KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th May 2013
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  International News
Products Ultra-low profile shower tray meets growing demand for 25mm profile shower trays
Chinese developer seeks innovations for £20m flagship building in new £6bn eco-city The Building Research Establishment is working with Franshion Properties (China), one of China's leading state owned developers, to give businesses an opportunity to showcase their most innovative and sustainable technologies in a new eco-city in China.
Abode 'Debuts' striking new bathroom taps
Maytag introduces new 10Kg capacity washing machine
Eco-friendly comfort from ClearGreen
The death of an industry: late payment is killing specialist contracting businesses Barry Ashmore, construction industry veteran and founder of StreetwiseSubbie.com, was invited to an evidence session in Parliament this week to speak to a cross party group of MPs regarding the state of the construction industry owing to late payments and unfair payment terms. The Showering Collection by Glass has expanded
Bespoke bedrooms from established manufacturer
Storage solutions for modern bathrooms
Match 1950's-inspired retro pastel switched sockets and light switches to your decor!
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: OUR APOLOGIES TO EVERYONE WHO WAS EXPECTING TO RECEIVE THIS WEEK'S EDITION TODAY. UNFORTUNATELY EXTENSIVE TRAVELLING DELAYS PREVENTED OUR TIMELY RETURN FROM VERONA AND SO THERE WAS NO PROSPECT OF AN ISSUE BEING BROADCAST BEFORE 6PM. WE WILL THEREFORE BROADCAST TODAY'S PLANNED ISSUE ON WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY, RESUMING NORMAL FRIDAY BROADCASTS THE WEEK AFTER. ALL AFFECTED ADVERTISERS WILL HAVE THEIR AD SERIES EXTENDED BY A FURTHER WEEK FREE OF CHARGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FORBEARANCE. I can remember my mother being quite put out a few years back when I refused to shop at the new Homebase superstore that had ousted the local independent garden centre, so you can perhaps imagine that she would have become quite cross with me when the new Sainsbury's superstore opened up on the outskirts of town and I refused to take her there too. I said she'd rue the day she supported such outlets; that they would put the smaller independents out of business, subsequently take away our choice and make life difficult for those that had to rely on public transport. Before long our town centre Sainsbury's closed down (it had probably been planned that way from the beginning despite assurances that it would remain open) and we had to get used to the superstore as it was the only proper store within easy driving distance. Then someone decided it was too small, it was almost doubled in size and try as she might my mother can't shop there as she can't stay on her feet for the three-plus hours it takes to get around and locate what she needs. Most other shoppers look thoroughly tired and miserable too, they can be quite grumpy and the place certainly seems a lot emptier than it used to be. And if I want to buy a nail or cuphook of a particular size I can no longer visit the local hardware shop as it's not there anymore; I have to go to Homebase and buy a packet - most of the contents of which will be wasted. But at least I have a car and can get there; many others don't and the buses don't stop nearby either. Talk to the independent kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailers and they'll tell you business is suffering because consumers feel more comfortable visiting the big DIY stores to choose their new wares and that one of the reasons for this is that they feel they'll need to spend less. That's not always the case though, is it? But how do we let them know that? Two companies I've spoken with this week are tackling the problem head on with a view to enticing consumers back into the smaller, independent shops. You can read all about their initiatives - one aimed at the bathroom market and the other at kitchens, below. Another - independent retailer Heart of the Home - is taking its business to the consumers in the form of a small lorry kitted out with some fabulous cabinetry, which I've seen at my local market a couple of times on a Saturday... I'll be talking to the company soon to see whether this exercise is proving worthwhile. I don't know who said, "Use them or lose them" but I couldn't agree more...
Yours,
This Week's News
Massive marketing programme "Will bring business to retailers" says Roger Cooper
Franke releases next update of its popular 'Franke Experience' App for iPads
Dave Button to head sales direction for Crosswater
Romex launches new module to manage risk to drivers According to the Health & Safety Executive's 'Driving at Work' publication, the biggest cause of occupational fatality is driving on business. There are more than 20 people killed and a further 250 seriously injured every week.   Geberit continues to make a splash to support retail partners
Gorenje once again named Slovenia's most trusted brand Gorenje has received The Reader's Digest Trusted Brand award in the category of home appliances in Slovenia for the seventh year in a row.
PWS champions the independents
Steel introduces new gas hob collection
Dimplex launches compact corner towel rail
Finished in high quality chrome, it not only rapidly dries and warms towels, but it is also an excellent storage solution as towels can be neatly folded and placed in the individual sections. Carron Phoenix launches brand new brochures for 2013
Holloways of Ludlow cabinet makers promote Emma Jordan to Project Manager role
Electrolux Hosts 2013 Cannes Film Festival Opening Gala Dinner
Kick back and cool down with the new InSinkErator under-sink chiller
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New study shows that more night-time deliveries work better A package of measures put in place by the logistics sector for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games that includes more night-time deliveries could, if adopted permanently, improve some of our traffic issues and bring environmental benefits too, while helping to make roads safer for cyclists and other vulnerable users.  Health & Safety experts make recommendations for ISO14001 revision Leading experts in Environment from EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, and manufacturing companies across the UK met this week to make key recommendations to the revision of guidance to ISO14001, the widely used standard for Environmental Management Systems that customers use to differentiate between suppliers. Geberit reaches new heights in the loo with the best view over London!
 EEF and ENER-G launch hunt for Britain's greenest manufacturers The hunt is on once again for Britain's most efficient and sustainable manufacturers. EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, and ENER-G have launched the Environment award category as part of the fifth annual Future Manufacturing Awards with companies eligible to win two prestigious awards at regional and national level. Support Independent Retailer month 2013 July sees the beginning once more of Independent Retailer Month - a campaign that has been supported since its launch by The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association. Ellis Furniture holds design competition in conjunction with William Wilson
Van users: life is going to get tougher Van users have been reminded by The Fuelcard People of ever-tighter emissions controls. Steve Clarke, group marketing manager, said: "Life is already tough for anyone running vans or other LCVs, but those who fail to address emissions reduction will find it getting harder. As restrictions spread, the worst polluters will soon find themselves running out of road. Electrolux hosts CookIt! competition for children in its fully kitted HO training kitchens Electrolux says it is delighted to be hosting the fabulous CookIt! competition for children in its fully kitted training kitchens at the company's Luton Head Office. HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, opens new Belling hospitality training centre
People
FIRA appoints new Furniture Technician Supervisor
Personnel changes designed to expand Kitchens International
Literature
New brochures from Franke offer definitive guide to choosing sinks, taps and accessories
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