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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
8th August 2014

 

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Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.




International News
Products

Franke adds hi-tech entry-level Orion Tectonite sinks to its Pro-Value range

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Franke's new Orion Tectonite synthetic inset sinks are the latest contemporary designs to be introduced into the best-selling Pro-Value range, designed to offer exceptional quality and style at prices within most budgets.
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New Space Tower larder kit exclusively from LDL

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The latest product innovation from LDL, Space Tower is a unique, easy to install Blum drawer kit for larder units. The first such product on the market, Space Tower can now be ordered and installed quickly and easily without the need for specialist tools.
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Create a clutter-free kitchen with Caple's new WMI2003 integrated washing machine

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Caple's new fully integrated WMI2003 A++ energy-rated washing machine helps create a streamlined, clutter-free look in the kitchen since it is hidden away behind a cupboard door.

A rated for washing and B rated for spin efficiency and with a 1200rpm spin speed, a maximum sound level of 57dB for washing and 75db for spinning, it features a 15 minutes fast wash plus a wool, delicate and underwear wash and seven further programmes.

T: 0117 938 1900
W: www.caple.co.uk


Whirlpool's funky Max microwaves add real zing!

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Whirlpool Max cool and funky microwave ovens are stylish, highly practical and functional and are available in stunning sunny, summer colours, Zesty Orange and Vivacious Green. The latest addition to the range is a refreshing and shining Full White.
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Elegant new Athena from Just Taps Plus offers so many options

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As well as a choice of 15 different fittings, the new Athena brassware range from Just Taps Plus offers the option of either a solid or a cut out lever handle.  Athena has well defined geometric edges and with so many options available it is easy to find a combination of fittings to suit any contemporary bathroom.
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KBSA announces Designer Awards shortlists

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Following a meeting of the judges for the 2014 KBSA Designer Awards, the finalists have been named for all categories. 
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Successful year for Amica

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In 2013, Amica Group grew its sales revenue to PLN 1.656 billion representing an increase of 6% on year-to-year sales. The main increase in revenue was recorded in the home market of Poland, here in the UK, in Germany and in the markets of southern Europe.
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Max-Top set to revolutionise UK kitchen worktops

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Kitchen worktop specialist Max-Top is thrilled to announce that it is launching the revolutionary Max-Top Quartz work surface - one of Europe's leading modular quartz products - to the UK market.
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A very modern brassware range, steeped in 160 years of history

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Today, brassware plays an integral part of a bathroom's design, but for one Swiss manufacturer, producing taps that combine form with function has been integral to its business for 160 years.
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Soapbox: Wall-hung sanitaryware offers perfect solution to bathroom condensation, says Abacus

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A lack of understanding by the bathroom industry of what causes condensation is leading to mould growth and rot in bathrooms.
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How to go from toddler to teenager in online marketing

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Elliot Adams, communications manager at Yelp, explains the best way small businesses can use their online profile to attract and maintain customers.
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British Ceramic Tile enhances its portfolio with a stunning new capsule collection of Mosaics

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This Summer sees the launch of British Ceramic Tile's new Mosaics collection. Designed to complement the company's existing portfolio of wall and floor tiles, this new capsule collection of Mosaics sees British Ceramic Tile continue on its journey to become a one-stop shop for all tiling needs.
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Roman upgrades to ultimate 3D interactive CAD design software for retailers

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Roman has significantly upgraded its presence on Computer Aided Design, ensuring its entire range is accessible on the latest, 3D interactive platform - Virtual Worlds Professional from Logicom.
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Britton Bathrooms makes life easier

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Sometimes just a simple, thoughtful touch can make all the difference. This is certainly the case with Britton Tall, a clever design to make life easier for taller people, the elderly, less able or anyone with back or knee problems.
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Welcome to the

KBzine

It's that time of year when John & I pack up our computers and take a couple of weeks off from producing KBzine. Our next issue will be broadcast on 29th August.

I for one will be joining millions of people celebrating the warmer months at picnics, festivals and various beaches, where practicalities mean that taking a picnic is often the most enjoyable and easiest option. One of my bugbears about picnicking is having to take home dirty plates, cups and cutlery.

However hard I try, I never manage to keep my hands clean or prevent the remains of coleslaw and the like running over everything else in the bag and sometimes dripping down my clothes. But what I really hate, is the remains of other people's picnics, left by those too selfish to take their things home with them and too lazy to put them in a bin. I so wish there were litter police around at times like this!

Help is afoot though. A recent Guardian newspaper article talks of the launch of a 'biodegredible' cup - one you can eat once you've finished your drink!* kickstarter_142.jpg

And if you don't like the idea of that, you can simply melt the cup by pouring hot water on it (clearly no good for tea or coffee then...)

Like me, designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker were fcrustrated with the amount of disposable food packaging that's discarded, but as product designers, they were in a position to provide a solution. The cups - which come in different colours and flavours, are made from a seaweed-based gel. I found out more at biodegradable-edible-cups and it's certainly an interesting concept, although I can't imagine it putting the world's dishwasher manufacturers out of business in the foreseeable future!

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Yours,

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Jan Hobbs

 



This Week's News

De Dietrich UK to go into liquidation

De Dietrich Kitchen Appliances, the Basingstoke based UK distributor of De Dietrich and Fagor premium kitchen appliances, is to be placed into creditors voluntary liquidation.

The company has been facing an uncertain future since late 2013 when its immediate parent company in France and ultimate parent in Spain, part of the Basque-based Mondragon cooperative, entered administration.
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Add a sparkle to your shower with Dynamo

* Dynamo.jpgNew for August 2014, what could be more relaxing than showering under an invigorating spray of sparkling water with light dancing off the drops as they fall? Crosswater has made the dream come true with Dynamo, an innovative new shower head that incorporates LED lighting to illuminate your shower.

The head is a polished 300mm half dome with LED lights around the edge. The LEDs are powered purely by the force of the water so there is no need for connection to the mains, avoiding the need for compliance with the IP regulations. It is designed for wall or ceiling mounting and can be combined with any Crosswater concealed high pressure shower valve.
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Economic figures reflect reality, says KBSA

* Graham-Ball-KBSA.jpgThe news last week that UK economic growth is now back to pre-recession levels at 0.2% ahead of the pre-recession peak (Q1 2008), along with Q2 2014 increase of 0.8% is good news - and is to be welcomed, says the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association.

Whilst some say that wage inflation is still lagging, figures from the KBSA indicate that this is not holding back its members' businesses - a clear indication that those who are not moving have decided to upgrade their property - and this will continue to drive kbb markets in the short to mid-term.
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Luxurious Hands and Faces from Ben De Lisi

* BDL-bowls1.jpg"My bathroom is a place where you just want to languish for ages" - Ben De Lisi. Iconic American fashion and interiors designer, Ben de Lisi, has designed a range of 'Hands and Faces' washbasins which are available to buy from Abacus Manufacturing Group via www.ben-de-lisi.com

The ceramic models comprise contemporary washbasins which are designed with functionality in mind. They are available in round, square, flat and rectangular configurations - something for every luxurious bathroom design scheme. Alongside the seven ceramic options, there are four beautiful basins in the Stone collection. Handcrafted from natural stone, these pieces epitomise luxurious bathing.
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Free training sessions are an essential date for the installer's diary

* Geberit-sanitary-training.jpgGetting to grips with how the latest sanitary solutions and piping systems work is an essential part of any installer's job which is why the latest round of training dates to be announced by Geberit are an important addition to the diary this Autumn.

Giving installers the Geberit Know How, whether they are new to the brand and want to get to know its market-leading systems, or are old hands looking to brush up on their knowledge, the Installer Training Days are always time well spent away from the work place.
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Infrared heating display deal for kitchen and bathroom retailers from Infrarad

* Infrarad-Aug14.jpgInfrarad offers designer space heating, which consumes half the energy required to run conventional radiators, to leading builders' and plumbers' merchants, and kitchen and bathroom retailers.

The company has announced a display deal. For £650 (£1540 at trade list), the bathroom or kitchen retailer can display two Designer glass infrared towel radiators with and without towel warmer options; a 500W and 800W Contract model; a 250W or 350W Curve; and a 1kw Slimline Power Heater.
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Pink Training Academy launch hailed a success

* PINK.jpgThe opening of a specialised training facility for females in Derby attracted visitors from all round the UK at its official launch in July.

Guests included a host of installers and merchants who wholeheartedly support the idea of encouraging women in to the sector, as well as a number of female plumbers looking to extend their skill base with relevant courses.
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Tate Britain transformed with BAL

* Tate-Britain.jpgA stunning £45-million redevelopment of Tate Britain made extensive use of BAL tile adhesives. The transformation included the Millbank Project, creating new spaces within the national home to 500 years of British art.

Stonework specialists Szerelmey completed two packages in the Grade II listed building's south-eastern quadrant, on staircases and flooring, involving both new build and restoration work.
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Burger unveils new kitchen styles - available for quick delivery

* Bauformat-Aug.jpgBauformat has unveiled 32 new door additions to its Burger brand 'modern' kitchen range, which now offers 170 door choices.

Competitively priced, Cora and the new Cindy range (pictured) are available as part of the 'Schnell' quick delivery solution within 10 to 15 working days.
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AEG appliances fitted in new Bellway Homes development

AEG has teamed up with Bellway Homes to kit out the prestigious Bellefield development in Liverpool.

Bellway Homes' high standard of service and build-quality has been recognised by the National House Builder Federation with the award of a Five Star rating for Customer Satisfaction.
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Hafele announces new trade partner programme

Hafele UK has launched a new Trade Partner Programme, offering exclusive offers, marketing support and lead generation through its network locator to local trade counters across the UK.

This new initiative, which follows the successful roll-out of Hafele's Studio Partner Programme last year, launches as the business looks to build a nationwide network of Trade Partners.
more


VTEQ tracks fleet efficiency

VTEQ knows all about efficiency, as its nationwide business is based on helping organisations to achieve the most from their technology systems. Whether assisting with managed cloud computing, penetration testing, visualisation services or more, the Nottingham-based company has built an enviable reputation.

For expertise in fleet automation, it called in the specialists: MileageCount, a service from The Fuel Card Group.
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Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Recent News

KBSA members grow in confidence


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Recent research with The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association retailers has shown that almost half of them improved their turnover in 2013 (47%) which almost mirrors to the same% the figure for 2012, and a similar number (46%) said that they had improved their profitability.
more


Why less will always mean more for the successful independent kitchen specialist

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Bill Miller, Managing Director of The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, is urging independent kitchen specialists to appreciate the value of the adage, 'less means more' when updating their kitchen displays.
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Small business of the year award for Modern Homes

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Leamington Spa based Modern Homes has won a local business award - the Small Business of the Year - in the Touch FM's Pride of Warwick Awards.
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