]

Unique KBB Bath Finds a New Home with Lucky Winner
The eye-catching Victoria & Albert hand painted bath which caught the attention of many a visitor to KBB 2006 has a new home. The bath, a V&A Sorrento model specially decorated as the prize in a draw competition for visitors to KBB, was won by Steve Hinton.
[More on this Story]

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KBSA CORNER...

National Training Group Set To Make A Difference In 2006
The long awaited KBB National Training Group is now established and set to make a real difference in 2006. Having been involved since it's inception in 2004, I am personally delighted that the group is now up and running independently with support from some fantastic sponsors from within the industry.
[More Here]

BATHROOM NEWS

Working for the Bathroom Industry
We have spoken a lot recently about the marketing work that the BMA does, in respect of promoting and supporting the industry with publicity for ‘news’ subjects such as Water Saving in the Bathroom and understanding what we should be providing in respect of Bathrooms for those of us with Special Needs and also in working towards providing the consumer with the best possible quality of service via Training, Education and Qualifications.
What we don’t often publicise is the precise nature of the work that the BMA does for the industry in respectof Parliamentary initiatives and standards bodies.

Ted Goold – President - Bathroom Manufacturers Association

[More Here]

NOTICES

Notices from The Insolvency Courts, January 2006
The following Notices have been posted from the Insolvency Courts relating to Kitchen and Bathroom companies including Timberwise Kitchens Of Distinction Ltd, KM Wholesale Ltd, Artisan Bathroom Design Company Ltd, F. & R. Dunlop Services Ltd, Kitchenhaus Ltd, Waterworld Bathrooms (Uk) Ltd, S & W Ltd, De’sinor Kitchens Ltd, Kitchen (Door) Wizard Ltd, R. A. Fitters Ltd
[Read the Full List Here]

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