KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
29th November 2013
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  International News
Products 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.  Abode Aurora: lights indicate water temperature
New space saving solution from Bauhaus
Britton's stunning new one piece basin and pedestal extends Curve range
IDS launches first range of kitchen taps from Grohe
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
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The weather in the UK has turned chilly and people are succumbing to the seasonal colds that spread rapidly through the workforce. It’s rare for me to become unwell so I shouldn’t grumble at having been laid up this week with a heavy cold and what feel like broken ribs from all the sneezing (don’t laugh – it may be coming your way soon!) Being unable to breathe properly means that any sleep is fitful and being overly-tired, achy and stuffed up with cold isn’t conducive to a cheerful disposition… It’s easy to feel down at this time of year anyway. It’s generally cold, wet and dull and those that work don’t see much daylight. Overheated trains are crammed with commuters dressed for the outside, while traffic jams seem endless. Folk are hidden by umbrellas or have their heads down, braced against the weather, so there’s little eye contact and few friendly greetings. And although we’re told the economy is improving, we’re worried about our finances, potential job losses and the inevitable strikes disrupting our already difficult days. All this adds to the general feeling of gloom. I'm sure I’m not the only one wishing I lived somewhere hot – or even up in the mountains which despite the snow can offer real warmth and bright sunshine. Indeed I was planning my escape when a press release came in, with a link to Mereway’s latest short video – ‘Proudly Made in Britain’. Aaahhh… distraction! To YouTube then… It wasn’t long before I was feeling emotional. I realised that somehow instead of being slumped (the ribs!) in my chair, I’d pulled myself up into a more regal position – almost out of respect for what I was seeing and hearing. I’ve never been much of a Beatles fan but I was in the crowd lined up at Heathrow watching the Concorde fleet coming in for the last time and yes even writing about it I’m teary eyed at what we achieved and have subsequently lost. A promotional video for the manufacturer? Or a promotional video for Britain? Whatever you decide, I challenge you to watch it and not feel, as I did, that those of us in the UK are actually living in a pretty wonderful place and have something of which we should be very proud…
Yours,
 This Week's News
NHBC new home registrations continue to soar New home registration statistics for the UK, released today by NHBC, show that the number of new homes being registered continues to improve on last year's figures with an overall 24% increase for the rolling quarter August to October compared to the same period in 2012. Hansgrohe takes the headache out of selecting the optimum shower experience
KBBG applauds 'Small Business Saturday' initiative The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, a subsidiary of the kitchen & bathroom buying group in Europe, DER KREIS, supports the UK's first 'Small Business Saturday' that takes place on 7th December 2013. The Cook’s Kitchen, by Mark Wilkinson OBE, first to win Design Classic Award
Ellis Furniture launches Reflection Gloss Maize
New online tool helps contractors work more safely and win more work A new online tool has launched with a promise to slash the cost of producing risk assessments and method statements by as much as 90% and relieve the headache of compliance. Hands HQ makes health & safety documentation easy and is suitable for the millions of contractors and peripheral industry businesses that are required by law to complete risk assessments and method statements as part of their daily routine. A Mereway phenomenon... proudly 'Made in Britain'
The focus of the film is home grown craftsmanship and innovation that's synonymous with both the Mereway brand and particularly its English Revival kitchens. Maytag launches new Premier Centres
Electrolux Supplier Awards 2013 winners announced
Visions in High Gloss in Red by Kitchen Door Workshop
Deserved promotion for Laura Weeks!
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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.  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. 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. |
