Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
27th June 2008
Links Not Working? Go to http://www.thekbzine.com
De
Dietrich Quattro Dishwasher
The latest addition to the De Dietrich
dishwashing collection is the Quattro: a triple A-rated 14-litre fully
integrated 12 place-setting dishwasher
More
here:
New
'Silent System' AEG-Electrolux L86850
The 'A+ AA' rated AEG-Electrolux Lavamat L86850 has a new
three-way solution to combat noise and still delivers 'A' rated wash
results
More
here:
New
from Zanussi - Stainless Style
Introducing the coordinated kitchen from Zanussi.
The new range features a new square design in line with today's modern
kitchen trends
More
here:
PC65
American Style Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer
CDA
supplies a range of appliances, sinks and taps for every market sector.
Its PC65 American Style Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer commands respect
with its strong and sophisticated lines
More
here:
Big,
American and Built-In
Big,
American and built in are no longer a contradiction of terms.
Amana refrigeration has it all for the top
end kitchen specialist, designer and the discerning, design-savvy
consumer
More
here:
REHAU Launches 'Glass' Edgebands
REHAU has introduced a new range of edgebands which have the look and feel of genuine glass. RAUKANTEX Vision has been developed in response to the trend towards using glass in kitchen and living room furniture design and provides manufacturers with a practical and cost effective new design option
More here:
Versital
Glittering Solid Surfaces
Versital Ltd has launched an exclusive range
of solid surfaces. Its REFLECT range provides a glittering array of
colour which can be manufactured into solid surfaces of virtually
any shape and size
More
here:
The
Logical Choice for a Modern Bathroom
The 'Logic Active' enclosure range from Italian
shower manufacturer Cesana, offers both designer looks and
state of the art technology
More
here:
Merlyn’s
New Vivid Collection
The latest addition to Merlyn’s fast
growing Vivid portfolio are the Vivid Cube, Vivid Frameless, and a
newcomer, the Straight Glass Walk in
More
here:
Metropolitan
Quadrant
Metropolitan says that it has brought a sense of luxury
and sophistication to its Enigma range of products with the 900 x
900 Quadrant
More
here:
Aqualux
Launches 'Folded to Fit' Bath Screen
It's not just Aqualux's shower enclosures
that come in space saving sizes, the UK manufacturer of bath screens
and shower enclosures has launched a compact bath screen to complement
its premium PURA collection
More
here:
Undermounted
Success
Undermounted sinks are undoubtedly the most popular
choice to achieve a streamlined, minimalist worktop. To meet demand,
Franke has introduced a new one-and-a-half bowl model
to its Professional Range of sinks and taps
More
here:
Burbidge
Ravello
Burbidge says that this year dark oak is
fast becoming a fashion favourite, with its intense yet cool colouring
making it ideal for modern minimalist kitchens.
More
here:
Why
CARAT?
‘Why should I change my software package?
This is a perfectly reasonable question that I am often asked by
retailers when I first introduce CARAT to them,’ explains Joe
Flood, Managing Director of CARAT Software Ltd
More
here:
HPP
Opens New Doors
Furniture component supplier, HPP has added four new
contemporary kitchen door styles to its collection
More
here:
Smooth
and Slick for PJH
The
PJH Group has launched the Concept Gloss Walnut kitchen
door as part of its new Colour Collection from K-Kitchens, a contemporary
range of high gloss slab door fascias available in a contrasting
palette of colours
More
here:
Mylife Collection from Laufen
Laufen,
clearly defines the art of feeling good with the use of calming
ceramic design that portray an ambience of well-being in the bathroom
More
here:
Boxing
Clever with Bauhaus
Keeping cloakrooms clutter-free and en-suites in order, Bauhaus'
clever new Box slim line vanity unit is slender yet big on style! 'Combining
a compact sink with integral tap plinth, practical cabinet and indispensable
mirror, complete with handy shelf, the new Box vanity is a mini space-maximising
marvel.'
More
here:
Aestus
Silestone Radiators
Aestus, a company renowned for
producing designer radiators and heated towel rails for the
high class interior, has teamed up with the specialist in Quartz
surfaces Silestone to produce a range of radiators and heated
towel rails
More
here:
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
More
here:
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
There
seems to be a fair amount of optimism about in the last week or two, with
investment in showrooms by Roca and Victoria & Albert,
and some foreign companies looking to expand in the UK. Roca has invested
in 12,000 square foot premises at Imperial Wharf, London's premier riverside
location adjacent to Chelsea Harbour. Meanwhile, baths from Victoria &
Albert have been selected by Yorkshire Design Associates for the
prestigious Lapicida showroom near Harrogate.
Business opportunities are being offered by French range manufacturer
Delaubrac, who is seeking more UK distributors, and also Maltese
pine furniture specialist Kubek.
Finally, an interesting study from Viridian into how effective
solar panels are in terms of hot water delivery. ‘The standard industry
response is to claim that solar water heating can provide 'up to 70%'
of your hot water energy’, the report says, ‘best case information
like this is of course meaningless if not put in context. How many actually
achieve 70%? Is it one percent, or ninety percent of households? What
does everyone else get? Is it 69% energy savings or 10% savings?’
KITCHEN DESIGNER/ SALES PERSON
Crabtree
- designers and makers of bespoke kitchens, require a kitchen designer
to work closely with their discerning clients from their showroom
in SW London. The successful applicant will be joining a close knit
team within this well established family company.
More
here:
Phillips
to Ignite Bauhaus and Crosswater Sales
The Crosswater and Bauhaus bathroom duo has appointed
Andy Phillips to handle sales for both brands for the East and West
Midlands region.
[More
Here]
Simpsons
Appoints Thresher for the West Country
Shower enclosure specialist, Simpsons, has appointed
Adam Thresher to drive sales of the comprehensive product portfolio
within the South West of England and South Wales region.
[More
Here]
William Ball Business Development Manager
William
Ball has announced the appointment of Jason Granville as
its new Business Development Manager for the South East.
[More
Here]
tc's
new Area Sales Manager
Khan Stevens has been appointed Area Sales Manager
for tc bathrooms. With over six years sales experience
in the kitchen and bathroom sector, Khan will play a central role
in strengthening tc bathrooms’ presence in the South of England.
[More
Here]
PJH
Bathroom Brochure
Distributor PJH Group has launched a new
bathroom brochure for its own brand, Moods, featuring its most contemporary
and cutting-edge collection to date.
[More
here]
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]
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]
The
Beers are on.....Kevin!
CDA gave visitors to the four-day KBB
Trade Show, the opportunity to win one of its Integrated Draught Beer
Dispensers.
[More
Here]
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]
MyHammer
Hits Nail on the Head
MyHammer, the trades and services
online market place, has launched the beta version of its interactive
search platform. Building on its success as the market leader in
Germany, MyHammer says that it is set to revolutionise the UK trade
services market.
[More
Here]
Imperial
Bathrooms New Web Site
The accelerated growth British bathroom manufacturer,
Imperial Bathrooms, continues to enjoy, combined with
the launch of an extended product portfolio, has prompted improvements
to the company’s popular web site.
More
here:
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]
Smeg Partners with Breakthrough
Smeg has announced its recent decision to team up with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK's leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education.
More here:
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:
CERAMIC
TTD at Tecnargilla 2008
From 30th September to 4th October 2008, on the occasion
of the 21st edition of Tecnargilla, international exhibition
of technologies and supplies for the ceramic and brick industries,
CERAMIC TTD will be held, brokerage event organised by Acimac and
ISTEC-CNR.
[More
Here]
Lean
in Action: The Premiere Kitchen Company
ukfirst is holding a one day best
practice event at the manufacturing base of The Premiere Kitchen Company
on Wednesday 16th July.
[More
Here]
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]
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]
Discreet
Heating Sensor Hidden in Wall
A new type of indoor heating sensor
has been launched by Radiant Control Limited. The Kanmor
084e discreet sensor is the first to be designed to
push into plaster or plasterboard in a unique way that
means it can be completely hidden from view.
[More
on this Here:]
The
K&BZine Search Engine
Just
hit the button to search over 900 pages
on The K&BZine website.
Link
Housing Association Requires Kitchen Replacements
Link Housing Association
is tendering for the replacement of approximately
1 854 kitchens over a 4 year period. The
winning contractor will be required to co-ordinate
the survey, design and installation of all
kitchens within the contract. (Time-limit
28.07.2008).
[More
on this Tender]
South
Lanarkshire Wants Shower Trays
South Lanarkshire Council
requires the supply and delivery of shower
trays. Estimated value excluding VAT: 675
000 GBP. (Time-limit 22.08.2008).
[More
on this Tender]
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]
Roca
Group to Open at Imperial Wharf
Roca has purchased commercial premises comprising
11,917 sq ft (1,107 sq m) at Imperial Wharf, the award-winning
new mixed used development, for the company's new international
flagship showroom which will exhibit a range of high-quality products.
[More
on this Story]
tactile
by Studio Conran Launches
Studio Conran has created a new collection of
wall and floor tiles in association with UK tile manufacturer
British Ceramic Tile Limited.
[More
on this Story]
New
Showroom for Victoria & Albert Premium Dealer
Antibes, Richmond and Amalfi baths from Victoria
& Albert have been selected by Yorkshire Design Associates
for the prestigious Lapicida showroom near Harrogate.
[More
on this Story]
Metal
Industrie's Delaubrac Ovens are a Recipe for Success
Metal Industrie of France, a kitchen manufacturer,
designs the Delaubrac collection of ovens for both home and professional
use. The company, which is already well established internationally,
is now seeking further distributors.
[More
on this Story]
Kubek
Pine (Malta) Ltd
Kubek Pine (Malta) Ltd was established in 2000
and is located on the Island of Malta. The company manufactures
and exports solid pine furniture which is constructed to the highest
standards to provide quality, durability and beauty.
[More
on this Story]
BCG
Appoints New Managing Director
Bathroom,
kitchen and heating distributor BCG, formerly known as Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix, announces its new managing director,
Chris Honer.
[More
on this Story]
Duravit
Obtains Majority Holding in Tunisian MTC
In early May Duravit took over a 51 per share
in Manufacture Tunisienne de Céramiques (MTC) and its brand
Artica. MTC was founded in 1965 and has a production facility
in Bizerte, north-west of Tunis, where it started making sanitary
ceramics in 1967.
[More
on this Story]
Man
at the Top
Mr.
Jan Klomp has been appointed as the new Group Managing Director
for Imperial Bathroom Products Ltd., which includes the responsibility
for UK distribution company Impulse Bathroom Products Ltd.
[More
on this Story]
Use
Big Brand Promotions to Harness TrustMark Awareness
With the installation arms of major home improvement
companies - such as Homebase and Magnet - now having been accredited
by TrustMark, and heavily advertising the fact; the time is right
for all home improvement businesses to ride this promotion.
[More
on this Story]
Time
to Shine at the 'William Ball Oscars'
There was plenty to celebrate at the recent
William Ball Awards ceremony, held aboard the prestigious Sunbourne
luxury yacht. Moored alongside the Excel Centre in London's Docklands,
the awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the Grand Designs
Exhibition, which took place in May.
[More
on this Story]
InSinkErator
Celebrates 70 Years in Business
Not many 70 year olds can claim they have been
environmentally friendly since birth. However, InSinkErator –
the company founded in 1938 to sell food waste disposers –
is the exception to the rule.
[More
on this Story]
BCG
'XLs' in Annual Customer Survey
Bathroom, kitchen and heating distributor BCG
XL reports a healthy increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty,
following its annual Customer Survey.
[More
on this Story]
Stevens
& Jubb Appoints Network of Sales Representatives
Stevens & Jubb has appointed a national
network of sales representatives. Led by industry specialists,
the new eight-strong team will work with independent bathroom
retailers throughout the country.
[More
on this Story]
Bill
Gulliver, 1936-2008
The FIRA is very sad to report the death of
colleague Bill Gulliver on 24th June. He was 71. Many in the industry
- particularly anyone involved in the technical aspects of furniture
design and performance - knew Bill, who joined FIRA in 1973.
[More
on this Story]
Blum
Amongst Top Patent Applicants
Every
year, ‘Statistik Austria’ ranks Austrian companies according
to the number of patent applications they file. Blum has always
ranked amongst the top companies in the past few years, and this
remained the case in 2007.
[More
on this Story]
SMART
Launches KPI Generator
The
KPI Generator was officially launched and released at KBB2008
but was being Beta tested in a dozen SMART installations around
the country for up to six months.
[More
on this Story]
Camelot
House Selects Mermaid
One
guesthouse in Worthing has been awarded its four-star rating,
after the owners made the decision to undertake some renovations
in preparation for the new Visit Britain grading system.
[More
on this Story]
Furniture
Manufacturers Told: 'It's Time to Clear the Air!'
The
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is targeting North East furniture
manufacturers to raise awareness of the health risks associated
with wood dust and woodworking in general.
[More
on this Story]
New
Postforming Developments from Homag
Homag has made enormous progress in the development
of postforming techniques to improve the appearance of furniture
edges in line with modern demands reports Homag's Markus Kostenbader.
[More
on this Story]
Sorted!
Brabantia Helps You Recycle - In Style
Managing
your domestic waste and separating everything for recycling isn't
everyone's idea of a great night in, but in our increasingly environmentally
conscious world, it is a domestic task that's taking on much greater
significance.
[More
on this Story]
Viridian
Solar Measures up the Benefits
Results
from the most rigorous UK test of any solar water heating system
have been announced. When asked about the energy savings from
their products, many solar water heating suppliers offer vague
answers, and with good reason - as Viridian Solar has recently
found out. Proving the benefits scientifically is time consuming,
difficult and expensive.
[More
on this Story]
Tennis
Aces Serve up Ace Whirlpool Appliances for Habitat for Humanity
UK
Ahead of Wimbledon, rising tennis starlet Agnes
Szavay and the latest Russian tennis success Maria Kirileko from
the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour arrived in Peckham, London to help
deliver Whirlpool products to be installed in the new Habitat
for Humanity (HfH) homes.
[More
on this Story]
SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
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]
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]
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.
SUBMITTING
EDITORIALShould you wish to submit editorial to THE K&BZINE, please email Richard & Debbie Schwarz at news@thekbzine.com or telephone 0208 656 9878, mobile 07889 664061 Editorial is FREE OF CHARGE but may be edited to house style. An image manipulation charge may apply.
Write to us at: The K&BZine, PO Box 1488, Croydon CR9 7WH
ADVERTISERS
Should you wish to advertise on THE K&BZINE, please contact Robbie Christie at KBZineSales or telephone 01622-843160, mobile 07831-189274
A Ratecard is viewable here
Copyright 2004/8 Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
Permission to use any of the material contained in this EZine should be obtained from Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
IF
YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THIS EMAIL BY A COLLEAGUE,
PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE