KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd June 2012
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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Q1 figures reflect second highest mark in two years The US National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has released the Kitchen & Bath Market Report for the first quarter. Results conveyed that showroom traffic, which is traditionally up and down from quarter to quarter, rose 8% in the first quarter of the year to 24 consumers visiting the average kitchen and bath showroom in March. While this remains 13% down from a year ago, Q1 of 2011 was a particularly standout quarter. This quarter's figure is the second-highest mark over the past two years. Curves in all the right places...
Amica launches 8kg machine in new washing range
New brand launch: Live Life The Mereway
An instant coffee is just that, instantly made and instantly forgotten, but a coffee that has had time, passion and effort lavished on it is a coffee to be savoured, enjoyed and never forgotten. This is the philosophy behind the new Mereway Kitchens brand. There are kitchens and then there are Mereway kitchens. An ethos captured in the new strapline 'Live Life The Mereway'. New fridge-freezers: fresher colours, fresher ingredients
Zesty Zurich for fabulous drinking water
EQ launches new 2D Planner for eStore
Concealed dual flow heads come in two styles
EU Policymakers weigh options for water pricing Putting a price on water is essential to encourage savings but EU policymakers are cautious not to spark a social backlash with a one-size-fits-all solution. "Pay more if you use more" is, however, a model which could work, the MEP in charge of water issues told EurActiv.
This variety of contemporary designs incorporates elements of soft curves and straight lines bringing natural and man-made materials into the home. |
Yesterday was the longest day of the year in the UK yet those of us living here would never have thought so; it started off grey and dreary and remained that way. Today has been worse and it's chilly and windy, so I'm pleased that we've been able to include some news this week to 'warm the cockles of your heart', as the saying goes! Before using that phrase in KBZine I thought I ought to check that I had it right, bearing in mind I'd never seen it written anywhere. Initially my interpretation that it meant 'delighting your innermost feelings' was backed up by wikianswers.com, but the site went on to argue that Kachels (pronounced cockles) are tiles covering stoves and fireplaces (kachelovens) that radiate heat and that the expression is a corruption of the phrase, 'May it warm the kachels of your hearth'. The site goes on to explain that a kacheloven is fuel efficient and radiates heat long after the fire is out, which is all rather clever as it brings me nicely back to the point that I was making in the first place - the acknowledgement by so many firms that we need to become more efficient! In this week's issue alone, we have B & V developing systems that allow manufacturers to use process water more sustainably (the company has delivered what is thought to be the first zero carbon non-consumptive river intake and return loop in Europe), an encouraging report on the technologies used in low/zero carbon homes - and Ellis Furniture celebrating the clocking up of 236 years' service by five employees! This long service is testament to the company's commitment to providing apprenticeships and when you compare the money spent on thoroughly training the team with the costs of dealing with a potentially high staff turnover and the possibility of the manufacture of second-rate furniture by less than expert staff, it throws things into a different light, doesn't it, so this is really another example of efficiency and sustainability. Yours,
This Week's News
The Furniture Ombudsman at the annual Trading Standards Conference The Furniture Ombudsman will again be present at the national Trading Standards Institute Conference, which this year will be held in Manchester from 26th - 28th June. The annual conference brings together hundreds of local and central government professionals who have an interest in Trading Standards and consumer affairs in the UK. Jablite's technical team tightens focus on key customers In what is seen by many as a daring move, insulation solutions provider Jablite has taken the decision to close its technical information line. "We have a talented and dedicated of technical advisors and they are leading our innovations process," explains Steve Broadhurst, Technical Manager, Jablite.
Disco brings back the long awaited restyle of mirrored mosaics to the bathroom, available in a 60mm knob and a 204mm pull handle the zinc alloy, polished chrome finish bounces light around the room creating a more spacious feel. NHBC Foundation examines the technologies used in low and zero carbon homes House builders are increasingly incorporating low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies into new homes as part of their approach to achieving the on-site performance requirements expected from the Government's target for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016. But which technologies are being installed, and what do the occupiers of these homes feel about them? Rangemaster stars alongside Marco Pierre White in Channel 5's Kitchen Wars
Utopia bathroom graphics now available in ArtiCAD-Pro CAD software specialist for the KBB sector, ArtiCAD, has announced that the full range of Utopia Bathroom Group's products is now available as a comprehensive graphics catalogue within ArtiCAD-Pro. With the inclusion of this new library from one of the UK's leading bathroom manufacturers, designers using ArtiCAD-Pro can select the specific items they require and incorporate them within their design. Maytag improves iconic Trilogy fridge freezer with internal water dispenser
Maytag's super premium Trilogy fridge freezer is now available with an internal water dispenser, ready with chilled, filtered water at the touch of a button, perfect for the home entertainer. B & V Water Treatment calls for action after WWF report
Ellis Furniture commends loyalty of long serving employees
MBE for specialist tiling contractor
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Bosch and Methven back UK Water Efficiency Awards 2012
British Ceramic Tile joins 'Great British' celebrations this Summer unveiling plans for change This summer there's no better time to celebrate being the best of British and to commemorate this momentous occasion, British Ceramic Tile has announced a series of key changes as the company implements its ambitious plan to become a one-stop super shop for all tile, stone and glass products.  Anyone needing to specify tiling can do so with complete confidence, thanks to the total support offered free by BAL. The popular name in professional tile adhesives and grouts, renowned for setting standards in tiler training, makes its expertise freely available to specifiers. Figures show public sector house building still low, but private sector making progress Figures released today by NHBC have shown public sector registrations to build new homes in the UK are still below last year's figures. Thames Water has donated 2.5 acres of property in a bid to help a new property-focused crowdfunding website raise thousands of pounds to transform a neglected London dock into a creative hub ahead of the Olympics. Annual Bathroom Conference: booking now Bookings are now being taken for the Annual Bathroom Conference, which is taking place on 9th October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire and is open to everyone in the KBB Industry. The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Yvonne Orgill tells us that places are filling up - so do book soon to make sure you don't miss on this popular event, which promises to be even better than last year Dimplex launches online guide to green energy We knew Dimplex was an expert in electric heating, but what we didn't know is that it is also a market leader in renewable energy solutions, with what the company says is the widest range of heat pumps available in the UK. Now the company is sharing its expertise with the launch of a handy new website to guide everyone through all the green heating and hot water options that are available. People
Andrew Bentley joins Ambiance Bain as UK National Sales Manager
Marketing
Franke develops useful 'Trade Area' for retailers
Franke is the leading global manufacturer of sinks for domestic use and has a 100-year heritage so retailers can be assured that, in specifying a Franke sink, they will be giving customers the best quality, best design and the reassurance of a 50-year guarantee. Literature
All you need is Essential from Carron Phoenix
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