Weekly
Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
19th December 2003
Links Not Working? Go to http://www.thekbzine.com
Witham-based
Adminex Oasis has introduced Charente
- a top-of-the-range suite consisting of WC pan and cistern and washbasin
and pedestal branded.
More
here:
Over
a period of more than 10 years, Alape,
the Germany-based enabler of individual bathroom architecture, has gained
experience in the planning, design and implementation of project-specific
washroom solutions.
More
here:
German
bathroom manufacturer Keuco has
announced the Plan collection of bathroom accessories, fittings, illuminated
mirrors, mirrors, lighting, mirror cabinets and furniture
More
here:
Thomas
Dudley Ltd (TDL), the Midlands based manufacturer, has launched
its new ‘Vantage’ concealed cistern
More
here:
Fordham
has added a new variety of freestanding and fitted furniture cabinet
options which offers flexibility to suit all bathroom sizes and styles.
More
here:
Barwick
has announced two new additions to its product range from Inda
– the manufacturer of bathroom products, accessories and furniture
More
here:
Cheshire-based
sink specialist, Reginox UK introduces
the RF303S stainless steel sink with extra-large bowls. This latest
model in the RegiFit range has been introduced in response to the popular
trend in range-style appliances, which use larger-sized accessories.
More
here:
Trade
Mouldings
has introduced four new styles that will be available ex-stock from
the Rochdale Distribution Centre, the Dublin Distribution centre or
direct from the factory.
More
here:
From
January 2004 all Nolte Kitchens
carcases, shelves and wooden components will be available in the same
décor inside and out. This new development is being offered as
standard at no extra cost.
More
here:
Quality
Marble
displayed its Polished Concrete worksurfaces at the Kitchen Showcase
in conjunction with Charles Yorke.
More
here:
Orama,
the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products, has introduced a set of seven laminate splashback options
to complement its new Ardesco range of worksurfaces.
More
here:
Aqualux,
the shower enclosure company, has announced the launch of its new range
of shower enclosures and trays, ‘energy’
More
here:
A
new Showerlux Piccolo range enters
the market, Piccolo City - a space saving solution that incorporates
a choice of 6 dedicated baths and a stylish shower enclosure
More
here:
Designed
by Italian architect Gae Aulenti, this contemporary collection of Arum
Bathroom brassware from Sottini
offers a vibrant visual lift to the bathroom.
More
here:
New
from Franke is the Professional
LD (Lever Disc) Triflow Trend three-way tap with water purification
system.
More
here:
The
Flute range of bathroom brassware from John
Sydney features coloured levers combined with a chrome finish.
The initial range has been expanded with two new additions.
More
here:
Following
on from the success of its Isy brassware range, Hopkinsons
Fourways has extended its Bathroom Moods Collection, with
a wider and more comprehensive range of Isy products – including
new shower and accessory ranges.
More
here:
Glasses do not have eyes, but they shine due to the many features Bosch
has united for their protection in the new Premium range of dishwashers
– the multi GlassProtec package
More
here:
Answering
the demands of an ever-expanding market place for stainless steel clad
refrigeration, Maytag UK, the American
appliance manufacturer, features the 'all American' Amana Pro Line in
its range.
More
here:
Heading
the built-in range is Hotpoint BF168
fully integrated dishwasher. Its key features include MultiSystem Baskets,
a flexible system to maximise the capacity within the dishwasher
More
here:
Cannon
has introduced the new Professional 1000 Range Cooker designed to offer
consumers who are serious about cooking a chance to cook in true professional
style at home
More
here:
Maytag
UK teamed up with Charles Yorke
to offer the Amana MX-M featuring contemporary styling in a combination
of black glass in a frame of brushed stainless steel
More
here:
Blum
UK
will be diverting the costs of the company’s usual Christmas
card mailing to donations to various charities.
More
here:
Armitage
Shanks
has raised over £2000 for BBC Children in Need. To raise the
money and a smile on the face of the shoppers Armitage Shanks held
a competition to find Potty Posers.
More
here:
Available
from The Stone and Ceramic Warehouse,
Riverstone is a marriage of smooth pebbles of bianco carrera marble
set in a translucent resin which flawlessly mimics glass
More
here:
Floor
Gres has created Brick, a ‘technological terracotta’,
produced in porcelain stoneware
More
here:
The
trend back towards florals in interiors has been seized in an exclusive
collection of glass tiles, 'Floral Glass Wallpaper', being introduced
by The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse.
More
here:
Inspired
by the modern concrete plaster of New York lofts, and the fashion
colours of interior design, Home is the new white body wall tile by
Cerim.
More
here:
Bisque
has launched new ranges of quality, luxury valves to complement the
company's radiators.
More
here:
Barwick
has announced the extension of its range of towel warming radiators
from Scirocco, with the introduction of several new ranges including
Easy, Small, Roma, Shangai (pictured) and Winter.
More
here:
The
Federation of Master Builders
has warmly welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions, Andrew Smith, to provide £3m in funding for the
Worker Safety Advisers scheme
More
here:
Part M of the Building Regulations concerns access and facilities for disabled people, including requirements regarding sanitary conveniences. Anna Burns, marketing manager of Twyford Bathrooms, looks at how it makes provision for those with special needs.
More here:
Under the Commonfield Contemporary Door and Slide & Store brands,
Commonfield Services Ltd is
a core producer of folded steel and extruded aluminium framed sliding
doors, now incorporating a choice of diffuse, coloured glass options.
More
here:
OFT
Avoids The Christmas Rush
'Too little too late' is our verdict on the OFT Competition
Commission 'Advice Document' on Extended Warranties on Domestic Electrical
Goods finally submitted to the Secretary of State yesterday. One would
have thought that - after nearly 18 months of deliberation - the Commission
may have made a bit more of an effort to make its findings public a
little less closer to Christmas, when more of these rip-off warranties
are foisted on consumers than at any other time of the year.
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Exhibition
List
For upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world in the kitchen,
bathroom and bedroom markets.
More
Here:
KBB
2004: Looking Forward to 0ver 16,000 Visitors
KBB
2004 forms an integral part of the UK's largest interiors event which
will be held in 17 halls of the NEC Birmingham (18-21 Jan), featuring
around 1500 exhibitors and attracting in excess of 50,00 trade visitors.
KBB2002 welcomed a total of 26,469 visitors, 16,646 of which were dedicated
visitors registering specifically for KBB.
More
Here:
Construction Fairs in China
BolognaFiere and CMP Sinoexpo announced recently that they are establishing a new joint venture company in China to organise two major trade fairs in China. Expo Build China and Ceramics, Tile & Sanitary Ware China are both held annually in Shanghai in April.
More Here:
Kitchen
Showcase & Masterclass 2004
Kitchen
Showcase & Masterclass 2004 will take place from 1-3 July 2004 at
the Commonwealth Institute on Kensington High St, and the organisers plan
to double the size of the original event to create the most important
kitchen exhibition ever held in the UK.
More
Here:
More Exhibition info at bottom of page.
American Standard Plumbing (U.K.) Ltd
recently won four awards from three major bath and kitchen industry magazines.
The awards recognize Ideal-Standard and Trevi Shower’s appealing
designs and commitment to innovation.
More
here:
Aqualisa’s
revolutionary showering system, the Quartz®, has won a prestigious
design award.
More
here:
Midlands
based manufacturer Thomas Dudley Ltd
has reached the final of the prestigious IWEX innovation Awards.
More
here:
A
leading glass publication in North America, US Glass Magazine, has announced
that ClearShield achieved the number
one position in the magazine's prestigious Product of the Year Awards.
More
here:
Hopkinsons
Fourways, the UK’s largest distributor of bathroom, kitchen
and appliance products has launched its 2004 edition of INSIGHT –
the essential guide for independent retailers and builder’s merchants
of the latest, most comprehensive and competitively priced ranges currently
available.
More
here:
Committed
to providing stockists with the most comprehensive levels of sales support,
Rangemaster has just introduced a
comprehensive product wall chart.
More
here:
The
sophistication of modern glazing, with its many uses in the retail market,
public spaces, and showers and bathrooms, is illustrated by D
R Services in a new Guide to its product range
More
here:
wedi
has published a new brochure containing essential new information and
technical data on its versatile floor-level walk-in shower systems.
More
here:
This
year has seen the official UK launch of Zodiaq®, the new quartz
surface from DuPont. To guide
and manage the growth of this sophisticated new material, DuPont has
appointed Amanda Bramley as Business Development Manager.
More
here:
Imperial
Towel Rails has bolstered its internal and external sales
operations, making new appointments within the quality and logistics
operations as part of a programme to expand into additional showroom
outlets nationwide.
More
here:
Andrew
Bird joins the Geberit Terrain
team from Hunter Plastics as Product Manager for Drainage Systems,
having sound marketing and manufacturing experience and direct market
experience in the Rainwater, Soil & Waste and Underground Drainage
sectors.
More
here:
Maytag
UK,
has appointed Mark Scott to the position of Business Development Manager
for the UK.
More
here:
Bathroom
distribution specialist, Barwick
has appointed three new members of staff in its Bradford office as
part of the company’s ongoing expansion.
More
here:
Merloni
Elettrodomestici UK has appointed Stefan Kaczmarczyk, as
Category Manager for Built-in, looking after Hotpoint, Indesit, and
Creda products.
More
here:
Aqualux,
the shower enclosure company, announces that it has teamed up with Britain’s
most decorated female swimmer in an advertising and sponsorship deal for
2004.
More
here:
As
part of a UK 'Showerthon', Niagara
teamed up with 'no fuss' shampoo Wash & Go to mark the launch of its
new menthol 'Fresh' variant with a unique stand alone 'walk-in' enclosure
- street style!
More
here:
Question
: What have Kylie Minogue and Twyford Bathrooms
got in common? Answer : Pete Waterman. Pete Waterman is the guy who brought
Kylie Minogue to the attention of the populous. Now he's doing the same
for Twyford Bathrooms - in an obscure yet steamy sort of way!
More
here:
Fagor
has launched an updated and improved website designed specifically for
the UK market.
More
here:
The
Hoffmann Machine Company
has launched a new website detailing its systems, products and applications.
More
here:
The
dedicated web site of Hopkinsons Fourways’
contemporary ‘Moods’ bathroom collection, has been
upgraded to showcase the company’s extended range as well as a
new ‘Dealer locator by postcode’ function.
More
here:
A
series of support seminars run by Planit International,
the industry software provider, have proved so successful that the remaining
dates for October are all fully booked.
More
here:
Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised
its plans for ISH Kitchen and Bathroom
Gulf.
More
Here:
The Salone Internazionale del Mobile
(14 - 19 April 2004) for Italian and internationally made kitchen furniture.
More
Here:
The
6th China International Building & Decoration
Fair will be held from 6-9 July, 2004 in Guangzhou .
More
Here:
ASFI
the UK furniture supplies event is being re-launched for 2004
More
here:
From
4th to 9th February 2004, is Idèo Bain
the Paris bathroom exhibition.
More
here:
M.C.E.
has become an important event for the bathrooms sector, to be held in
Milan, March 2-6, 2004.
More
here:
Even worse, the findings may not be sufficiently in the public domain by the time another swathe of unsuspecting punters gets conned in the January sales. The Advice Document make pretty damning reading too - 'a complex monopoly exists (which) is engaged in practices which operate against the public interest', and 'prices from the five largest retailers would have been up to a third lower if profits on extended warranties had been in line with the cost of capital' are just a couple of examples.
While
being able to offer finance in general has been a boon in the retail arena,
the warranty market has been an iniquitous burden on the consumer which
can only have had a negative effect. The OFT is to be applauded on recognising
this, but it should have applied a bit more urgency than the 'routine'
notation the document appears to have.
This is our last K&BZine for a couple of weeks - Happy Holidays and
please visit our Christmas Card here
Debbie Schwarz,
Publisher
debbie@thekbzine.com
PS! Our
(updated!) KBB Review is here.
New companies covered this week include Twyford Bathrooms, Clearwater,
Falcon Appliances, Better Living and Dupont Zodiaq
WE HAVE EMAIL...
Is
it OK to Drink the Water?
As a kitchen supplier/installer I often fit ion exchange water softeners
with the associated hard water filter for drinking to satisfy the water
bylaw. Yet any water softener manufacturer will say it is perfectly
fine to drink the softened water, as the sodium levels are so low. (it
makes a better cup of tea etc etc). What should we be saying to customers?.
[More
Here]
SPECIAL FEATURES
National
Charity Works with Trade Partners to find Solution to Bath Water Scalds
Affecting Young Children
Child Accident Prevention Trust, the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers’
Association (TMVA) and BuildCert recently launched a new generation
of thermostatic mixing valves, TMV2, at a seminar in London. The seminar
- Safety and hot water: getting the mix right - was organised by the
national charity following its work to bring together key players in
health, housing, manufacturing and accident prevention to find a technical
solution to the problem of severe bath water scalds in the home.
[More
on this Story]
COMPANY NOTICES
Notices
from The Insolvency Courts, October - December
The following Notices have been posted from the Insolvency Courts relating
to Kitchen and Bathroom companies from October to December 2003:
[More
Here]
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
OFT
Finally Publishes Advice on Extended Warranties
After
what to many has seemed an unacceptable delay - the referral was first
made to the Office of Fair Trading in July 2002 - the OFT has finally
published its advice to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
regarding the Competition Commission report on extended warranties for
domestic electrical goods. In summary, the Commission concludes that
there is insufficient competition in the marketplace.
[More
on this Story]
PWS
Claims Success in Design Rights Case
PWS is jubilant after a successful legal action against Doors and More
Ltd in Northern Ireland who had brought out a copy of the Croft Oak
door. PWS issued proceedings in August 2003 against Doors and More for
infringing PWS design rights in the Croft Oak design and went to court
for an immediate court order to stop sales of the copy. On 21st October
2003, PWS obtained a court order as part of an overall settlement preventing
Doors and More selling the Croft Oak lookalike and also awarding damages
and ordering the payment of PWS's substantial costs which will be assessed
by the court.
[More
on this Story]
Important
Diary Date Reminder for Senior Furniture Manufacturers
A specialist five-day course designed specifically to help senior professionals
in the furniture production industry improve the running of their operation
is being held only on Sunday 21st March to Thursday 25th March 2004.
The venue is Highgate House International Conference Centre in Creaton,
Northamptonshire. .
[More
on this Story]
Heroic
Dog Launches Toilet for Disabled on Warship
It's a rare day when a new toilet is officially launched by a canine
hero on an historic warship. But Tony Hewson, sales representative for
Ideal Standard, and Richard Moss, communications manager, Bath and Kitchen
Europe, swear this actually happened not long ago..
[More
on this Story]
'No
Need to Bleed' Concept at Interbuild
A solution to an engineering conundrum that has been
baffling inventors for almost a century has finally been found by NLB
Engineering. The Bishop Stortford-based company's Aladdin valve solves
the problem of trapped air in central heating systems by bleeding radiators
automatically. After five years in development, it is already causing
a stir in the trade because it also makes central heating systems easier
to install and saves energy.
[More
on this Story]
Rangemaster
hits TV screens in £Million Property Experiment
Rangemaster hit TV screens last night as the £Million Property
Experiment - dubbed 'the biggest property experiment in television history'
- came to the company’s hometown of Royal Leamington Spa.
And joining Rangemaster’s bicentennial celebrations of manufacture
in the town, the company’s national TV appearance saw a cream Elan
range cooker take pride of place in the renovated townhouse’s basement
kitchen.
[More
on this Story]
Falcon
Turns up the Gas with Ongoing Brand Investment
After six months of enhanced marketing activity –
and the addition of a number of new product ranges to its portfolio
- Falcon Appliances is establishing itself as a key player in the kitchen
specialist sector. ‘Upping the ante’ on its communications,
retail support and new product strategies, this considerable investment
by parent company Aga Foodservice highlights the company’s commitment
to the brand and its future aspirations.
[More
on this Story]
Dyson
takes BSH to the Cleaners in Advertising Dispute
Dyson Ltd recently complained to the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA) about a national newspaper's colour supplement advertisement for
BSH (Bosch) washing machines. All four complaints were upheld and the
ASA told the advertisers to make clear in future advertisements that
they were comparing their new machines with their previous best machines.
[More
on this Story]
Chancellor Signals Hope on VAT
The fudged outcome of last week's ECOFIN (European Council of Finance
Ministers) discussion on VAT has boosted the hopes of those campaigning
for a reduction of VAT on housing renovation and refurbishment work
in the UK. ECOFIN was unable to agree the draft directive which would
revise VAT rates for labour-intensive services, including housing RMI,
but EC Finance Ministers, including Gordon Brown, unanimously agreed
to extend the pilot scheme on reduced VAT rates for such activities
for another two years.
[More
on this Story]
Imperial
Towel Rails First to Offer Team of Service Engineers
Since being the first towel rail manufacturer to introduce a 5 year
guarantee on all brass towel rails, Imperial has beaten the market again
to become the first to offer a team of service engineers to completely
cover the UK, ensuring maximum support for retail partners and consumers
alike.
[More
on this Story]
German
Consumer Watchdog rates Miele in Endurance tests
Endurance testing has now finally delivered scientific proof that there
is a causal link between quality and price. For 16 months, washing machines
were subjected to an exacting 7/24 endurance test regime at RosTest,
the institute which performs official product tests for Germany's Stiftung
Warentest. .
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Holds 5.0% of own Shares
On December 17, 2003 Electrolux repurchased 400,000 own shares of series-B,
at an average price of SEK 152.59. After this transaction, the Company
holds 16,323,872 own B-shares, corresponding to 5.0% of the share capital
and 3.9% of the voting rights.
[More
on this Story]
Instarmac
rebrands Adhesive & Grout Range
To make product specification and retail selection less demanding, and
to eliminate the possibility of choosing the wrong material for the
job in hand, Tamworth based manufacturer Instarmac Group plc has decided
to re-name its ULTRA range of adhesives and grouts in order to specifically
designate each material’s primary function. The first of the re-branding
changes has just occurred.
[More
on this Story]
Government
Unveils £150m National Technology Strategy
A detailed action plan to increase innovation and help British businesses
succeed in an increasingly competitive global market is today published
by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.
[More
on this Story]
EXPERT HINTS & TIPS
Hot
Winter Tips from American Standard to Stay Warm and Save Money
Perform
a pre-season tune-up.
Dirt, dust and other contaminants have been building up since last year.
Before you turn your furnace on again, have it tuned up and cleaned
thoroughly by a reputable dealer.
[More
Tips & Hints]
Autumn
House Cleaning: Essential for a Wholesome Environment
Before you move indoors and close up the house for winter, it's important
to adopt a good cleaning regimen to reduce allergens in your home. With
planning and prioritising, autumn cleaning can be manageable.
[More
Tips & Hints]
Energy
Saving Every Which Way
Whether
aimed at helping the environment or helping yourself – energy saving
is definitely a good thing. Follow these hints and tips from Electrolux
to avoid making a meal of cooking and cleaning.
[More
Tips & Hints]
SPECIAL FEATURES
Products
that Save Water Should not Waste Plumbers’ Time
The UK water industry supplies some 18,000 million litres of water per
day and boasts 44,000 employees; 1,584 bore holes; 650+ reservoirs and
600+ river abstractions. However impressive these figures may sound,
the system is still struggling to satisfy the UK's seemingly unquenchable
thirst for water.
[More
on this Story]
Blum
– Helping to Create Premier League Retailers
'The
more things look the same the more important differences become’
explains Blum’s David Sanders, ‘as technology has developed
over the years kitchen retailers are finding it harder to design individual
kitchens specific to their clients’ needs. One frontal looks very
similar to another, one worktop looks the same as another so how does
the consumer differentiate between retailers?'
[More
on this Story]
Interview
with Wolseley
Group Finance Director Steve Webster
In
an interview with Steve Webster, Group Finance Director of Wolseley
about the company's recently announced preliminary results and dividend
policy, Steve highlights the impact of dollar translation problems but
is happy that the group has out-performed the market.
[More
on this Story]
MISSED LAST WEEK'S K&BZINE? IT'S HERE
We have archived items from the following Channels: News, Appliances, Awards, Bathroom Products, Events, Kitchen Products, Literature, People and Taps & Showers.
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