Stoneham staff are magicians with materials!
As you can see from the image, distinguished English kitchen manufacturer Stoneham demonstrates an incredible ability to combine materials and styles to create a superbly original design.
Stoneham's combination of painted and solid wood designs, gives a visual perspective of how to use two very different materials together. The juxtaposition of the sombre smooth painted Lead finish, and the deep, rich Marlborough American Black Walnut finish works amazingly well. In addition, Ebony Macassar panels, inlays and details on the wall units enhance the kitchen even further. A particular feature includes the stunning "Starburst" Ebony Macassar centrepiece island panel.
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Memphis is the cream of the crop
For a warm, inviting kitchen environment look no further than Memphis, the latest kitchen furniture range to be introduced to the Four Seasons collection.
With its cream high gloss finish shaker-style doors and drawer fronts, Memphis offers a contemporary twist on the classic country cottage style kitchen and can be combined with a variety of worktops to complete the look, including oakwood and wood mix to bring natural materials into the home. Alternatively, contrast the gloss cream cabinets with a midnight black gloss work surface for a more edgy feel.
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Moores strikes gold with FIRA
With the FIRA accreditation scheme upholding the highest manufacturing standards in the kitchen furniture industry, Moores Furniture Group is delighted to continue to be certified with the FIRA Gold standard for the sixth consecutive year, in recognition of its product excellence and quality of its offering.
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Introducing sassy new white Sargasso from Mereway Bathrooms
The new Sargasso white shaker door cleverly draws on the recent successes of Mereway Bathrooms' current upmarket timber frame doors, which have comfortably catered for the higher end of the market for some time now. As a result of this success, the range has been extended to include this spectacular new white option in a smooth painted satin finish.
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Outstanding bathroom design for the World Cup in South Africa
Over recent years, South Africans have limbered up their country's infrastructure for the World Cup, with five new stadiums, upgraded sports facilities, plus newly constructed and renovated airports, roads and railways all over the country. To provide the best welcome possible to players, staff and fans, hoteliers have also invested in their guest rooms, lounges and, of course, their hotel bathrooms. These are being enjoyed by guests during the FIFA World Cup as I write and Duravit was heavily involved in the supply of the sanitaryware.
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VitrA enjoys huge success with Shift
Since bathroom expert VitrA introduced its versatile Shift range, more and more designers, retailers and end users are realising the extensive benefits offered by the whole concept behind Shift.
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New 93cm slimline induction hob's continuum zone accommodates multiple cookware at different heat levels
As a pioneer of groundbreaking technologies, the De Dietrich name is synonymous with beauty and innovation. Creating kitchen appliances aimed at a premium audience, De Dietrich continues to be at the forefront of futuristic concepts in cooking, cooling and washing. The new collection of energy efficient contemporary products is truly ahead of its time, and designed using the quality and expertise that exemplifies the De Dietrich brand.
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Instant Classic: Belling launches new range cooker collection
Popular cooking brand, Belling, is set to further shake up the range market with the launch of its new Belling Classic collection. Combining a traditional aesthetic with the latest, innovative cooking features, it is guaranteed to become a timeless classic in any kitchen.
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KitchenAid's Multi-Flow oven is a true professional
Premium manufacturer KitchenAid makes appliances of the highest standard by adhering to a simple philosophy: professional products with a professional appearance using professional technology.
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New stainless steel fascias & splashbacks from East Coast
New to East Coast's already extensive range of doors is this selection of stainless steel feature doors and drawer fronts. Available in a range of standard sizes the offer includes a selection of popular door sizes as well as various drawer pack configurations in 600mm, 800mm and 900mm width options.
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Distinctly Abode: The Aspekt sink
Abode launches its unique collection of kitchen sinks spanning contemporary and stylish products which synchronise with their wide range of design-led taps.
The central theme of the Aspekt sink series is to offer stylish Ômix and match' options to the user. Take just one or any number of sinks in combination to create the perfect space for food preparation, entertainment and everyday needs.
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Vero in high gloss black from Duravit
New for 2010, Vero is the latest collection from Duravit to receive 'a fresh coat of paint' with a new sophisticated high gloss black finish for the washbasin, toilet and bidet.
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Stylish and practical Ð that's the new Revolution waste and overflow from Carron Phoenix
Carron Phoenix's new Revolution waste and overflow provides a rather pleasing solution to those soggy waste particles that can gather in the plughole of your sink. Underlining the principle of form and function in good product design, the clever new pop-up basket strainer waste, collects them out of sight behind a smart polished stainless steel disk which is complemented by a concealed, flush-fitting branded overflow.
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New finish resists fingerprints and water spots
Fingerprints and water spots be gone... at least from kitchen and bathroom faucets, that is! Moen, the North American faucet brand, has introduced the Spot Resist finish - a finish that actually resists fingerprints and water spots.
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Bern baby Bern!
The Bern tap has been produced specifically to complement Franke's new Peak range of sinks and fits perfectly as it follows the design motif in the handles.
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Ultraheat's Autumn stainless steel promotion
Here's an offer you won't want to miss... Ultraheat is reducing prices by up to 27% on stainless steel designer radiators and towel rails in its Premier Range this Autumn.
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LiteTile combines lighting source with kitchen splashback
Nothing beats the crispness and contemporary look of a colour glass splashback Ð until the colour no longer appeals and replacing it is expensive. LiteTile has solved this problem with the introduction of a glass splashback illuminated by colour-changing LEDs and its ultra slim units are available from only 12mm thick.
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Laufen Forum scoops top architecture award
Laufen Forum, the Swiss bathroom specialist's new exhibition and visitor centre, has been honoured with the Swiss Award for Marketing & Architecture 2010, in recognition of its exemplary architecture, building technology, innovation and clear reflection of the company's corporate philosophy.
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Mereway Kitchens team walk for Breakthrough cancer charity
Congratulations to a group of Mereway staff who recently completed a walk for charity. Jo Brown, Sales Co-Ordinator for Mereway Kitchens organised a 'Crocus Walk' of 7 miles for Breakthrough for Breast Cancer, whose work gives hope to the 46,000 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.
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Welcome to the
KBzine
New guidance is being published to help Europe's furniture industry meet the standards needed by retailers and customers. The British Retail Consortium and the Furniture Industry Research Association guidance will help those working in the furniture sector to interpret the latest BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products and achieve and maintain certification against it.
As well as providing additional information to help furniture manufacturers implement the Global Standard and assisting auditors preparing to visit furniture producers, the publication also provides useful information and general guidance on the product safety issues relevant to furniture production and includes a set of requirements to help sites to make safe, legal products to the quality required by their customers. It includes many practical examples, hints and tips on common pitfalls and helps sites understand what to expect from an audit visit.
Independent certification of a manufacturer's operation against the BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products advances the retail industry's commitment to safe, legal products of consistent quality. Certification is an effective and cost efficient way for retailers to establish confidence in products and reduces the burden of multiple audits for suppliers. Ultimately it improves the safety of products for consumers, so make sure you stay up-to-date by visiting www.brcglobalstandards.com
Moving on... This year sees the last in the Big Brother phenomenon and while the programme's not on my list of 'must-see' viewing, I can imagine that to have your company's products incorporated into the Big Brother house - particularly for the final series - must be something of a coup.
David, of David Gent Creative, tells me that his client Trend has supplied two wallpaper designs in the bathroom this year. This mosaic wallcovering is perfect for humid and moisture-laden environments, which is one reason why Big Brother's interior designers chose it to grace the house's bathroom, outside shower and plunge pool.
The Trend Italia design team has also rendered the iconic Big Brother eye motif as a classic mosaic wall panel, with each tiny square representing a single 1cm x 1cm tile. The resultant panel would measure 4m x 2.52m and feature almost 80,000 individual tiles in 50 different shades; the price would be around £4,500 for the 1cm2 version or under £3,000 using larger 1.5cm2 mosaics.
While this would be unlikely to appeal to anyone other than an avid Big Brother fan, the technology is available, so if you'd like to have a personal design or picture fashioned into wallpaper or a single decorative panel, contact: www.trend-vi.com
Yours
Jan Hobbs
Ellis Furniture launches luscious Latina Gloss Olivewood
Ellis Furniture - a leading manufacturer of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture - is setting a trend with its new luscious Latina Gloss Olivewood range of bathroom furniture, which cleverly combines the rich grain of stunning olivewood with a contemporary high gloss finish to create a striking bathroom that is both natural and modern.
Team the Latina Gloss Olivewood floorstanding and wall hung units with a solid surface composite worktop in Angel, the new, pure white Omega back to wall WC and basin, the chrome Cassina mono bloc mixer and new angular Chrome Bar handles and the result is sharp, sleek and stylish as well as being flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of splashbacks, flooring and wall covering options.
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Searle & Taylor holds Austrian Event at Ropley showroom
In honour of Georg Karabaczek, Austrian Trade Commissioner for the UK, Searle & Taylor held its first Austrian Open Day to promote Intuo by Ewe kitchens to targeted kitchen specialists, architects, house builders and interior designers.
Guests were able to relax over a glass of Austrian wine, while Jeff Searle and Darren Taylor, exclusive UK Agents for the Intuo brand, gave a tour of their 3,000 sq.ft showroom on the A31 in Ropley, Hampshire. They presented the benefits of the contemporary range of kitchens, which combine natural grain-matched wood veneers with environmentallyÐfriendly matte or gloss lacquered units in up to 4,000 colours. Many kitchens include touch and drive drawers as standard and feature Blum dynamic storage systems.
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Best of breed! (or rural rosettes and Rayburn at a country show near you)
For heating installers who are planning to take a day off and visit one of the many country shows across the UK, they can combine business with pleasure by checking out one of the latest central heating range cookers from Rayburn.
Rayburn and AGA will have a presence at around 50 country shows in 2010 Ð from the Black Isle Show in the North, to the Launceston Show in the South - as well as the Tendring Show in the East and the Royal Welsh Show in the West.
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Summer promotion is all the range
To celebrate the launch of its new line up of range cookers Baumatic has teamed up with Magnet Kitchens to offer one of its superb Gelato ice cream makers with every new range cooker purchased from Magnet stores during its summer sale.
Baumatic's new collection of range cookers offers great choice combined with great design, with an enticing line up including single and dual fuel models in 90cm and 100cm variations, all finished in cutting-edge stainless steel to offer a better design-to-cost ratio than any other models.
During July and August, customers choosing a new Baumatic range cooker as part of their Magnet kitchen design will also receive a free Baumatic Gelato fully-automatic ice cream maker, worth around £299.
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Granite Transformations' FAST Team. There Is No Plan B!
If you have a problem... if no-one else can help... and if you can find them... then maybe you can hire... the FAST team.
Since this is kitchen improvement firm Granite Transformations' specially-assembled Franchise Advisory & SupporT team, finding them shouldn't be a problem, since they are contactable through the company's national headquarters in Kent. As they are specialists in sales, operations and technical matters - the key ingredients for running a successful business - the team members are certainly in a position to help Granite Transformations franchise owners and newly-recruited franchisees, with specialist support and advice.
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Ezystone joins impressive iKBBI sponsor line-up
Joining industry businesses AnyJunk, Blum, Classic Marble and Franke, Ezystone Worksurfaces is the latest business to support the aims and objectives of the Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers by becoming an official sponsor.
Ezystone specialises in providing high quality kitchen worksurfaces to retailers and installers. The company's Gordon Gunnion says: "Ezystone is a new premium quartz worktop specifically designed for the kitchen installer to fit as part of a normal kitchen installation. We believe it will appeal to iKBBI members by offering a convenient, time and cost saving way of fitting visually stunning stone worksurfaces.
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Kesseler UK's Steve Wake plays 72 holes in a day for cancer care charity
 Derbyshire-based kitchen furniture manufacturer Kesseler UK's Sales Manager, Steve Wake, has recently raised over £500 in a Longest Golf Day Challenge to raise funds for the McMillan Cancer support charity.
The 16 hour event started at 04.30 and ended at 21.00 and took place over four different golf courses in Derbyshire. Steve and fellow golfers and fundraisers all walked 20 miles, played 72 holes and took around 360 shots. So far Steve and his team have raised almost £2000 from the day.
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Soapbox: Water efficiency is key to securing our water supplies...
writes Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise, the independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large scale water efficiency.
"In 2010 the UK has experienced the driest first six months of the year for 71 years. In response to the hosepipe ban being announced in the North West of England, Waterwise is asking everyone to do their bit to help save water. Through simple changes in behaviour we can help to there is enough water for everyone in the future. The hosepipe ban may have already been announced, but we can all do our bit to try to stop them from being necessary in the future.
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Keep on trucking (as long as you're safe)
Increased powers to crack down on dangerous lorries in the UK - whichever country they're originally from - have been set out by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.
The proposals would give the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency more flexibility in tackling vehicles they suspect of being overloaded or breaking operating or driving hours rules. The new powers would also help VOSA to enforce new cabotage rules, which govern the amount of UK domestic work hauliers from outside the UK can undertake.
The consultation also outlines plans to give VOSA officers in Scotland the power to independently stop commercial vehicles for the first time. Currently, all VOSA enforcement in Scotland is assisted by the police.
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Mereway Bathrooms manager achieves ILM Diploma
 Midlands-based furniture manufacturer Mereway Bathrooms is pleased to congratulate one of its senior Managers, Michelle Nokes, who recently completed ILM Diplomas in Management and Leadership.
Michelle, Operations Manager at Mereway Bathrooms, undertook the two year course and passed the ILM 5 and 7 Diplomas in Management, Strategic Leadership and Executive Management; equivalent of foundation and post graduate degrees.
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Chalon signs lease for seventh UK showroom
Chalon UK, internationally renowned designer and manufacturer of hand crafted kitchens, bathrooms and freestanding furniture, has signed a lease for its latest new showroom in Knutsford, Cheshire.
As Chalon's seventh wholly owned and managed UK showroom, it will provide a perfect showcase for some of the company's very latest kitchen designs. Conveniently located at 50 King Street, it is part of the central town shopping footprint and is positioned in what is already a well-established hub for the luxury kitchen market.
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The seven principles for inspiring employees
by Terry Barber
Terry Barber is an inspirational speaker and corporate trainer and founder of Inspiration Blvd. For the last 20 years he has been a consultant to non-profits on how to inspire their constituents to give and get involved. Some of the organisations he served included Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Duke Cancer Center, AARP Foundation, and the ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) Association. Some of the topics he speaks on are 'What business can learn from non-profits about being inspiring and raising up inspiring teams.
If someone asked you for a good synonym for inspiration, what would you say? Some might answer that stimulation is a good substitute. Others might choose influence or encouragement. But by and large, when people think of inspiration, the word that immediately comes to mind is motivation.
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Kitchen Design Manager
St. Helier, Jersey
Competitive salary, bonus scheme, petrol allowance, private healthcare Working from our Head Office in St Helier you will produce detailed kitchen designs, specifications and costings, manage the procurement of all kitchen furniture and appliances from our preferred suppliers, co-ordinate delivery programmes and liaise directly with our kitchen Installation Manager.
You will possess excellent communication skills, be self motivated and have the ability to work on your own initiative. Experience in the use of Planit & CAD software is essential.
The most Southerly of the British Isles, located some 100 miles south of mainland Britain, yet only 14 miles from the coast of France, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, approximately 45 square miles in area, with a population of 87,000 inhabitants.
This small, but delightful island, with its variety of scenery, a wealth of history and breathtaking natural beauty, is a coastal playground where golden beaches are literally on your doorstep.
As a highly respected, internationally renowned offshore financial services centre, Jersey boasts a vibrant economy, a sophisticated infrastructure and a wealth of professional expertise. Ongoing investment ensures the creation of development opportunities.
With low taxation, a high standard of living, excellent health care and high educational standards, Jersey is the ideal location for both single and family lifestyles
Contact us in confidence with your CV to:
jbuicke@dandara.com
or write to:
Joanne Buicke, Dandara,
Spectrum House, Gloucester Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3DG
Does your company have a vacancy that you need to fill?
Not having the right staff available to service customers can cost your business many thousands of Pounds in lost opportunities and extra work for other people - your competitors.
As a broadcast newsletter sent to 8,000 industry professionals every week KBzine can help fill that vacancy fast.
And for far less than you thought.
Call us on 01580 755863 to find out how you can fill that vacancy and get on with business!
Avid KBZine readers might remember that at KBB Birmingham this year, Croydex previewed the Damixa brand it is reintroducing into the UK. We're delighted to share the news that stock is now available. For the new shower collection
T:01264 365881 / www.damixa.co.uk
William Ball has introduced 40mm thick worktops to match its Walnut, Chestnut, Highland Oak and Oberon kitchens.
T: 01942 270000 / E: sales@wball.co.uk
Shower enclosure specialist, Lakes Bathrooms, has launched a new range of 8mm walk-in enclosures as part of its Italia Collection.
E: info@lakesbathrooms.co.uk /www.lakesbathrooms.co.uk
Bauhaus has added the Stream II WC portfolio to its space-saving Stream bathroom furniture range. Featuring shorter projections, there are three models - close coupled, back-to-wall and wall-hung. "Compact WCs are often characterised by narrow seats," says Bauhaus. "These feature full-width and very comfortable seats."
T: 0845 873 8840 / www.crosswater-holdings.co.uk
B&Q parent company Kingfisher has reported that total sales are up 0.3% in constant currencies, but down 0.8% on a like-for-like basis, for the 10 weeks to 10 July 2010.
www.kingfisher.co.uk
New kitchen component event launched
The launch of Kx v.10, a unique three day kitchen component event, showcasing the next generation of kitchen storage and accessory solutions from leading manufacturers and distributors, has been announced.
Designed to fill a conspicuous gap in the market for a UK trade exhibition of kitchen components, the first event will feature LDL Components, Blum, Peka, Wesco, Furnipart and Turnstyle.
Kx v.10 will be held at the impressive, centrally located Blum headquarters in Milton Keynes from Tuesday 21st September to Thursday 23rd September. In addition to the launch of new and innovative products from each exhibitor, there will also be a series of product demonstrations and seminars.
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CIKB - China International Kitchen & Bathroom Appliances and Technology Expo 2010
28 - 30 September, Shanghai China.
Organised by the China National Hardware Association, this will be the 10th edition of this year on year growing event, with more than 500 Chinese export-ready manufacturers now taking part, many for the very first time.
www.cikb.com.cn
Interbuild Onsite shapes up for action in 2010
Interbuild Onsite (Hall 4, Birmingham, NEC, 17th - 20th October) will provide a clear focus for exhibitors and visitors this year, thanks to the creation of six specific new zones dedicated to important product and business areas for the building trades.
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2010 Bathroom Conference: final arrangements made
The Conference Ð organised by the award winning Bathroom Manufacturers Association Ð will take place on Tuesday 19th October 2010 at De Vere Carden Park Hotel, near Chester.
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One to keep your eyes open for...
The Sleep Event, which focuses entirely on the design, architecture and development of hotels, is taking place on 24th and 25th November 2010 at the Business Design Centre in London.
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kbb London to take place in May 2011
UBM Live has announced the launch of kbb London which will take place from the 15th to 17th May 2011 at Excel. The runaway success of kbb Birmingham in March and in-depth consultation with the marketplace has determined an unquestionable need and desire for a kitchen and bathroom show in the capital next year.
The show will target both the retail and contract audience and will showcase the latest products and services from the leading manufacturers in the kitchen, bathroom and tiling markets.
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| How to contact us at the KBzine |
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Direct Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307
Mob: 07980 288 373
John Austen
Publishing Director
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Fax: +44 (0)1580 754 669
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Builders & Plumbers' Merchants' Market UK 2010-2014 - report now available
The 11th edition of the Builders & Plumbers' Merchants' market provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure of the market and key players within it. The merchants main product sectors are also analysed including the product market sizes, mixes, trends and merchant shares. The report also provides a forecast of market prospects up to 2014.
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New Articles of Association passed at KBSA EGM
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has confirmed that proposed new rules and Articles of Association were passed by members at an EGM held on Wednesday at the Arden Hotel, Birmingham. This EGM meeting followed an adjourned AGM that was held last week at Wigmore Street in London.
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Work related deaths across Europe: latest figures released
Across Britain, the number of people killed at work has fallen to a new record low with 151 workers dying at work in 2009/10 - down 15% on the previous lowest total of 178 in the year before. The rate of fatal injury for 2009/10 represents a statistically significant decrease compared to the average rate for the previous five years. The figure of 151 worker deaths is 31% lower than the average for the past five years (220).
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Ideal Standard International joins European Healthy Workplaces Campaign on safe maintenance
Ideal Standard International, a leading provider of innovative and design-driven bathroom solutions, yesterday announced its renewed commitment to the European campaign for a safe and healthy workplace along with 29 pan-European and multinational organisations.
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Geberit sees World Cup action before a ball is kicked
Geberit joined football fans from all over the globe as they headed to South Africa for the World Cup this summer, as its impressive sanitary solutions were specified for inclusion in no fewer than six of the 10 World Cup stadiums.
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KBSA reacts to first Coalition Government Emergency Budget
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association launched a statement in which it said it has welcomed many of the measures that the Chancellor announced in the Emergency Budget.
KBSA CEO Graham Ball said: "At last we have a Government that is showing interest in recognising the needs of small businesses in the UK. Several of the new things announced will help such as the reduction of the Small Companies Tax Rate to 20% and the proposals to exempt new businesses from NICs, although this should have been extended to existing businesses.
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Tap into savings comes to Coventry
A major national water and energy saving project Ð Tap into Savings Ð has been launched at St. Mary's Guildhall in Coventry.
Over the next six months the project will visit 2,000 homes in Tile Hill, Canley and surrounding areas, helping households save around 15% of their water use - at zero cost to the householder. Collectively that's 94,000 litres of water a day - enough to supply over 700 people in Coventry with their daily water needs or fill the Coventry sports centre swimming pool every four weeks.
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NSF International certifies first European brass manufacturers to new low lead requirements
Global public health & safety organisation, NSF International, has announced the names of the first European brass manufacturers certified to NSF's low lead content requirements for plumbing products (NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex G). The standard outlines the testing requirements for any product that comes into contact with drinking water to ensure the product does not contribute excessive levels of contaminants, including lead, to drinking water.
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Logistics centre sets new benchmarks in delivery efficiency
With good customer service at the heart of its success, Geberit, the renowned supplier of sanitaryware and plumbing solutions worldwide, has opened a new Logistics Centre to ensure it can continue to respond with speed and efficiency as the number of orders the manufacturer receives continues to grow.
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We have Mail
Hi Jan,
Half way through the year already ... can you believe it!
The iKBBI is now nearly three years old and the last six months have been the most exciting (and relevant) yet.
The extensive ground work covered has brought about some fantastic learnings (and the odd hiccup) and we're feeling great about the future / our role, whilst not being blind to the challenges for our country and sector.
Please see for yourself from the following link ... professionalfitters
All the best,
Drew Carter, Director
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (iKBBI)
T: 0207 712 1558
F: 0207 712 1501
E: drew.carter@ikbbi.org.uk
W: www.ikbbi.org.ukWe have Mail
Hi Jan,
Half way through the year already ... can you believe it!
The iKBBI is now nearly three years old and the last six months have been the most exciting (and relevant) yet.
The extensive ground work covered has brought about some fantastic learnings (and the odd hiccup) and we're feeling great about the future / our role, whilst not being blind to the challenges for our country and sector.
Please see for yourself from the following link ... professionalfitters
All the best,
Drew Carter, Director
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (iKBBI)
T: 0207 712 1558
F: 0207 712 1501
E: drew.carter@ikbbi.org.uk
W: www.ikbbi.org.uk
William Ball Press Statement Ð 29th June 2010
Following a meeting on 25th June William Ball Ltd reached an agreement with its creditors following its restructuring plan that is currently underway.
Speaking about the agreement Anthony Pratt, Acting CEO, said:
"The business plan is being implemented under the protection of a 'Company Voluntary Arrangement' (CVA). This is a legally enforceable deal between a company and its creditors. It places a ring fence around the company and stops creditors pursuing it. It allows a viable but struggling company to repay some or all of its historic debts, out of future profits, over a period of time. It has to be agreed by a vote of creditors, requiring a 75% majority.
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BMA welcomes Franke Sissons to its membership
Franke Sissons, manufacturer of commercial washroom products and part of the Swiss-based Franke group, has joined The Bathroom Manufacturers Association.
"We are absolutely delighted to welcome our latest recruit," says Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA.
"The company is well known and well respected throughout the world and having Franke Sissons as a member of our association is a great boost for the BMA's influence and drive to become a world class organisation."
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EC fines 17 bathroom equipment manufacturers Û622 million for involvement in price fixing cartel
The European Commission has fined 17 bathroom equipment manufacturers a total of Û622, 250, 783 for their involvement in a price fixing cartel covering six EU countries.
A large number of household names are among the 17 undertakings fined: Artweger, Cisal, Dornbracht, Duravit, Duscholux, Grohe, Hansa, Ideal Standard, Kludi, Mamoli, Masco, Roca, RAF, Sanitec, Teorema, Villeroy & Boch and Zucchetti.
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JDS drives KBB industry forward
Truck and van supplier JDS has seen a sharp rise in show van bookings in the kitchen and bathroom sector.
JDS Trucks, one of the UK's largest suppliers of Renault trucks and bespoke vans, has supplied show vans to some of the industry's leading manufacturers and distributors.
As retailers are increasingly short-staffed and struggling for time, manufacturers and distributors have been turning to show vans to get on the road and showcase their products to their target markets.
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Change of direction for British Ceramic Tile trade warehouses
Following a review of its distribution routes to the market place, British Ceramic Tile has agreed to sell its four trade warehouses located in Bristol, Swindon, Gloucester and Cardiff to Walls & Floors Kettering.
The four outlets, currently trading under the British Ceramic Tile Trade Warehouse heading, will continue to operate as usual to provide service & value to the trade market but will also expand further into the retail sector.
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New role at Reginox for Lucy
Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox, has promoted Lucy Pulham to the role of UK Developer Sales Manager, a newly created position within the company.
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Clorox and Maytag present '70s and fireworks night with Chicago White Sox
Clorox and Maytag joined forces on June 23rd for '70s night at US Cellular field in support of keeping white socks white for all Chicago White Sox fans. The first 10,000 game attendees received Maytag, Clorox and White Sox branded '70s style, white tube socks with black stripes. Fans were also able to talk with laundry experts from Clorox and Maytag at the booth near the ballpark entrance to get tips on how to care for whites and other laundry challenges.
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Wheels in motion for competition winner
A visit to this year's KBB show certainly paid off for Kerry Hopkins from Maddisons Bathroom and Wetroom Specialists in York, as she was recently drawn as the winner of a brand new car in a fantastic competition to celebrate the new alliance between Croydex and Damixa.
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Ellis Furniture unveils stunning new bathroom furniture brochure
Ellis Furniture Ð a leading manufacturer of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture Ð has launched a new bathroom furniture brochure to coincide with the launch of 12 new product ranges.
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