KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
20th May 2016
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 International News
Products
More Bette Baths with hidden overflow - BetteSensory options extended
RAK launches encaustic-styled Cronto Collection
Popular commercial tap range extended and enhanced with new technology and design
Uform launches three new ranges in matte, gloss & oak finishes
Smeg debuts stunning Dolce Stil Novo collection
AEG brings sous vide cooking to compact range
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Do you remember in last week’s leader I was saying how the lines between the KBB industry and cleaning are starting to blur? Well one of the developments we learned about at the Amsterdam show is one that I can perhaps see taking off in our homes at some time in the future. Do you, or does a member of your family, take a book or newspaper into the bathroom to read while using the loo? When you consider it (and think about potential hygiene issues) it’s not very nice, is it? Particularly if it’s a book or newspaper that someone else in the family is going to read afterwards! Years ago, when the British Toilet Association first formed and I was on the committee, a colleague mentioned that local authorities could help pay for the upkeep of our public washrooms by selling advertising space for the cubicle door. I was clearly not the only one sitting there open mouthed, as he then commented: “You have a captive audience.” You could almost hear the penny drop…
As our picture shows, this image is actually a fixed screen and it’s really rather clever… If the user is standing up, the image is facing him. If the sensor on the toilet seat detects that he’s sitting down, it causes the image to reverse and be reflected onto a mirror placed at head height opposite the toilet seat – making the message readable. How long is it going to be, I wonder, before we all have one of these in our bathrooms so we can have a hygienic, ‘hands-free’ read while using the loo – however quick the ‘visit’ might be? Yours,
 This Week's News
Created at MP Moran's head office in Kilburn, north-west London, the dramatic and inspirational, high-end showroom was officially opened by television personality, Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen. Hoover joins retra in support of independents
After a strong performance in sales over the last 12 months, Hoover has identified the independent sector as a key area for growth. Ultra-Natural addition has beauty in its veins
A marble-inspired design, Statuario Maximus is a bold new surface, featuring intricate warm grey veins which sweep across a soft white base, enriched by delicate background veins.  Hippo extends sponsorship of the iKBBI for a further three years
Hippo is a highly innovative and market leading waste solutions provider which has actively supported the iKBBI for many years alongside the provision of a highly flexible service to its members. Which? awards Best Buy status to two AEG washing machines Which? has awarded the AEG L79685FL and L87405FL washing machines Best Buy Status. Commenting on the AEG L79685FL, Which? says: "We love how well this AEG washes clothes and blasted through stains in our tests. It will do a great job with your laundry and thoroughly deserves being a Best Buy". New Pro filter system launched by Pando
The new Pro filter system is available in two different sizes (Pro 52 - 520mm and Pro 85 - 850mm) and will fit either a 600mm or 900mm kitchen unit. Bespoke units over 900mm are also available which covers more surface area than any other similar system that is currently on the market. Xpelair puts noisy bathroom fans back on the agenda
From 23rd - 28th May, Noise Action Week - co-ordinated by Environmental Protection UK - will be highlighting the impact that noise can have on our health and quality of life, including disturbance from alarms, DIY, people, pets and most notably household appliances. Chic Coheba joins RAK's porcelain collection
Coheba single-shades include beige, ivory, brown and anthracite, whilst the urban-style mosaic design repeats the four shades through two columns. All tiles measure 40 x 40 cm and can be laid inside and outside. The mix of base tones, as well as the mosaic design, can be laid to create zones and features, with RAK's rectified tile edges facilitating neat, tight grout joints for a very smart installation. New Victorian back-to-wall WC by Perrin & Rowe
100% British made, the new Victorian cistern and pan naturally embrace the humble detailing long associated with the bourgeois era. Presenting a sophisticated simplicity that will suit any bathroom interior, it is crafted using the highest quality Cornish porcelain which is then expertly cast and glazed. Ed: We're hoping you can help this company out with your advice. Please email us at [email protected] with your views. Many thanks! Dear Jan, We are a small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom provider and wondered if you could help with an issue we are having. We fitted an en suite for a customer in 2013 and unfortunately the shower tray developed a hairline crack/crazing. The supplier has stated that there is only a two-year guarantee with the tray and refuses to replace it. Franke appoints new UK sales director
Rod brings with him extensive commercial leadership experience, with a background in consumer goods companies including Spectrum Brands, head of sales at Whirlpool and latterly, as business unit director for KitchenAid. BSH appoints two new regional service managers
In Spring 2016, the existing 12 teams of Field Service Engineers were expanded to 14, which would be too many engineers for one UK-wide service manager to effectively co-ordinate. Mereway bath racer team raises £1000
The West Midlands-based kitchen, bathroom and bedroom manufacturer has set a challenge to raise £30,000 during its 30th year and the Knowle Fun Run is one of the many sporting events taking place across the country. 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
BMA builds its conference line up
 Internet sales of plumbing products in the UK increased by 28% in 2015
iKBBI provides support to Trading Standards
New head office and manufacturing warehouse facility for Phoenix Bathrooms
The new premises have been in the process of development over the last three months and will consist of a new purpose built product training centre where the whole range of Phoenix products are displayed, open plan office for greater departmental communication and a warehouse and manufacturing facility that will be twice the size of the existing premises. How to make the North a magnet for the 'Millenials'
Five year warranty on selected laundry products launched at CIH Show
People
VitrA expands sales team with new 'North of England' rep
Dream Doors appoints Ed Brewer as new director of operations
Literature
New and updated Kinedo brochure published
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