KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
15th July 2016
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 International News
Products Utopia prepares for major product launch
Weston Homes & RAK partner to create stunning bathroom concept
Double Trouble: the rise of the 'sexy bathroom'
Franke's new Nyon tap is a modern classic
Blanco conjures up an innovative material mix with the new Subline 500-IF SteelFrame sink
New Carron Phoenix Elena tap offers distinctive design at a competitive price
The monobloc Elena in chrome is available now. It features a swivel spout which rotates through 360 degrees and the design of the square base is complemented by a single joystick-style square side lever. It has an overall height of 375mm and a spout reach of 230mm. Abode Matrix R50 Xl: fit for the heart of the home
Now this is what you really call 'Multi-tasking!'
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Well it’s been another week of surprises when it comes to politics, hasn’t it? We’d barely had time to recover from the thought of Boris’s potential performance as Foreign Secretary, when we learned that the Department of Energy & Climate Change is to be scrapped and that Justine Greening has been appointed Secretary of State for Education with responsibility for apprenticeships. The Federation of Master Builders believes – as I do – that Theresa May’s decision to scrap the DECC is alarming as it signals that improving the energy efficiency of our existing buildings has been pushed ever-further down the list of Government priorities. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, says: “Three years ago Cameron told his officials to ‘cut the green crap’ and May has taken this further still by dissolving DECC. This means that there will be no Cabinet-level Minister championing climate change issues, which is bound to result in less emphasis and less action. Andrea Leadsom’s appointment as Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs provides little solace when you consider that she has regularly voted against measures to tackle climate change in the past. This matters because for May’s newly-formed Government to side-line its green policies, would be to sacrifice their numerous economic benefits. “May should make improving our existing buildings an infrastructure investment priority as the knock-on benefits for jobs and growth are enormous. A programme to make British buildings more energy efficient would generate £8.7 billion of net benefits and unlike large infrastructure projects, is not at the mercy of the lengthy and protracted planning process – it could start tomorrow.” “We welcome the appointment of Justine Greening as Secretary of State for Education with responsibility for skills and apprentices, which previously came under the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills. We hope that she continues the good work of Nick Boles in improving the quality of apprenticeships, which will in turn help elevate their status so that they are recognised by society as of equal worth to university degrees. Greening has a solid background in transport and treasury briefs which will no doubt help her understand the importance of having a properly skilled construction workforce. “As we face the prospect of Brexit, combating the construction skills crisis has never been more important.” I couldn’t agree more… Yours,
 This Week's News
Survey of SMEs across Europe and the USA reveals differing outlooks Well over a third (38%) of UK small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) believe that if they don't adapt their business models they will go out of business in five years. However, only a mere 2% have done something about it. These are the findings of the 2016 'SME Barometer Research' commissioned by Exact - an annual survey looking at technology adoption among 2,500 SMEs across Europe and the USA - which reveals a number of differing outlooks, across the countries studied. Gaia takes control of the whole house
The Gaialink system is based on an innovative, centrally-placed colour touch screen panel which enables all room temperatures and electrical devices within the home to be easily controlled individually or together. SieMatic receives the highest possible brand endorsement with a golden accolade
Established after a directive from the German Bundestag (House of Representatives) over 60 years ago, the 'German Design Council' acknowledges international design and brand activity in Germany with its esteemed 'German Brand Award'. Grohe and Philips Sound bring the joy of music to the shower experience
Aquatunes has been designed to be a great-sounding, good-looking addition to any bathroom.
 Bisque unveils its new Lissett radiator collection
With its slim profile and graceful curves, the Lissett is a subtle, elegant design that beautifully complements contemporary interiors. Its elliptical sections, topped by chrome caps, create a play of light across the radiator surface and its discreet brackets allow for minimal projection from the wall. No need to be without a kitchen during renovation works...
Kerridge Commercial Systems celebrates 40 years of software innovation
The company was established in 1976 - the same year as the Apple computer company. Polaris Home Design launches a new line of bathroom vanities
With a variety of styles and products that range from antique bathroom vanities all the way to modern bathroom vanities, the company says that this new line promises to be one of its most successful to date. It has been in the works since the beginning of 2016. Candy reveals new 'Built-in kitchen appliance collection 2016' brochure
"The brochure clearly highlights each product's unique selling point in a way that they can simply translate to their customers, notes Owain Harrison, UK head of sales and marketing Hoover Candy Baumatic. "We have also included a selection of stylish lifestyle images showcasing specific products in a kitchen environment. Coram Group UK appoints James Walker as new national specification manager
James has been recruited to concentrate on building the company's strategy within the national house builder, care home and retirement sectors and to manage some of the Group's key accounts as well as strategic market sectors. He will be responsible for selling Coram Group UK's whole showering solutions portfolio including Coram, Impey and Geesa products.
Burbidge boss bikes for charity
Ben, along with 25 other keen cyclists, has signed up to ride from London to Bordeaux on September 11th, with pit-stops along the way for some much deserved French food and wine. The peloton is hoping to reach Bordeaux on 16th September, just five days after starting. 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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KBSA announces finalists in designer awards Following a meeting of the judges for the 2016 KBSA Designer Awards, whereby all entries are judged anonymously, the finalists have been named for all categories as follows: Kitchen Designer of the Year under £30,000 - sponsored by Omega:  KBSA designer awards - entries judged anonymously The Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association reports that judging is now underway for the KBSA 2016 Designer Awards, and that the shortlisted applicants will soon hear whether they have been successful in making it through to the next stage. The Judges, as always, will be judging each entry without knowing which entrant has submitted it, which is one of the unique features about this Awards programme. It is only when the winners and runners up are announced on the evening of the Awards dinner that judges are able to put designs to designers! RAK Ceramics wins Best Sanitaryware Brand at the BKU Awards
Whirlpool reveals all change in the UK's busy kitchens A new qualitative research project, conducted by Whirlpool, carried out to mark the launch of its new SmartCook induction hob, has learnt that cooking trends in the UK are evolving to accommodate new experiences, such as a wider range of gastronomic choices and healthier eating trends, but with convenience and ease of preparation considered increasingly important. BMA finalises conference line up for conference looking at the Circular Economy
Working together - the KBSA and the KBB NTG Following the dissolution of the Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom National Training Group Member Council, the KBB NTG and the The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association have announced that are working together to ensure the ongoing training support of the kitchen industry during this period of change. "We are working towards safeguarding the excellent work and achievements carried out by Renee Mascari and the NTG," said Tina Riley, KBSA national chair. People
Ideal Standard appoints Jim Moore as managing director UK & Ireland
Ripples founder wins lifetime achievement award
Marketing
Whirlpool repositions as a premium brand
Saniflo UK now on a TV near you
Geberit AquaClean goes on tour for the first time
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