KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd May 2014
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 International News
Products Homeowners desperately seek space solutions as stay-at-home children count soars
Abode Matrix SQ GR15 with Zucca tap: smooth lines and pure angles
Top five tips to capitalise on cooker hoods
Cooker hoods can often be overlooked by both consumers and kitchen retailers. However, choosing to stock stunning, stylish hoods can be both a business boost for kitchen specialists, and also invaluable for consumers who are looking for a complete kitchen solution. Linear thinking from Leisure Sinks
 Hafele announces its 'must have' kitchen product predictions for Summer 2014
Grass Nova Pro Drawer System Britannia Living launches recycling innovation Krushr
Bathroom Brands outlines wide-ranging plans to drive growth at 3-day internationally attended launch
'Ditch the tiles: Use wall panelling for the wow factor in bathrooms and kitchens!' says Abacus...
New expressions shower tray range launched by MX... Hidden waste system adds to stylish looks
Second bathroom collection from Ben De Lisi now available
Bringing basins into the digital age
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Regular readers of KBzine may recall me mentioning that a recent issue was produced while John and I were attending a cleaning & hygiene exhibition at the Amsterdam Rai. It’s an enormous show, with almost 800 exhibitors taking up several halls’ worth of space – and although (as happens at these shows) we only got around to visiting a small percentage of them, it soon became obvious that the swing towards having sustainability as a key factor in the design and manufacture of new products is akin to the swing we’re seeing towards UKIP in the election results being announced as I write… It started off as a trickle a few years back, the trickle slowly became a stream and the stream has now become a real surge! Learning last week that the Bathroom Manufacturers Association has secured the services of Dick Strawbridge MBE for the forthcoming Bathroom and Kitchen Business Conference (Tuesday 7 October), shows that this industry too, is taking seriously the need to embrace sustainability. If you’re familiar with Dick from his popular BBC2 series on sustainable living and eco-technology – ‘It's not easy being green’, you’ll know we’re going to be in for a treat. Sustainability expert Dick, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and man of many interests, is an energetic and versatile presenter and motivational speaker, who is not afraid to speak his mind and tell things as they are. He will be telling us how he sees the current bathroom and kitchen industry, its products, their sustainability and the way they are marketed (and should be marketed) to both professionals and the consumer. Says the BMA’s chief executive Yvonne Orgill: “This year’s conference is, once again, stretching boundaries and looking for fresh ideas and inspiration from people who are not usually connected with our industry. Today’s consumer is becoming more aware of sustainability issues and the bathroom and kitchen industry has to respond to this with more attractive and engaging marketing and sales communications.” Yvonne tells us that the conference speakers will concentrate on the theme: ‘Marketing the future’, to encourage delegates from both the bathroom and kitchen industry to look beyond their office desks and outside their normal comfort zones. “Fresh and youthful thinking will dominate,” she promises. “New ideas and stretching boundaries will be pinned firmly to the agenda.” We should be in for a good one… If you want to learn more about the conference, visit: www.bathroom-association.org
Yours,
 This Week's News
iKBBI co-develops industry training for life-saving asbestos awareness
Deva introduces award-winning Satinjet to bestselling bath shower mixer
The Deva thermostatic bath shower mixer has a TMV2 approved body with ceramic disc technology for ease of use. The product is supplied with a shower rail, two metre hose and Methven's Kiri Satinjet handset with a nine litre per minute flow limiter. Atoll brings linear high fashion to bathrooms
Featuring a straight geometric spout and a slim, one touch control lever, the Atoll range can be operated with just a gentle lift or push. As well as being a great choice for new bathroom installations, Atoll can be a quick fix for updating a tired bathroom that is past its best.
Mike brings a broad range of business skills and experience to MX - most recently in the food logistics sector. Fixers applaud BAL Rapid-Mat cost savings
In-toto celebrates 22% increase in 2013 kitchen sales
Founded over 30 years ago, in-toto is now a well-established kitchen brand in the UK with nearly 50 Design Studios nationwide. Family-friendly: the new washer dryer from Amica
Latest member, Vado, boosts BMF P&H Sector
Industry leading guarantee announced by the Kitchen Door Workshop
Geberit AquaClean answers BBC's DIY SOS call for help
Since suffering a brain infection four years ago which left her unable to walk and talk, June Finlay had been sleeping on a hospital bed in the kitchen with no access to washing or toilet facilities. Totally dependent on husband John to help her take care of even the most basic of her needs, June was naturally delighted that Geberit was only too happy to help change the couple's lives for the better. 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
The golf will be followed by the prize ceremony and networking dinner. Anyone working in the industry can take part, whatever your handicap. £5 of the £45 Green Fee will be donated to WaterAid. Accessibility bathroom features purpose-made HEWI solutions
Snowdonia Slateman is scene of next step in Croydex's fundraising campaign
Government must 'Help to Build', before Help to Buy, says property businessman Property maintenance guru, Will Davies, has criticised the Government for not taking the 'Get Britain Building' fund seriously. Tradespeople spend a working week away from home each month
Getting the right Mann for the job: BMA announces conference host
Call to support efficient appliance sales A new report published today 'Promoting highly efficient electrical appliances' calls on the Government to help the public replace their old appliances and cut their energy bills by up to £75 a year. Henley Tiles: Inspiration brought to life
Two years in the making, Henley's groundwork was laid when founder Sarah Watson decamped to Brussels for a long weekend of design trekking. She popped into the Horta Museum and was immediately smitten with an impressive display of tiles decorating the dining room. Copper interest sparks new tap finish
Harvey Jones focuses on flexibility with ArtiCAD online
How much could 10 minutes cost you? Van users have been asked how much they would spend, to save 10 minutes. "We all know that time is money," says Steve Clarke, group marketing manager for The Fuel Card Group, "but sometimes saving a few minutes is not worth the long term cost. Just ask anyone who has been caught employing an unlicensed driver..." People
Britannia grows team with key account manager
Marketing
Utopia launches 25th Anniversary lottery To celebrate the company's founding in May 1989, Utopia Bathroom Group is inviting all its retailers to take part in a month-long lottery to win one of 25 luxury hampers. For every order placed in May a lottery ticket will be issued and then 25 winning numbers will be drawn at random on Monday 9th June. Worth over £250 each, the hampers contain a fabulous assortment of edible goodies plus a voucher for a Red Letter 'experience' day. |
