KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th July 2015
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 Amica forecasts seismic shift to induction
Simon Freear, Country Manager for Amica says: "Induction cooking will be the energy of choice for future generations of appliance buyers now that prices are within easy reach. The high speed, ultra-safe operation, super easy to clean and ultimate energy efficiency all contribute to what is likely to be a seismic shift away from ceramic and electric-plate hobs.
Lustrolite's glass effect acrylic wall panels are the perfect way to breathe life back into a kitchen and bathroom and a great way to incorporate current trends into a home. Lustrolite is available in nine amazing colours - Arctic, Glacier, Blue Atoll, Rouge, Mocha, Safari, Forest, Titan and Carbon - all of which can be used for both kitchen splashbacks and shower and bathroom walls. Methven launches three new tapware ranges with 20-year guarantee
The three ranges each feature a mono basin mixer, a bath filler and a bath shower mixer. All bath shower mixers include a Maku shower handset, which incorporates Methven's patented Satinjet twin jet technology with over 300,000 droplets per second providing an immersive full body showering experience. Let kitchen creativity flourish with the new feature-packed Haier 70 Series fridge-freezers
The 70 Series fridge-freezers all feature an XXL capacity to provide the maximum amount of storage space, while the flexible MyZone compartment and a host of easy-to-use features encourage the creativity of users in their kitchen. New recess shower solution for compact bathrooms
It offers a simple yet practical solution for compact bathrooms, allowing maximum showering space outside the shower area whilst providing ample showering room inside. Aging population needs 'future-proofed' bathrooms
Cascading flows of water are the inspiration behind the Modo range and the spouts have been designed to be non-splash to ensure that water cascades evenly into the basin or bath. The design-led taps feature rectangular lines, contrasted against cylindrical forms and this luxury chrome tap collection looks stunning even when water isn't running. Five modern natural stone baths for stunning Clearwater Portfolio
Natural Stone has proved so successful that the manufacturer has streamlined the range in favour of all natural stone. Natural Stone provides a rigid and strong bath of great elegance, without any need for ledges or surrounds. It is cleverly priced to offer not only great value for money but is also very competitive in this part of the market. Whirlpool launches award-winning Supreme Care laundry range
Hoover Wizard launches at London's Saatchi Gallery
Perfect Fit - a new bespoke kitchen concept from Schmidt, custom made to suit individual space
Tonic II Range makes a splash for Ideal Standard at London's iconic OXO Tower
Welcome luxurious, sensual Rouge into your kitchen or bathroom and lead the catwalk!
|
That was some budget, wasn’t it? The penny had only dropped the previous week that it was we taxpayers who’d been topping up the income of the lowest paid in the form of tax credits and I’d had a whinge about it in KBzine’s sister publication, Cleanzine, arguing that it was the responsibility of companies that could afford to pay their employees more, to do so… Then the Chancellor announced that the National Minimum Wage is effectively to become the National Living Wage, that it is to grow much faster than it has done in previous years and that it will reach £9.00/hr by 2020… Bearing in mind that the London Living Wage is already at £9.15/hr, the changes will need tweaking, but the idea is, nevertheless, a good one. I know with the cuts in Corporation Tax also announced, taxpayers will still be helping fund the increased payments, but the new system will afford the recipients some dignity and make it easier for them to rent homes, because they will no longer be benefit claimants. I’ve yet to work out whether it will give them more spending power though – and of course the cuts to allowances a little further up the employment chain are likely to have a negative impact on spending. I like the idea of reducing the tax perks currently enjoyed by career landlords as it should even things out a little. At my weekend estate agency job, I’m upset at the despair of potential buyers who seem to be thwarted at every offer, by buy-to-let investors with cash in their pockets. And with even a one-bed flat above a takeaway in my area going for just under £200K, there’s very little about for people to buy. The announcement that planning laws are to be relaxed, should – I hope – make a big difference. If, as is being mooted, developers are given automatic planning permission to build on disused industrial sites, councils get to seize disused land and fast track housing projects and scrap the need for planning permission for buildings to be increased to the height of neighbouring properties, it could give us all the boost we need. After all, every new home needs a kitchen and a bathroom, and when people do extend, a larger kitchen and an extra bathroom are never far behind, are they? Yours,
 This Week's News
Has there ever been a better time to be an independent kitchen specialist? asks Bill Miller, managing director of the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, the UK arm of Der Kreis buying group "All recent consumer surveys point to the fact that independent retailers are winning the battle against the national retail chains, particularly when it comes to a big ticket purchase, such as a new kitchen. New Furnipart 2015 designs available exclusively from LDL
A 43 page brochure detailing the new styles is now available alongside the 121 page brochure illustrating the existing collection. To demonstrate the beautiful quality and finish of these contemporary design-led products LDL is offering free handle samples to customers. ISO 9001 Quality Management System final draft standard published
In September the 2015 edition of ISO 9001 will publish - the first major revision of the standard since 2000. A final draft of the standard has now been released which incorporates changes made following feedback from users and experts around the world. Terms crucial to understanding ISO 9001 are defined in ISO 9000, which has also been revised, and will publish at the same time. Introducing Utopia's all new website!
Launched in early July and specifically designed to be user-friendly and very simple to follow, the website has an inviting home page introducing the extensive bathroom and bedroom collections, together with a host of other information, all presented in a logical and accessible format. KBSA announces further speaker for 2015 National Meeting
Vanessa Brady OBE is an international multi-award winning interior designer, business consultant and founder of the Society of British and International Design with over 30 years' experience in B2B procurement and post analysis of the design profession. The MX Collection: catalogue now available! 'Shower Bible' for specifiers and installers...
It's the first time MX has provided a quality catalogue that lists and illustrates every product in its extensive portfolio of shower related products and its 152 pages are stacked with quality products including its full range of thermostatic mixer valves, its electric showers, its shower rays, shower enclosures, shower accessories and for the first time its range of brassware. It's 'Armitage Thanks' as brand launches new charity initiative to celebrate 200 year anniversary
The 'Armitage Thanks' initiative marks the run-up to the historic milestone of 200 years in business and aims to support charities and the local communities where Ideal Standard's three facilities are based, through fundraising events and activities. Industry icon Glyn Hughes retires after 49 years in bathrooms & plumbing sales
Pegler Yorkshire launches range of CPD modules
With this in mind, plumbing and heating manufacturer, Pegler Yorkshire, has launched a portfolio of Continuous Personal Development (CPD) modules which are suitable for industry professionals across a variety of sectors.
Uform's area sales manager for Northern Ireland, Mark McNulty comments: "I am absolutely delighted to have received the award for Best Sales Representative of the Year. Having worked within the kitchen industry for 20 years and for Uform for 10 of those years, this win has provided me with a great sense of achievement both on a personal and a professional level. Matt Rotherham takes the helm at J. Rotherham
This appointment will see Matt develop his role from commercial director to top management, using his new responsibilities to develop the company's design, manufacturing and customer service resources. Geberit training - a module to suit all requirements
With a wide range of washroom and bathroom products helping to create a modern bathroom installation, plus piping systems providing a means to supply water, heat and energy to buildings, the free-to-attend training modules are ideal for installers wanting to know about Geberit's latest bathroom innovations. Installers can choose from a selection of training modules, tailored for their specific needs and level of experience. Celebrated TV chef Jenny Bristow and InSinkErator host masterclass cookery events
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. News in Brief “Don’t discount the undermount,” argues Rangemaster Sinks, launching two ranges with 16 options between them - www.rangemastersinks.co.uk … Create a country-chic style retreat with Roper Rhodes’ new Hampton bathroom furniture range - [email protected] … Drinking water appliance manufacturer Zip,is rebranding to align more closely with refreshment and hydration … Anglia Tool Centre says its new store in Angora Business Park, Colchester, will be home to the UK’s largest Makita power tool display - www.angliatoolcentre.co.uk 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
BMA conference line-up is complete
 Mistral worksurfaces specified for new CDA showroom
Some questions answered as census reveals swing to renting began early this millennium?
Industry leaders uniting to discuss future of construction, address issues of skills shortages Skills shortages, planning restrictions and the need for cultural change were the key topics arising from a high level debate attended by leading voices from around the industry, as UK Construction Week's expert advisory panel met for the first time recently. KBSA Designer Awards - entries up on last year
People
Burbidge recruits experienced industry figure to head up the Bathroom Furniture Co.
KBSA's CEO, Graham Ball, has retired
Marketing
New website and brochure design for Tom Howley
Distinctly promotional Abode kitchen taps for display
Baumatic teams with Virgin Wines to launch Summer Wine Storage promotion
Literature
New Utopia brochure designed to reduce carbon footprint
|
