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Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
25th April 2008
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Franke Appliances
 

Homepro

Appliances
Amana's Speciality Wine Cabinets
The discerning consumer today wants to create a sense of luxury throughout the home. We are finding that appliances are creeping out of the kitchen, and updating and upgrading living areas
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Electrolux Island Barbecue
Gone are the days when barbecuing meant standing in a cloud of smoke with your back turned to your family who impatiently waited for their food at a nearby picnic table
More here:

Maytag Creates Healthier Lifestyle
Maytag UK says that it has a wealth of experience when it comes to promoting healthy living through its premium range of appliances
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A New Generation of Cooking Appliance

ATAG's
luxury MAGNA range features the Teppan Yaki, a new generation of cooking appliance designed for socialising and entertaining at home
More here:

Team UKI Glass Kettle

Team UKI, the Birmingham based small domestic appliance brand, has added a new and improved version of the classic glass kettle to its extensive range of small domestic appliances
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Gorenje's Latest Pininfarina Collection
Appliance manufacturer Gorenje says that it has long been associated with great design; working with the most talented individuals from around the world
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ATAG's MAGNA Design Line

The Dutch designer brand ATAG says that it will impress the UK designer and kitchen specialist with an even more aspirational collection of luxury appliances available that delivers the very best in class, the MAGNA Design Line
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Surfaces

Cova Veneers ad


Bushboard Omega Ebony Stripwood
For a touch of the exotic, look no further than Ebony Stripwood on Bushboard's newly launched Omega worktop range
More here:

LG HI-MACS for Counter Top Perfection
A good example of how LG HI-MACS can be used for design and performance perfection for a modern kitchen worksurface with integrated sink
More here:


LathamLGHiMacsAdvert

Taps & Showers
Showerlux Extends Glide Range
Glide, the top selling enclosure range from manufacturer Showerlux is now available with pivot or bi-fold doors ensuring that Glide enclosures really are the perfect fit in any bathroom design
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Pentagon from Adamsez
For a spacious showering experience without the nagging worry of water leaking all over the bathroom, look no further than the Pentagon shower enclosure from Adamsez
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Ripples April Showers
The walk-in shower continues to be a very popular and a quicker, more invigorating alternative to a bath and as a result, Ripples says that shower designs are getting more and more exciting
More here:

Crosswater's Mini Range
Crosswater's Mini range of compact basin taps offers a practical and stylish solution to the latest legal requirements as well as catering for smaller-sized bathrooms
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Kitchens
Bluestone's New Rialto and Aura Ranges
Functionality, simplicity, innovation and form - the four guiding principles that the company says have made Bluestone synonymous with the very cutting edge of kitchen design have come into play in a big way with the launch of its new Rialto and Aura ranges
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Tango Sink from Carron Phoenix

For an entry level sink, the new Tango 100 from Carron Phoenix is hard to beat. With its attractive circular styling and a low price Tango is a smart choice for a utility room or those on a small budget
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Bathrooms
Cylinder as New Form for Bacino Console Basin
New from Duravit for 2008, are additions to the Bacino washbasin family and the practical and stylish Fogo console range. Together they make a winning team
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KB Accessories
Evitavonni Eco- Accessories
Interior Design Company, Evitavonni, has joined forces with eco-friendly manufacturer of 100% natural & Organic pampering products, bamboo towels, scented soya candles & natural accessories; 'Gifted by Nature'.
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Radiators
Marbella from Aeon
Aeon Radiator Heaven unveiled the new Marbella designer radiator at KBB in March. Marbella is a departure for designer radiators, with four natural stone elements divided and supported by polished mirror finish stainless steel 'belts' in this vertical hanging design
More here:


Bedrooms
New Rialto Range from Hammonds
Whether you describe your style as vintage boudoir or elegant and sophisticated, Rialto, the latest design from Hammonds, offers versatility while providing storage solutions for the way we live today 

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Tiles
Weber Flexible Tanking System
The weber.sys protec integrated tanking system is established as a totally reliable wet area pre-tile system that enables tilers to comply with the mandatory specification included in British Standard BS5385
More here:


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'Eco-Babble' Reigns Supreme

A blast from the past this week as SodaStream is relaunched as a modern, stylish kitchen accessory with a chemical free and sustainable eco-angle. The relaunch is being supported by a 3m pound marketing campaign.

Still on an eco theme, Moores may be the first company in the KB market to appoint a 'green goddess', in the shape of Nicola Whitehead. Nicola, an Associate member of the IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment), will be using her green credentials to raise awareness of environmental issues.

In fact we have quite bit of 'eco-babble' this week, with InSinkErator reckoning that its good second quarter was down to increasing demand for eco-products; Baumatic reporting that it is increasing its 'eco-commitment'; the BMA announcing that 'eco-minister' Phil Woolass will be speaking at its October Conference and Evitavonni launching a range of Organic pampering products, bamboo towels, scented soya candles and natural accessories.
Break out the vegetable smoothies!

Also in the news this week: Reginox has appointed BBD as its exclusive distributor in the South of England for its Aqualine collection of designer washbasins.

Aqualux

People
Aqualux Boosts Sales Team

Aqualux
is welcoming an additional member to its UK wide sales force as Gary Laister is appointed area sales manager for the Midlands.
[More here]

BGH Welcomes Sales Director

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 here]

New Key Appointment for Hansgrohe

With immediate effect, Jan Shepherd has been appointed as the new Marketing Manager for Hansgrohe, based at the company's head office facility in Surrey.
[More here]

Formica Appoints Axiom Manager
Formica Ltd has announced that Chris Rixton has been appointed Axiom® Business Development Manager.
[More here]

Robert Hodgson Joins Rearo

Robert Hodgson has been appointed Trade Counter Manager to run the increasingly busy Washington branch of Rearo Laminates Ltd at Crowther Industrial Estate in Tyne & Wear.
[More here]

Ideal Standard Appointment

Ideal Standard International
, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions, has recently appointed Colin Sinclair as Channel Marketing Manager for Showering & Brassware.
[More here]


Brochures and Literature

New Manrose Catalogue
Manrose Manufacturing Ltd has just launched its latest catalogue with a new colour coded, simple to use format that provides the most comprehensive guide to ventilation on the market today.
[More here]

RAK Bathroom Bliss
Starting as it means to go on - with an image showing the stylish sit-on Chameleon basin - RAK Ceramics' new 2008 brochure reflects the up-market quality and contemporary feel of the products it promotes.
[More here]

New Look, New Feel for Second Nature

The redesigned Second Nature brochure from PWS not only has a completely new look, but a new feel too. The tactile front cover coupled with a selection of kitchen sets and lifestyle imagery can't fail to stimulate the senses.
[More here]


Exhibitions & Events

Italian Technology at Mosbuild
Acimac (Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers' association), in cooperation with the Italian Trade Commission ICE, took part with a joint pavilion of 30 companies in Mosbuild, the largest building and interior finishings show in Eastern Europe which was held in Moscow from 1st to 4th April.
[More here]

Expansion for Kitchen & Bathroom Show
The Kitchen & Bathroom Show has been extended from two to three days to enable visitors with a professional interest in the industries to spend time at the event during their normal mid-week working day as opposed to taking up their valuable weekend leisure time.
[More here]

James Latham at NMBS Exhibition
Timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, is looking forward to exhibiting at the NMBS in May.
[More here]

First News from THE Conference 2008
TV presenter and comedian Nick Hancock has been announced as guest host of THE Conference, which is taking place this year in Tenerife, 26-29 June.
[More here]

Grand Designs Live London
Grand Designs Live London, the UK's number one consumer show for innovation and design, returns to ExCeL (3-11 May 2008) for a fourth year.
[More here]

Tecnargilla 2008
Tecnargilla is the international trade fair on technologies and materials for the ceramic and terracotta industries, organised by Rimini Fiera in collaboration with Acimac, whose upcoming edition will be held from the 30th September to the 4th October 2008.
[More here]


Awards & Standards
iF Award for 'living city' by Laufen
The 'living city' range of washbasins by Laufen Bathrooms,the Swiss bathroom specialist, has landed its first design prize almost before being launched.
[More here]


Marketing & Promotion
'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 here]


Internet
Taps4less.com Makes it 10 Million Online Bookings
Online bathroom supplies company taps4less.com and overnight parcel carrier Amtrak in Kent are celebrating after they won the race to reach a 10 million landmark for bookings using the Internet.
[More here]

Three for One for Crosswater
The Crosswater Holdings Group companies - Crosswater, Simpsons and Bauhaus - collectively offer creative bathroom solutions from brassware to basins and shower enclosures to sanitaryware; they are now conveniently aligned together.
More here:


Training
Miele Plays Host to Sales and Customer Care Course
The Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon was the venue for the latest one day Sales and Customer Care course, which is approved by KBB NTG and CITB Construction Skills.

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Charity Events
Tile Industry Digs Deep
The charity collection at the TTA Awards dinner has raised 13,961 pounds for the charity Children Today.  This amount exceeds last year and is made up from cash on the night and pledges.  Last year's collection helped the charity to improve the lives of several children.
More here:


Ideal Standard
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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Franke's Curtain Call
The increased popularity of open-plan living has pushed cooker hoods into the limelight. Visible from anywhere on the ground floor of a home, looks are a top priority, which is where the sleek profile of the Franke Neptune Soft extractor in crisp stainless steel hits the jackpot.
[More on this Product]


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Utopia Mag
LATEST TENDERS

Aberdeenshire Requires Upgrades
Aberdeenshire Council invites tenders for the supply of housing repairs and maintenance works. This will be in the form of a framework agreement. The Housing Stock Improvement Works include kitchen upgrades, bathroom upgrades, door upgrades and heating upgrades. (Time-limit 07.05.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Cardiff Tenders for Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades Framework
Cardiff County Council is tendering for a framework agreement for carrying out the upgrading of existing kitchen and bathroom facilities to Council owned properties. Estimated value excluding VAT: 24,000,000 GBP. (Time-limit 28.05.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Edinburgh Council Requires Provision of Turnkey Furnishings
City of Edinburgh Council is tendering for a comprehensive Turnkey furnishings contract dealing with all aspects for the supply, delivery and installation of household furniture, floor coverings, curtains, electrical appliances and kitchen utensils. (Time-limit 05.05.2008).
[More on this Tender]


THIS WEEK'S NEWS

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]


KBB SHOW REVIEW

More reviews of product launches from the KBB Show 2008 can be found here.

Aqualux Show Success
Aqualux is proving its new 'super model' collection of enclosures has style as well as substance with record sales leads following a successful launch show at the Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom exhibition (KBB).
[More on this Exhibitor]

GROHE - Not the only Winners at KBB 2008
At this year's KBB 2008 GROHE displayed its range of stylish taps and showering systems, and says that the response was phenomenal. Highlights at the show included the Grohtherm Wireless, GROHE's state of the art digital showering system, the sleek and minimalist Allure collection, and star of the show -the GROHE Rapido.
[More on this Exhibitor]

Coram Flies The Flag for UK Design
At this year's KBB show, Coram Shower Pods exhibited its high performance pod sporting a striking Union Jack design, to highlight how the company's latest generation of designs have been specifically developed to meet the needs of the UK market.
[More on this Exhibitor]


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BMA NEWS ...

Defra Claims Retailers are Key to Water Efficiency
In a new report titled 'Future Water - the Government's water strategy for England', Defra when referring to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA) Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme claims that retailers are key in the development of water efficiency initiatives.
[More Here]


KBSA CORNER...

Building A Business In 2008
This time of year always brings numerous surveys and economic forecasts about what is in store for the coming twelve months. Now that the madness of the sales has passed retailers in the KBB industry can take stock and assess how their businesses are going to prosper during what is generally termed to be 'tough trading conditions'.
[More Here]


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Archive Section

We have archived items from the following Channels: News, Appliances, Awards, Bathroom Products, Events, Kitchen Products, Literature, Marketing, People and Taps & Showers.

KBB 2008:[Exhibitors] BKEXPO 2007: Exhibitor List here; Product Launches here: Reviews here


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