KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th August 2012
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International News
Products Trade Mouldings to exhibit at W12
The Scent of Success for Mereway Bathrooms
Everyone has their favourite perfume. When in the bottle it could be anyone's, but once someone wears it, it becomes individually theirs, they become themselves, feeling incomplete when not wearing it. A perfume magically lifts spirits and stirs emotions. Abode's Matrix RO sink collection brings a sharp geometry to the kitchen
Multi award winning Asymmetric Duo bath wins two further prestigious design awards
New renovation rule set to boost inner-city industry Newly adopted EU rules requiring governments to revamp old buildings will generate industrial renovation in cities, say commentators who welcome the energy efficiency directive approved by the European Parliament's energy committee last week. Refurbishment activity in US poised for strong growth With home sales in the US picking up and contractors seeing more positive business conditions in the future, refurbishment activity in the US is in a position to see accelerated growth by the end of this year and into 2013, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released this week by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. |
Since becoming editor of KBZine several years ago, I've discovered the most incredible technology that's available to us in the home - technology which is so cleverly used, that if the information hadn't come from such a reliable source, I wouldn't actually believe what I was reading. So often I've thought that we've gone as far as we can and then someone comes up with something else that amazes me - and I sit with my mouth open and stare in wonder. It's just happened again. "What does a washing machine you use like a hula hoop and an intelligent dish that transforms food into sound have in common? Two things: They are both semi-finalists in Electrolux Design Lab 2012 and both look to engage our senses in new and interesting ways," says the press release. Of course I had to click on the link to find out about the other entries. How about the Easy Stir, which uses magnets that react to your induction stove to stir the food in your pots, leaving you free to get on with other things in the knowledge that your food won't burn... Or the Smart Embossed Blender, through which you can feel how smooth or rough your ingredients are while you're blending, so you know when the job's complete... or the Spacepan - a portable stovetop that can be used virtually anywhere in the home and which lets you know how hot the heating elements are via illuminated, colour indicators under each pot... Then for those who travel long distances for work but need to arrive at the appointment looking smart; 'Touch' fits into the palm of your hand where it uses infrared light to remove wrinkles from your clothes while you're still wearing them. I've only touched the surface, so visit http://newsroom.electrolux.com/uk/2012/08/07/electrolux-design-lab-announce-30-semi-finalists/ and prepare to be wowed! Yours,
This Week's News
BMA uses its unique position to pave the way for new industry agreement A recent meeting of the main players in the bathroom industry, organised by the award-winning Bathroom Manufacturers Association, has broken new ground in establishing a framework for process improvement for product certification. Whether we like it or not bathroom products produced for sale in the UK must meet laid-down legal standards. Aqua 6 brings true elegance to the mid-range market
Hettich's Magic range puts interiors in the right light
At the BMA's recent AGM at Stoke's Britannia Stadium, Ian Stuart concluded his fixed term of office reviewing the achievements of the Association and thanking the staff for their work, with limited resources. NKBA awards outstanding kitchen & bath design students and colleges The US National Kitchen & Bath Association recently recognised kitchen and bath design students with the 2012 NKBA Outstanding Student Awards, while also presenting three NKBA-accredited colleges with the 2011 Excellence in Education Awards. The NKBA announced these prestigious honours during the Educators' Forum at the NKBA's 2012 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago. Joiner on community service after illegal installation causes expensive explosion A self-employed joiner has been sentenced to 300 hours of community service after a gas cooker he illegally installed exploded, severely injuring two householders and causing more than £580,000 worth of damage to four properties. Alex Irvine was hired by John and Emily Reid to cut out a kitchen unit, worktop and install a new free-standing gas cooker in Kirklands, Renfrew in March 2009.  LDL adds to Kitchen Essentials range
Available now: a new remote-controlled extraction concept from De Dietrich
The unique spout which curves upwards towards the end gives an elegant appearance. The tap embraces the increasing demand for a 90 spout and the Verbier will complement many sinks including Belfast models and other ceramic ranges. Roman Project 252 surpasses expectation
Niko sets the standard in 100% recyclable shower trays Niko is setting a new standard in environmentally-friendly shower tray design. The new HydroLite shower trays are durable, strong and ultra-light. Niko's clever manufacturing process preserves natural resources, saves energy and conserves the environment. The HydroLite shower tray is made from 35% recycled materials and the finished product is 100% recyclable. BAL White Star: the fixers' friend
"Sooner or later," says one experienced fixer, "you use BAL White Star." The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Channel Five’s show ‘Cowboy Builders’ is planning to make over some rooms in a property in Bradford, including the kitchen. The programme makers are looking for The Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association members to offer a kitchen and appliances free of charge in return for the opportunity to be involved in this prime time show, which has attracted up to 2.3 million viewers in previous episodes. Luxury living in the heart of the forest: Center Parcs Treehouses
 Ultra Finishing acquires Niko Distribution After years of enjoying a successful relationship, bathroom speciaists Ultra Finishing and Niko Distribution have completed a deal which has seen Ultra Finishing acquire Niko Distribution. Corporate membership now available at the iKBBI KBB Birmingham, 2012, also saw the launch of the The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers' brand new Corporate Membership programme. Moores continues to meet FISP criteria Moores Furniture Group has successfully achieved Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme certification for the 6th consecutive year. Renolit Cramlington employee carries Olympic Torch
Ashley Hoadley of Darwin Clayton outlines risk management issues affecting the KBB industry during London 2012 New NHBC figures reveal decline in new home registrations during Q2 2012 New figures for Q2 2012 released today by NHBC reveal that new home registrations in the UK decreased by 24%, compared to the same period last year. Inta issues reminder to installers after news of another Legionnaires' outbreak As another Legionella outbreak has been reported in Stoke-on-Trent, anti-scald tap, valve and shower manufacturer Inta issues a timely reminder to engineers and installers on how to safeguard against the bacteria without running the risk of bathroom scalding. TTA releases eagerly anticipated technical document The Tile Association has published its latest technical document, Tiling with Resin Agglomerated Tiles, with the aim of providing advice for all parties involved in the use of resin agglomerated tiles. People
Burbidge recruits new addition to the team British kitchen manufacturer Burbidge has announced the appointment of Grant Hilliker as its new purchasing manager. Marketing
Rubbish' Summer promotion from LDL!
Literature
Whirlpool presents new Freestanding Product brochure
Ellis Furniture unveils stunning new kitchen brochure
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