Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
11th February 2005
Links Not Working? Go to http://www.thekbzine.com
Stoneham's
Strata design incorporates a full range of units and cabinet dimensions
all internally fitted with the latest space saving storage features
and motion enhancement
More
here:
Alnofinn
is the latest design from the ALNO Group
and focuses on the natural beauty of spruce and features solid
frames and real wood panels
More
here:
Rational
has recently launched telaio, available in camee repro and all
micro-lacquer colours
More
here:
PWS’
new Gullwing Vanilla range blends a simple style with a soft cream
finish, creating the essential elements of light and space
More
here:
ALNO
(UK)
is offering a new, competitively-priced rippled aluminium kitchen,
Alnofun through its expanding nationwide dealer network
More
here:
Roundhouse
says that summer 2005 is the perfect time to give your kitchen
a zingy new look
More
here:
The
SieMatic SL kitchen, with
glossy chrome, stainless steel, warm elegant woods and natural
matt stones, 'conveys elegance and conclusive aesthetics'
More
here:
The
Lavella 100 from Carron Phoenix
is a good choice of sink for when size really does matter
More
here:
East
Coast Fittings celebrates its 25th year in business
with 25 new handle designs rolled out over the coming months
More
here:
Orama
has unveiled its Maia collection, part of the Minerva range of
solid surfaces
More
here:
Reflecting
the trend for greater use of colour in the home, PWS
has introduced the vibrant Gobi Crystal Azurite to its successful
Second Nature composite stone collection
More
here:
Sepia,
an effect normally seen in early photography, is the colour featured
on In-toto's latest kitchen
More
here:
Manhattan
Showers
is releasing a Wet Room Walk-In Shower Enclosure as part of its
recently launched M3 range of enclosures, screens and trays
More
here:
HSK
has announced the Quadrant 900, the all-in-one glass shower pod
experience offering style and functionality
More
here:
The
new Prism kitchen mixer from Bristan
adheres to the design philosophy less is more
More
here:
Manhattan
has added the spacious double bi-fold shower enclosure to its
M3 collection
More
here:
Moods
Bathrooms, has enhanced its new bathroom collection
with a comprehensive choice of the latest modern, traditional
and minimalist shower valves and complementary shower kits
More
here:
Aqualux,
the shower enclosure company, has announced a new facet to its
range with the Aqualux Rain Shower
More here:
UK cookware brand Mermaid offers
a great selection of healthy cookware options including its Little
Gem Omelette Pan, Cast Iron Skillet and Reversible Griddle
More
here:
Smeg
has added three stainless steel compact ovens to its
‘Classic’ build-in appliances range, each measuring 38cm
high by 60cm wide
More
here:
Gaggenau
says that it can now provide the perfect cooking solution in the
shape of the brand new Vario 400 series of matching built-in hob
units
More
here:
To
satisfy the UK demand for bottom fed flushing systems, Laufen
has introduced new bottom feed supply cisterns for floor standing WC
pans
More
here:
Suitable
for modern or heritage homes is Tretzo’s
new minimal washstand range Zero
More
here:
Spring
2005 sees the further expansion of the Venetian
Bathrooms range with the new Reef collection available in Ice Blue and
Metallic
More
here:
The
soft stone shade of Verona is the latest colour to join the timeless
classics of Norske Interiors’
Meridia collection of Mermaid waterproof wall panels
More
here:
Together
with the designer Matteo Thun, Sprinz
has created an attractive partition wall system for wellness and sanitary
applications
More
here:
Tubes
Radiatori, has launched
its contemporary and visually
dramatic Montecarlo heated towel
rail
More
here:
Myson
is adding a new square collection
to its existing contemporary
range. Adaggio, Fantasia, Libretto
and Soprano are based on existing
Myson towel warmers
More
here:
Cdx
has
launched
a
collection
of
mirrors,
cabinets,
shelves
and
accessories
designed
for
discerning
consumers
and
retailers
More
here:
Now
available
from
Aico
Lighting
is
a
new
range
of
luxury
bathroom
fittings,
which
includes
IP44
rated
bathroom
mirror
wall
lights
More
here:
Waterbury's
new
Astoni
Mirror
with
Storage
is
a
design
that
provides
optimum
use
of
space
in
the
bathroom
More
here:
Four
Seasons
has
introduced
a
range
of
new
accessories
and
upgraded
its
cabinetry
offer
to
differentiate
and
increase
the
design
flexibility
of
its
18mm
kitchen
collection
More
here:
The
latest
addition
to the
Embrace
Bedroom
Collection
has
an oriental
mood.
Mia
carefully
combines
contrasting
pearwood
and
wenge
to evoke
the
distinctive
Japanese
shoji
paper
screens
so typical
of oriental
interior
design
More
here:
Jacuzzi
UK,
the UK bathroom manufacturer,
has raised over £20,000
for the company's Corporate Charity,
the British Heart Foundation in
just 12 months
More
here:
A
somewhat revealing calendar entitled
'The Factory Tour' has been produced
by the beautiful and liberated
staff at Stoke-on-Trent-based
H &
R Johnson Tiles to
raise funds for the Douglas Macmillan
Hospice at Home Appeal
More
here:
H&R
Johnson, the UK
manufacturer of ceramic tiles, has unveiled
Elements, an exclusive new porcelain tile
range drawing on the natural weathered appearance
and textures of geological strata
More
here:
The
Candy Tile Co
has launched three new ranges and a wide variety
of new decorative tiles to further enhance
the company’s existing collection of
British-designed tiles
More
here:
Following
the success of its Strata large-format bathroom
wall and floor tile range, the Pilkington's
Tiles Group has launched the biggest
ceramic tile it has ever manufactured - Mura
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:
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:
Awards
Night Shows Industry in Fine Fettle
The
Annual Bathroom and Kitchen Industry Awards took place earlier this
month in the glitzy surroundings of the Grosvenor in London's Park Lane.
This well attended and well appreciated event showed the industry in
fine form both creatively and socially, honouring some ingenious and
financially successful products and having a good chat and dance in
the process. We have a short report this week, with more to come later.
SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY
In-toto, the UK’s largest kitchen franchise chain (with over
40 kitchen studios nationwide) celebrates its 25th anniversary this
year and is seeking to expand its network still further in 2005. In-toto
has openings throughout the country for experienced kitchen designers
and kitchen sales professionals who would like to own and run an In-toto
kitchen studio in their local region.
More
here
Tim
Foley - who has recently been commisioned to write the 'definitive
book on kitchens' and acts as Project Consultant to ITV's 60 Minute
Makeover - also runs a website which includes an excellent Discussion
Forum about all things kitchen related.
You'll
Find it here:
National
kitchen distributor Waterline Ltd
has announced the appointment of David Rogers as a non-executive
Director.
More
here:
Henning
Storm (49) has been appointed as manager of Nobia's
Danish business unit, HTH. Henning was previously sales director
at HTH.
More
here:
Franke
UK
has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new members
of staff Caroline Hardman and Karen Arrowsmith.
More
here:
With
activity at Westye Group Europe
at an all-time high Greg O’Sullivan (31) has been appointed
Service Manager with responsibility for both the Sub-Zero and Wolf
brands.
More
here:
Cannon's
Professional 1000 range cooker is making a regular appearance on Channel
Four's TV series 'Return of the Chef'.
More
here:
Hotpoint
has launched an exciting new Schools Cooking Challenge, supported
by the Design and Technology Association.
More
here:
Following
the rampant growth in sales of the
Ideal-Standard ClearTap™ in 2004, a new range of Point
of Sale Material has been designed for retailers.
More
here:
Instarmac
Group plc,
the adhesives and grouts manufacturer, has just launched an unusual
product sales promotion for the early months of 2005.
More
here:
Now
available FOC is the interactive CD animated guide to the Hoover
Built-in range of appliances.
More
here:
UK
designer and manufacturer of fitted bedroom, bathroom and home office
furniture Daval, has published a corporate
brochure ahead of its kitchen launch in the spring.
More
here:
Sanitary-ware
manufacturer Laufen has issued a new
combined ceramic and bathtub price list for 2005, specifically designed
for Dream Dealers across the UK.
More
here:
Barnes
of Ashburton's
new website not only showcases the company's kitchens but also provides
design advice and planning tips that will help guide you through the
kitchen buying process.
More
here:
The
Tile Association
website is only just over one year old and it is currently attracting
over half a million hits per month.
More
here:
H
& R Johnson Tiles,
the UK manufacturer of ceramic tiles has launched an extensive new website
to answer the on-line needs of architects, specifiers and contractors.
More
here:
Astracast,
the British sink and tap manufacturer has launched an in-depth web site
for its Nexus range of design-led kitchen products.
More
here:
Zanussi-Electrolux,
part of Electrolux, has launched two new websites, one for freestanding
and one for built-in appliances.
More
here:
William
Ball’s carcases have undergone rigorous testing by FIRA
and have achieved the accolade of the FIRA Gold Award.
More
here:
Two
employees from Jacuzzi UK have won
awards at the inaugural West Palm Beech half Marathon held in Florida
during November.
More
here:
December
2004 saw Grohe Water Technology
play a large part in assisting up and coming architects to gain international
recognition by supporting the AR&D Awards for Emerging Architecture.
More
here
On
Friday 12th November, 29 school children from Cavendish Primary School
in Eccleshill, aged between 9 and 10 visited the Jacuzzi
UK factories on the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford.
More
here:
Planit
International,
the specialist industry software provider, has completed its first Sales
by Design training course and awarded two design professionals with
Diplomas.
More
here:
An
industry Scholarship Scheme pioneered by Roman
Limited, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer is continuing
to be successful following its launch in 2001.
More
here:
Blum
at ZOW 2005
The
2005 edition of ZOW at Bad Salzuflen in Germany takes place this month
and maintains its reputation as a premier forum of future concepts and
cutting edge products. ‘Particularly’ says Blum
UK Managing Director Michael Powell, ‘as a venue for
design ideas and future orientated concepts.’
More
Here:
Bathrooms
and Kitchens EXPO set to ExCel
Bathrooms
and Kitchens EXPO 2005, the UK's premier trade show for the bathroom
and kitchen industry is set for another successful show with more exhibitors
than ever before signed up to exhibit.
More
Here:
Interclima
+ Elec home&building 2006
Reed
Exhibitions is launching Interclima + Elec
home&building a new trade event that covers all the trades
involved in finishing and smart buildings. It is the product of two
major events in the building market: Interclima, the HVAC show, and
Elec Home & Building, which focuses on electrical installation and
smart buildings.
More
Here:
KBSA
Launches New Industry Awards
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is set to launch a
new series of awards to recognise and reward the best designers, retailers
and suppliers in the interiors business.
More
Here:
>rational<
Entertains at UK Homeshow
>rational<
presented three new additions to the >r<130 range; arte cremona
and telaio, at the company's annual UK homeshow in Cannock.
More
Here:
Brands representing over 80% of the Domestic Appliance market are
already fully committed to The AMDEA Show
(NEC 24-26 April 2005).
More
Here:
'Outlook - shaping water' is a topical design competition and exhibition
at ISH 2005 (15-19 March 2005).
More
Here:
Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for ISH
Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf.
More
Here:
Interbuild 2006 - The Building Show
takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from April 23 to 27.
More
Here:
Spatex 05, the exhibition for professionals
in the pool, spa and sauna industry takes place from 13-15th February
2005.
More
Here:
An
interesting request this week, which we feel duty bound to pass on to
our readers: 'Nicola T and Keeley – both winners of the Sun's Page
3 idol competition and regular Page 3 girls – have just moved into
a small flat in Hayes, Kent. The bathroom and kitchen are both in need
of renovation and we would like someone to donate a kitchen or bathroom
in return for publicity. We would provide photographs of these two beautiful
girls and copy and they could both be available for comment. Please have
a look at their model agency website on www.girlmanagement.com'.
If anyone can help these lovely ladies, contact alison@eastwinchet.com!
See these links for information on Submitting
Editorial and Advertising
The B2BZine Team:
Tony Higgin
sales@thekbzine.com
FRANKE COMMENTS
Selling
a Tap? Check Water Pressure
As the most used appliance in the kitchen it’s
great to see that the humble tap not only offers a new range of practical
features, but is also making a real design statement. And as the popularity
of these modern, single lever taps and spray taps increases, retailers
need to be aware that some of them require high water pressure systems
and may not operate as effectively on a low pressure system.
[More
on this Story]
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Boundary
Bathrooms brings the Beauty Salon to the Home!
Perfect for the unpredictable British weather, Boundary Bathrooms has
announced a new product that provides a tan all year round without even
having to leave the house. Sunshower is a novel idea incorporating the
use of a sun bed with the everyday routine of showering. A panel of
tanning lamps is installed within the shower enclosure, allowing showering
and tanning to occur simultaneously
[More
on this Story]
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Saluting
the Stars of Kitchens and Bathrooms
The
annual Bathrooms and Kitchens lndustry Awards organised by Bathrooms
And Kitchens Magazine have taken place in a spectacular display of the
industry's achievements. The evening ceremony was presented by award
winning comedian Jimmy Carr, at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London
on 1st February 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Smeg
Celebrates Six Nation Rugby Tournament with Special Edition Retro Refrigerator
Smeg
is celebrating the Six Nations Rugby Tournament with the release of
a ‘special edition’ version of its FAB28 retro style refrigerator.
The FAB28ER4 features a hand painted door bearing the distinctive English
Rose and England Team colours. Smeg has done this under license from
the Rugby Football Union.
[More
on this Story]
Tebisa
UK Launch
Intaglio
in conjunction with Tebisa, one of Europe’s major tap designers
and manufacturers for over 30 years, has chosen to launch a range of
brassware via a distribution deal with Robert Lee (London) Ltd. Tebisa,
is looking for a limited number of specialist retailers in selected
exclusive areas to act as stockists.
[More
on this Story]
American
Standard Delivers Strong Fourth-Quarter, Full-Year Operational Performance
American
Standard Companies Inc. announced on February 1st record fourth-quarter
and full-year revenues, as well as record net income and earnings per
diluted share before a non-cash charge covering estimated payments for
pending and future asbestos-related claims.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc - £33 Million Spent on Four New Acquisitions
Wolseley
plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and
heating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional
contractors, provides an update on recent acquisitions.
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Introduces New Concepts for 2005
To celebrate its 25th anniversary in the UK and Ireland, De Dietrich
is launching a new range, expanding its offer of non pyrolytic ovens,
in order to make the De Dietrich quality available to a wider audience.
Dishwashers have also been upgraded; most of them are AAA rated and
feature ICS programmes.
[More
on this Story]
Active
Kitchen Whisks Up a Storm on Shrove Tuesday
On Tuesday 8th February even the worst cooks among us couldn't resist
the temptation to visit the kitchen to dig out a whisk, a mixing bowl
and a frying pan.But this year, owners of the Active Kitchen, a concept
developed by sink manufacturer Franke and kitchen accessory manufacturer
WMF, saw a marked difference in the way they prepared their pancakes.
[More
on this Story]
Pennybee
Consumers Benefit from KBSA Protection
The
KBSA is pleased to report that all of the Pennybee customers who fulfilled
the criteria of the KBSA deposit protection scheme are now having their
contracts completed or have had their deposits returned.
[More
on this Story]
Kohler
Provides Attendees the Best Seat in the House at New York's Fashion
Week
Kohler has announced its first-ever sponsorship of Olympus Fashion Week
and marks the occasion with the introduction of the Purist Hatbox toilet.
[More
on this Story]
Fisher
& Paykel Appliances Trading and Earnings Update
Fisher
& Paykel Appliances Holdings Ltd advise that net profit after tax
for the year ending 31st March 2005 is now forecast to be between $63m
and $68m. This is down approximately 14% on the previous guidance given
of between $75m and $78m.
[More
on this Story]
Laufen
Becomes a Member of The BMA
On
the 1st January 2005, prestigious sanitary-ware manufacturer Laufen
officially became a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.
[More
on this Story]
Bauformat
Upgrades its Furniture and Releases 2005 Brochure
Bauformat
which has had a presence in the UK since 1974, has upgraded its furniture
to include the latest Blum Full extension soft close drawer system,
in Champagne metallic finish and all sink base units now come with protective
bases as standard specification at no extra cost.
[More
on this Story]
LG
Sponsors Masters Snooker Tournament
LG
will be sponsoring the Masters Snooker Tournament to be held at Wembley
Conference Centre from 13th - 20th February.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
Brands Announces First Quarter 2005 Financial Results
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc., a leading global producer of branded bath and plumbing
products for the residential, commercial and institutional markets,
announced on February 9th earnings for the first quarter ended January
1st, 2005.
[More
on this Story]
EQT
Private Equity Funds to Acquire Sanitec Corporation
On
4th February the private equity fund EQT IV ('EQT') signed an agreement
with Sanitec International S.A., a company controlled by BC Partners
advised private equity funds, to acquire all shares in Sanitec Corporation,
the Finnish parent company of the Sanitec Group.
[More
on this Story]
Villeroy
& Boch Strategic Reorientation in the Tiles Division
In
the wake of the strategic reorientation of its Tiles division, lifestyle
company Villeroy & Boch presented a broad spectrum of new products
with a strong emphasis on design at Bau 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Tretzo
Wins High Spec Stirling Contract
Bathroom
furniture company Tretzo, with its distribution partner Delphi Distribution,
has won the contract to provide fittings for 27 luxury homes near
Stirling for developer JAD Homes.
[More
on this Story]
New
Cheshire Showroom Specifies All Ardesco Worksurfaces
A
new Cheshire kitchen and interiors showroom has recently opened and
specified all worksurfaces from the new Ardesco range by Orama, the
independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products.
[More
on this Story]
Victoria
& Albert Targets Export Sales Growth
Specialist
UK freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert is gearing
up for major export growth around the world. Expansion of the international
sales & marketing team is well underway.
[More
on this Story]
COMPANY NOTICES
Notices
from The Insolvency Courts, December 2004
The following Notices have been posted from the Insolvency Courts relating
to Kitchen and Bathroom companies from December 2004. Some of the recent
companies include Craftsman Kitchens (Swindon) Limited , East Midlands
Interiors Limited, J B Interiors Limited, The Kitchen Company (GB) Limited,
PMPS Limited, Bedroom & Bathroom Interiors Ltd , Bathrooms Plus
(Southern) Ltd.
[More
Here]
Highlighting
the Need for Customer Protection
The
need for customers to consider how they will be protected financially
in the event of a retail company going out of business has been brought
into sharp focus by the closure of both kitchen supplier Pennybee and
furniture store Courts..
[More
Here]
MACHINERY MATTERS
Abacon
Revolutionises Window Finishing at M H Joinery
Based
in the south west of England in Bridgewater, M H Joinery Products is
a specialist joinery company producing high quality joinery products
to order. M H Joinery started in business 9 years ago and has enjoyed
steady growth and expansion to achieve a current turnover of around
£6 million with customers throughout southern England and in London.
[More
on this Story]
The K&BZine Search Engine
Just type in your search term and hit the button to search over 700 pages on The K&BZine website.
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, Marketing, People and Taps & Showers.
Should you wish to submit editorial to THE K&BZINE, please email Debbie Schwarz or telephone 0208 656 9878, mobile 07889 664061
Editoral is FREE OF CHARGE but may be edited to house style.
Write to
us at:
The K&BZine, PO Box 1488, Croydon CR9 7WH
ADVERTISERS
Should
you wish to advertise on THE K&BZINE, please
email Tony Higgin or telephone
01923-461527, mobile 07977-981753.
A Ratecard is viewable on this link: http://www.thekbzine.com/RateCard/RateCard.html
Copyright
© 2004 The B2BZine Company Ltd.
Permission to use any of the material contained in this EZine should be
obtained from The B2BZine Company Ltd.
IF
YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THIS EMAIL BY A COLLEAGUE,
PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE