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Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
6th June 2008
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Franke Appliances
 

ATAG Kitchen Appliances

Appliances
ATAG Panorama Touch Control Induction Hob

The ATAG Panorama induction hob combines the hottest head-turner looks with technological developments in a spacious, elegant and highly accessible design
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Stoves is Pretty in Pink
Following the continued success of 'Flavours', a collection of coloured range cookers, Stoves has announced an addition to the collection and the launch of two new colours - just in time for summer
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Fisher & Paykel Launches New Tower Oven
Fisher & Paykel has added a new tower model to its Designer range of built-in ovens. This large product has two full sized, multi-function ovens and a variety of cooking functions each. The total usable capacity is an impressive 106 litres
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Surfaces

Cova Veneers ad


Wow Factor in White
Bushboard's newly updated Omega range includes Strass Blanc, reminiscent of polished engineered stone with its smooth-to-the-touch high gloss finish
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IDS Tuscan Quartzstone
IDS's new Tuscan Quartzstone worksurface range captures all the beauty of natural stone yet offers the benefits of being available off the shelf, lightweight and easy to install
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EDP Success with New Foils
Following the launch at ZOW of new foils from Pentadecor, exclusive UK agent EDP has experienced success and an enthusiastic response from UK and Irish component and furniture manufacturers
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LathamLGHiMacsAdvert

Taps & Showers
Showerlux Swings into Action

Showerlux UK
has extended its range of premium quality and competitively priced bathroom products with the launch of a new range of luxury overbath screens
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Hudson Reed Enters the Arina
Hudson Reed has launched Arina, a new range of bathroom brassware complete with matching shower options
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Infra Red Mixer from Boundary

The Sagittarius Infra Red Basin Mixer from Boundary Bathrooms is a hygienic touch free system that is triggered by the detection of movement.
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Kitchens
Theobald Urban Plum
Theobalds Urban Plum is a new addition and is 'on trend' with consumers demand for high gloss bold colours and stylish design elements
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Burbidge Opus
Burbidge has launched three new bold colour ways for its ultra contemporary Opus Gloss kitchen
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New Intuition Kitchens from Waterline
Exclusively available from Waterline, the Intuition range of self-assembly kitchens has been refreshed with new fascia and work surface designs
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Waterford Ceramic by Carron Phoenix

The new Waterford ceramic sinks from Carron Phoenix echo the design appeal akin to a traditional Belfast sink but offer the advantage of far easier installation
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Bathrooms
Simply Brilliant - Simply Air
Homeowners are looking to recreate the spa experience in their bathroom, reports Victorian Bathrooms, which has recognised a significant increase in demand for its Simply Air Whirlpool Baths
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Reach for Rondo
Thick, chunky curves lend a dramatically different feel to RAK Ceramic's new Rondo suite, which the company says exudes designer appeal but without the designer label price tag
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KB Accessories
Perfect Cornering with PWS' New Le Mans

Smart looks, perfect cornering and precision engineering, the new Arena Style Le Mans storage solution from PWS has them all
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Composite Launches Luxury Bathroom Art

Digital art consultancy Composite Imaging has launched a new range of bathroom art to meet the growing trend for statement bathrooms
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Radiators
Vogue - Crafted By Hand

Vogue UK
is a company that celebrates the wealth of traditional, quality handcrafted heated towel rails and radiators and says that it is one of the last true manufacturers in the UK.
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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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Vance Escapes Jail and Cries Foul Play

According to the Financial Times today, the dangers of a full blown recession have receded significantly. That will be good news for one man who is a bit poorer this week - the enfant terrible of cheap kitchens Vance Miller, who escaped jail but was fined 90,000 pounds this week at Manchester Crown Court.

'Poor old' Vance has been hounded by the authorities since 2002 but is now beginning to fight back by claiming that a dirty tricks campaign is being waged against him on behalf of local developers who want his factory site. There is also the problem of local gangsters who burnt his house down and his claim that MFI pulled out of kitchens because of his business model, which apparently involves intimidating Chinese quarry owners. Confused? It's all on his website if you want to read his story - just type his name into Google!

Aqualux

People
Merlyn Recruits High Flyer for Vivid Team

Merlyn
, the UK shower enclosure specialist, has announced the 'signing' of top Sales Manager Richard Adams to the company's ever expanding Vivid operation.
[More Here]

Geberit Announces New Managing Director

Geberit the manufacturer of sanitaryware, plumbing and drainage technologies, has announced that Mark Larden has been appointed managing director of its UK operations.
[More on this Story]


Homepro

Brochures and Literature

ATAG UK's New Catalogue

ATAG UK, the innovative Dutch brand that was brought back to the UK just 18-months' ago, announces the issue of a new, full-colour, 186-page glossy catalogue.
[More here]

Tantalising Tiles
RAK Ceramics is highlighting its tiles collections in a glossy new brochure.
[More here]


Exhibitions & Events
Key Associations Back kbbreview EXPO
Three major trade associations have pledged their support to kbbreview EXPO 2009 (ExCeL London, 10-12 May 2009), London's established dedicated trade exhibition for innovators within the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom industry.
[More Here]

Bathroom Conference
The 2008 Annual Bathroom Conference will consider, challenge and stretch the boundaries of sustainability from corporate, social, environmental and economic ideals. But what does this mean for the Bathroom Industry?
[More on this Story]

James Latham Excels at NMBS
The UK's leading timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, has announced its recent success at the NMBS show held at Telford International Centre in May.
[More on this Story]

More News from THE Conference
THE Conference 2008 is set to be the best yet with a fantastic venue, packed programme, plenty of opportunity for business and social networking, and an impressive line up of speakers to entertain, inform and stimulate discussion.
[More here]

FIRA Environmental Workshop
FIRA has organised a half day environmental workshop in the north of England on the morning of 9th July.
[More here]

100% Design London
100% Design is set to push the boundaries of design even further with its on-going collaboration with Tom Dixon - the shows Creative Director - 18-21 September, Earls Court 2, London.
[More here]

Tendence Autumn and Winter
From 4th to 8th July 2008, numerous tableware and kitchen suppliers will be presenting their products at the international Tendence Autumn + Winter consumer-goods fair.
[More here]


Awards & Standards
Whirlpool's GHI and Which? Accolades
Whirlpool has received two awards for its innovative AWO/D AS128 6th Sense AquaSteam washing machine. The ‘Best Buy’ accolade from Which? and the Good Housekeeping Institute Accreditation.
[More Here]

Indesit Wins Sodalitas Social Award
Indesit Company won an award at the 6th 'Sodalitas Social Awards', promoted by Sodalitas and recognised by the President of the Republic.
[More Here]


Marketing & Promotion
Aqualux Showroom Give Away
Aqualux is launching its biggest give away of the year and offering bathroom showrooms the chance to get their hands on a free display unit to showcase its latest design additions to its AquaSpace collection - the exclusive Modular Glass Panels.
[More Here]

Cool Promotion from Miele
Miele has launched a free 5 year warranty offer on the company’s newly introduced K10000 refrigeration range. The K10000 range is feature rich with enhanced storage solutions. With quality features both inside and out the range has something to offer every household.
[More on this Story]


Internet
Utopia Launches New Website
Utopia Bathroom Group has launched a new website at www.utopiagroup.com, reflecting the newly extended product portfolio.
More here:

Mermaid's Online Makeover
The complete Mermaid waterproof wall panel collection can now be viewed at www. mermaidpanels. com. The sleek new website displays all of the latest product information and photography, and complements the company's stylish redesigned brochure.
More here:

Franke Goes to the Movies
To assist with queries, installers can now witness Franke systems with various demonstration movies on the company's website.
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Training
The UK's First One-Stop Website for Training
www.bookmycourse.co.uk is the UK's first website where you can locate, compare and book top quality training courses nationwide. The new pioneering website saves hours of endless searching, telephone calls and information gathering.
[More Here]


Charity Events
Charity Bike Ride
Dan Williams has worked with Scottwood of Nottingham for the past 10 years in sales administration and is also involved in contract designs, product design and new product development.
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Tiles
On Trend Tile Collection
A collection of new wall and floor tile designs has been launched into top UK DIY retailer Focus, produced exclusively by UK tile manufacturer British Ceramic Tile. The designs include both traditional and contemporary wall tiles with up-to-the-minute styles suitable for the kitchen and bathroom.
More here:

Precious Metals from RAK
Fed up of plain and uninspiring tile finishes? Enter the new Paradox tile from RAK Ceramics. Made from the highest quality porcelain and with a metallic finish, the Paradox tile offers a new surface for any room in the home.
More here:

 


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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Britannia Turns The Heat Up With Nina Campbell
Britannia is set to further enhance its growing reputation for innovative design and colour with its latest collection of range cookers in collaboration with Nina Campbell, one of the world's most famous and influential interior designers.
[More on this Product]


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LATEST TENDERS

Water Coolers Wanted in London
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking expressions of interest for Mains fed and Bottled Water Coolers for a 4 year period with an option to extend for a further year. (Time-limit 14.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Scotland Excel Requires Catering Supplies
Scotland Excel (Renfrewshire Council) requires the establishment of a framework agreement for the supply & delivery of catering sundries, bakery products, crockery, cutlery, glassware and knives. (Time-limit 07.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]

East Riding Requires Gas Maintenance
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is tendering for a measured term contract for the maintenance and periodic inspection of gas catering equipment. Estimated value excluding VAT: 450 000 GBP. (Time-limit 11.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]


THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Vance Miller Fined 90,000 and Given a Six Month Suspended Sentence
Kitchen supplier Vance Miller has again been found in contempt of court after Manchester County Court yesterday fined him 90,000 and gave him a six month sentence suspended for two years. The sentence follows action taken by the OFT after Mr Miller breached a Stop Now Order granted by the Court in April 2002 for the second time.
[More on this Story]

Ikonic New Deal for Deva
Deva, one the UK's largest suppliers of bathroom and kitchen taps, showers and bathroom accessories, has announced a new partnership with award winning executive house builders, Wainhomes.
[More on this Story]

ALNO's Scottish Contract Division Scoops Two Awards
One of Scotland's premier housebuilders, CALA Homes has awarded the Scottish division of ALNO Contracts two prestigious awards.
[More on this Story]

Home & Garden Show Celebrates Record Visitor Numbers
More than 10,000 people visited the Home & Garden Show 2008, held over the weekend at Chester Racecourse. Visitors explored cooking, gardening and interior design zones, each with famous names presenting demonstrations.
[More on this Story]

HSK Relocates
After five years of unprecedented annual growth in the UK market, HSK has relocated its entire operation to a new office in Church Broughton, Derbyshire.
[More on this Story]

James Latham's 1.5 Million Investment
The timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, is making significant financial investments in new sites during 2008.
[More on this Story]

Moben Kitchens Falls Foul of ASA
A complaint, objecting to a magazine advertisement for HF Group Acquisition Co Ltd t/a Moben Kitchens was upheld according to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
[More on this Story]

New Kitchen & Bathrooms Showcase at Interbuild '08
A new Kitchens & Bathrooms Showcase will bring together suppliers and buyers in an inspirational and informative setting at Interbuild 2008.
[More on this Story]

KBSA National Conference and AGM Announced for 2008
A date has been announced for the 2008 Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association AGM. The event will take place at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre which is located in Swindon on Thursday 10th July.
[More on this Story]

Abode Interactive Website
Abode has been designing the company’s distinctive ranges of kitchen taps for over five years and the natural progression beyond this was to 'make a splash' into the bathroom taps and showers market.
[More on this Story]

Alick Kerr - Severn Valley Rally
Scottish junior rally driver Alick Kerr got his Fiesta Sporting Trophy Campaign back on track with a very sensible and solid finish on Saturday's Severn Valley Rally.
[More on this Story]

New Consumer Protection Regulations
The KBSA has welcomed the new regulations on consumer protection introduced by The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) on 26th May as good news for specialist retailers.
[More on this Story]

New Laws to Crackdown on Cowboy Tradesmen
If you want to find a tradesman that you can trust, you now have more protection following the news that the Government is cracking down on rogue tradespeople.
[More on this Story]

Whirlpool's Mike Thieneman to Retire
Whirlpool Corporation announced on June 5th the retirement of executive vice president and chief technology officer Mike Thieneman, effective June 30th, 2008. The company plans to name a successor at a later date.
[More on this Story]

Waterwise Research
Research released by Waterwise on 5th June states that the average family's annual water consumption results in as much CO2 as two transatlantic flights.
[More on this Story]

BSH Sponsors Lanzet's Constructive Challenge
Kitchen appliance group BSH Home Appliances Ltd recently sponsored one of the 49 teams successfully taking part in the UK Construction Industry's annual charity fund raising event.
[More on this Story]

Huge Demand for Thug-Proof Toilets
Demand for vandal-resistant toilets is rising so fast that Wallgate, the sanitaryware specialist, has created 20 new jobs at the company’s Wiltshire plant after agreeing a 300,000 pounddeal for the supply of new casting machinery.
[More on this Story]

Homag CNC Open House
Homag will be hosting a special open house exhibition focusing in the latest developments in CNC technology from July 9 - 11.
[More on this Story]

Brits Urge Government to Make Us Greener
New research from Worcester, Bosch Group, manufacturer of sustainable high efficiency heating and hot water solutions for the home, has found that almost 70% of us are calling for more education when it comes to things like saving energy.
[More on this Story]

Smeg Cooker is Which? Magazine 'Best Buy'
The SUK62CMX5 electric double oven Concert Cooker with ceramic hob from Smeg 'topped the charts' in the May issue of Which?, when the highly trusted publication put twenty four free standing cookers through their paces.
[More on this Story]

Elica is the Top All-Italian Company in the Top 50 'Best Places to Work in Europe'
Elica, in terms of company climate, is one of the best companies in Europe. After the recognition awarded by the Best Workplace in Italy 2008 jury in the Italian classification of Great Place to Work, where Elica came in fourth.
[More on this Story]


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BMA NEWS ...

Weathering the Storm
OK, let's be honest here. We're clearly in the midst of the rockiest patch we've experienced since the mid-90s, but let's not borrow bad luck and make our situation worse with more negativity and gloomy predictions.
[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 Reviews of product launches from KBB 2008 can be found here.


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