KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
31st October 2014
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 International News
Products A Ben de Lisi bathroom mirror - a reflection of design
New bathroom mirrors from the iconic American fashion and interiors designer, Ben de Lisi, are now available to buy at Abacus Manufacturing Group via www.ben-de-lisi.com The mirrors, with discreet gloss white framing, come in three sizes with lighting on the right, left or both. Top five tips for selecting your worktop
When it comes to choosing materials for a kitchen, worktops are a key consideration. Modern consumers expect high quality surfaces that look great, are hard-wearing and complete the look of their kitchen. Burlington in bloom: decorated sanitaryware is coming back!
Hafele expands Essential architectural ironmongery range
1909 & Metris training is a huge hit with PWS customers
Retro's back! Indulge in the elegance of yesteryear with Retro Nouveau
Let there be light whatever the hour, with Geberit Monolith Plus
Ben de Lisi for beautiful bathing
Encompassing a complete bathroom portfolio including sanitaryware, baths, bath and shower screens, towel warmers and accessories, Ben de Lisi's organically-designed collection will allow the designer to create the perfect room; while liaising with only one supplier. 'Furniture design is our forte', says Utopia
Geberit announces offer to acquire bathroom ceramics giant, Sanitec
Franke introduces two new Maris tap styles to complement its Maris sinks
The Maris offers the popular U-shaped spout design that works with so many kitchen styles, and features a striking cylindrical body with upright paddle levers. Finished in sparkling chrome or sleek silksteel, the tap measures 319mm in height, has a spout reach of 197mm, and a slim overall width of 120mm. |
A newly fitted bathroom is a real treat, isn’t it? Although of course the excitement will soon wane if the room isn’t kept clean and the sanitary ware and furniture are not looked after. Although the ‘seat up / seat down’ argument is the one that generally first springs to mind when anyone’s asked about their bathroom bugbears, for me, it’s discovering urine on the seat or floor. For however expensive the bathroom may have been to buy and install, someone else’s urine carelessly dribbled will make the whole place appear cheap and grubby. Help is, I gather, at hand, in the form of Aim-Straight - a new disposable paper cone that helps men and boys urinate into the bowl rather than around it. That’s good news in itself but Aim-Straight offers some extra benefits… The material that makes up the cone incorporates several reagents which react to substances in the urine - such as blood, protein, glucose or certain bacteria, alerting the user to potential health problems such as prostate cancer or diabetes and the like, by changing colour as he urinates. Furthermore, the material’s hypo-allergenic antibacterial make-up is said to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections by keeping everything so much cleaner – a brilliant touch when one considers how few people apparently wash their hands after using the loo! Apparently each cone costs just a few pennies which is a small price to pay for a regular health check on a part of the body most men don’t want examined by their GP! There are dispensers for them too so who knows, perhaps it won’t be long before bathroom furniture manufacturers are designing the dispensers into their cupboards, cabinets and toilet tissue dispensers. And while we’re on the subject of bathroom hygiene, I’d never been bothered about whether the toilet seat was left up by a previous user until a colleague showed me a video of what happens to the contents of the bowl when you flush. The centrifugal effect is just the start and the rest really doesn’t bear thinking about, so it’s always advisable to close the lid and keep the bathroom clean and hygienic for not only the next user, but also yourself next time you visit!
Yours,
 This Week's News
'Hot Water Burns Like Fire' campaign launched at the Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference 2014
The campaign, which is supported by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and its members, has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers of hot water in the home and to promote the use of simple thermostatic devices to eliminate the risks. Kaldewei: "Any grout joint is one too many"
As part of the research project 'Greening the Patient Room - The Patient Room of the Future', Asklepios Engineer Michael Scherer, who campaigns for sustainability in hospital construction, explains the advantages of floor-level shower surfaces made of Kaldewei steel enamel 3.5 mm for hospital environments. KBSA at home with Grand Designs Live The Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association reports another successful 'expert live' at this year's Grand Designs Live (GDL) at the NEC earlier in October. Industry expert, Alan Stanford, acting on behalf of the KBSA, met with over 40 consumers to review their plans for a new project and give professional advice to help them progress their project.
Visitors also received a free copy of the KBSA Showcase handbook, which gives full details about the Association, as well as retail members and their locations, along with details of the 110 plus brands that support the Association as Corporate Members. New interior mark made with Olympia
The handle is included but not fitted and additional flexibility includes a choice of two handle finishes: matt or polished aluminium, which opens up a great range of design opportunities. Form meets function with Roca's new showering range
Roca's new T-1000 thermostatic mixers have a clear temperature display on the dial ensuring the set temperature is visible and can be easily adjusted. In addition, the thermostat is fitted with the manufacturer's Security 38 degree technology, a red button that stops the control knob being turned beyond 38 degrees C, eliminating the risk of scalding. KBB NTG's new website is designed to work on mobile devices
Cosentino to collaborate with tennis player Rafael Nadal
The first of these will involve the manufacturer sponsoring the 'Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar' project, the tennis academy that the athlete will open soon in his hometown of Manacor (Majorca, Spain) to promote the values of sport among youngsters. Martin Carroll becomes Duravit UK managing director
One of his main tasks will be the coordination, support and expansion of distribution channels and the direct approach to project decision-makers.
The Ripples team and Laufen operate similar core values with design and quality at the heart of both companies' business philosophy. New range of AEG quiet and stylish hoods: perfect for any kitchen
Three Peaks Challenge Team raises a big cheque Motor Neurone Disease Association
The team raised money for the charity by completing the demanding task of conquering Ben Nevis (1344m) in Scotland, Scaffell Pike (978m) in England and Snowdon (1085m) in Wales. 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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New safety initiative launching next month On 4th November 2014, AMDEA, the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances, will be hosting a reception to introduce stakeholders to 'Register my appliance', the new industry safety initiative aimed at encouraging the public to register their appliances.  Big Energy Vision will boost market for energy saving home improvements, says Trustmark A new long-term campaign to empower UK households to take control of rising energy bills was launched yesterday with support from TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark for tradesmen. KBBG launches exclusive membership offers The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, part of DER KREIS, Europe's leading kitchen and bathroom buying group, has secured two major exclusive offers for its members. Britannia Living, supplier of the premium Britannia and Bertazzoni appliance ranges as well as Best cooker hoods - and Jetstone, the Hertfordshire-based specialist in stone worktops, have exclusive offers available to members until 31st December 2014. British Safety Council offers free stress advice to businesses
Homeowners set to spend £6BN on property upgrades Nearly a third of UK home owners are looking to carry out work on their home in the next three years, with up to £6BN in projected works planned annually, according to a new study from the Federation of Master Builders. Screwfix insight backs up FMB's research
"Our insight from tradesmen echoes today's research by the Federation of Master Builders into the amount of work homeowners are planning to carry out on their home over the next three years. BMA announces new logo and visual brand identity
New survey reveals shocking failure of Government to address payment issues
KBSA announces National Chair Designate
British Ceramic Tile supports the next generation of designers
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