KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
15th April 2016
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 International News
Products Extension design 'flows' from steel windows
Liebherr hails the success of its Blu Performance launch
Fila surface care regime specified alongside national Porcelanosa applications
Local students explore 60 years of manufacturing history in support of upcoming GCSEs
For the beauty of ice in the home; go for Glacier from Lustrolite
British Ceramic Tile expands popular Ted Baker ArTile range
Promising start to 2016 for UK tradesmen 2016 has got off to an encouraging start for UK tradespeople as they declare revenues are up, according to new research. All hail the Harrow - Burbidge launches new bathroom beauty
Tilemaster launches new neutral-cure Silicone 3000+
Blanco - German perfection at impressive KBB
TKC showcases new Lucente Cashmere kitchen range, premium wirework and revamped lighting collection
Sanipex Group UK showcased new ranges
Kitchen design that is as smooth as silk: that's Masterclass
Trend Interiors: creating a stir
Smart surfaces and clever ideas from Bushboard
Pronorm on-point with new products to create luxury kitchens
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The forthcoming EU referendum is dominating the press and some of the ‘news’ that’s being published, beggars belief. And then of course there are the things we should be being told, which are not being reported on. I for one feel insulted by some of the stuff we’re being fed, which is, quite frankly, ridiculous if you think about it, but of course there are many who’ll swallow everything without a further thought and those who won’t read anything other than their usual Daily and thus won’t be aware of the full picture, before casting their vote. It’s rather frightening, isn’t it, when you consider what’s at stake? In business, we have to be careful about making our views known because feelings can run so high when it comes to the EU, that relationships can be damaged when those holding opposing views get into discussion about it. One only needs to look at Facebook to see how angry some of those arguing, have become! I have to commend The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Installers then, for doing what most of us have wanted to do, by asking people in the industry what they think. iKBBI members have come down squarely on the Brexit side as you’ll see from the report below – but of course that’s probably not surprising, since it’s their trade that has been one of the hardest hit by an influx of competent and willing competition from other parts of the EU. What has surprised me though is the response! 4,203 people felt strongly enough about the subject to make their views known and 93% of these said they will be voting, which perhaps shows just how high feelings are running. And while the majority of these were installers, other parts of the industry were also represented in the results. Backing up what I said at the beginning, 87% said they were not in a position to make an informed choice as they didn’t feel that they had the full facts. This is where the Internet comes in and my advice to those who feel misinformed is to use the Internet to do as much research as possible. You’ll read some odd things I’m sure, but unless you’re aware of the full facts of the issue, you could end up letting down an awful lot of people… Yours,
 This Week's News
KBB Industry Brexit poll reveals one-sided results!
In all, 4,203 participated in the poll, 82% of whom were installers / installation businesses, 15% were retailers / designers and 3% were manufacturer / distributors. Foundations for success: the future looks bright for family businesses in the construction sector
New research by Oxford Economics for the Institute for Family Business (IFB) Research Foundation reveals the vast contribution family firms make to the UK economy - employing over 11.9 million people and making up 87% of all private sector firms in the UK. Shaws extends classic collection
The Classic Collection is a wide range of sinks designed to appeal to more contemporary styles, yet true to the heritage of handcrafted fireclay. The Classic Collection has stylish slim side walls for a contemporary appearance with no compromise to construction quality. Methven secures Red Dot Product Design Award
Aurajet uses water deflection to create fan-shaped sheets of water. The showerhead's hidden nozzles generate single jets of water that produce a wide, even shower spray with no gaps and enhanced droplet density, delivering up to 20% more total spray force and twice the amount of skin contact - yet using as little water as nine litres per minute - continuing Methven's commitment to savings on water and energy bills for consumers. Whirlpool announces new 'two and 10' warranty on home appliances Whirlpool is now offering a two year labour and 10 year parts guarantee across the whole new range of Whirlpool appliances. It covers all replacement parts for 10 years and free labour for two years from the date of purchase, once the new appliance is registered. Cast iron classics from MHS Radiators
There are four beautifully crafted models from which to choose: Blenheim, Burlington, Clasico and Liberty. Each of these is available in a variety of sizes and colour options, ensuring each radiator makes an elegant statement in the home. Victoria + Albert Baths unveils oceanic-inspired Pescadero bath at Salone Del Mobile
Inspired by the sea, the Pescadero features a dynamically undulating rim, designed to form a distinctive, asymmetrical 'wave'. The contours are accentuated by smart, sculpted 'swage' details on the inner and outer sides of the bath, creating crisp shadow lines to emphasise the Pescadero's unique shape. Striking a note at Eurocucina: Grundig unveils built-in collection
This range attaches great significance to eco friendliness along with the brand's strong attributes - high quality, refined pleasures, ease of use and exclusive design. Upgraded AEG WaterSave dishwasher provides a sustainable solution for the home
Said to provide superior cleaning results, whilst using half the water of standard dishwasher models, the WaterSave technology stores water from the final rinse and reuses it in the next cycle to pre-wash the dishes, reducing water consumption by almost 50%. New customer recognises enhanced performance potential of exclusive Aeon worksurfaces
Interiors expert Tristan de la Haye, joins award-winning Hampshire kitchen design specialist
Tristan is no stranger to the design industry and has excelled in a number of high profile positions since entering the profession back in the early 1990s. Since then, he has had the privilege of travelling the world, working for private clients and developers alike, creating beautiful interiors for royalty and celebrities, along with heads of state and business leaders.
New senior kitchen designer appointment at Holloways of Ludlow
Cosentino UK and Ireland proud to support the Blood, Sweat & Gears charity bike ride
The gruelling seven-day cycle ride will take place from 24th April - 1st May, and challenges riders to a demanding 320-mile route across the Western Cape of South Africa, encompassing 22,000ft of punishing climbs and seven mountain passes.
The team played against a combination of four local clubs in Les Landes and despite the Landais Barbarians team being much larger and used to the 25 degree heat, Barnard Castle was victorious in a very physical and high quality game 51-24. 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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