KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd November 2013
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
  International News
Products GDHA invests in accessories market
 Dudok brassware in new finishes rom Grange Design by Antonio Frattini
On Wednesday 6th November, FagorBrandt (France) took the decision to place the French part of the Fagor Group under the protection of the French legal system. Consequently, it has filed an application for insolvency in the Nanterre Commercial Court. This decision, which legally separates the activities of FagorBrandt (France) from Fagor Electrodomesticos (Spain) should allow the French business to continue to trade whilst endeavouring to safeguard jobs, together with the interests of its suppliers and partners. Stunning new extractor hood meets strategic demand for white-glass pack
Second year for Crosswater at the Sleep Event
Infrarad warms up energy debate
British Ceramic tile makes an impact with its new glass offer
New family of taps are full of plus points
LDL introduces 'Bright, Shiny New Stars' from Furnipart
Ellis Furniture launches Hydra Chocolate Grey
Carron Phoenix's Windsor tap is a classic little number
|
Those of us that have access to decent toilets apparently spend, on average, three years of our lives ‘on the loo’. Toilets are one of the most basic human rights, yet one in three of the world's population doesn't have access to a clean, safe and private toilet. For the first time this year, World Toilet Day, which was on 19th November, has been recognised as an official day by the United Nations and with the weight of such an important body behind the drive to make decent toilets and clean water available to us all, things might start to improve more quickly. It is unacceptable that each year, some 60 million children are born into homes without adequate sanitation and some 700,000 children die every year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. And although organisations such as WaterAid have been making an enormous difference, more resources are always needed, so I’m delighted that the United Nations is now on board. To coincide with World Toilet Day and no doubt draw a contrast between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’, my friends at Better Bathrooms have compiled a list of what they feel are the 10 most unusual loos around the world. I’m talking things like the safest (bulletproof), the most isolated (reach it by ski lift only), the one built for extreme conditions which doesn’t use water or chemicals but relies on worms for composting, the most spacious (it’s normal-sized but has glass walls and is set in large gardens so users feel as if they’re in the open air – not sure about that one…), the artiest, the most luxurious, the most innovative, the most expensive to build, the most Victorian… Don’t miss the item below and do make sure you click through to the infographic to see the toilets in all their glory – some of them are simply incredible!
Yours,
 This Week's News
Are these the most unusual toilets in the world? To coincide with World Toilet Day on Tuesday of this week, Better Bathrooms compiled a list of what the staff feel are the 10 most unusual loos around the world and as well as being unusual they're all currently completely free of charge to use. At 15,190 feet above sea level, Saint-Gervaise-Les-Bains on Mont Blanc has specially designed toilets for use in extreme conditions. These 'dry' toilets are waterless and chemical-free, instead utilising a worm-composting system to deal with the waste. Lustrolite brightens up the House Beautiful Awards
Two new retail members join KBSA In the last month, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has welcomed on board two new retail members - Dream Bedroom & Kitchen Designs and Hurford & Tebbutt. Topps Tiles named Top 100 Apprentice Employer Topps Tiles has been recognised for excellence in businesses that employ apprentices after being named as one of the country's Top 100 Apprentice Employers 2013, by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds.
The list was announced last week at the National Apprenticeship Awards, in Birmingham. Abode Aurora: lights indicate water temperature
New space saving solution from Bauhaus
Ideal for smaller spaces; such as under the stairs or in a new ens uite tucked into an existing bedroom, the new Bauhaus Ultra Slim is also ideal for bathrooms with restricted wall cavities. Britannia appoints new managing director
Britton's stunning new one piece basin and pedestal extends Curve range
IDS launches first range of kitchen taps from Grohe
Shabby kitchens and bathrooms are biggest bugbear for tenants A survey of the private rental market, by popular shower and tapware brand Methven, has revealed that poor quality fixtures and fittings are the biggest rental bugbear for tenants - and can cause them to leave their properties early.
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:
|
REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
Hoover has announced that it has acquired Baumatic UK. Baumatic will be joining a successful portfolio of brands which are marketed by Hoover, including Candy and Rosières. Homeowners looking to improve rather than move at this year's Grand Designs Live Specialists from the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association were on hand to dispense expert advice at this year's Grand Designs Live event, enjoying another very busy and very successful exhibition. Soapbox: Doing nothing is not an option, so here is your invitation
Whether you're a cynic or a supporter, whether you like it or not, labelling for water-using products is here to stay. And that's a fact so you'd better get used to it. Latest estimates suggest that Europe is heading towards a drought and it will run dry in 2050.  New RIBA-CPD on EUTR announced
InSinkErator applauds new WRAP research Food waste disposal expert InSinkErator, has this week expressed its support of new research from the Waste & Resources Action Programme, indicating a reduction in household food waste. |
