KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th December 2016
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International News
Products CRL launches new collection of porcelain surfaces
Drawing on its 20 years' expertise in the stone industry and responding head-on to current trends in worksurface design, Ceralsio surfaces from CRL tap into the huge move towards ceramic worktops coming out of Europe. New compact oven and warming drawer for Amica Built-In
Amica's Platinum Design features a choice of two compact ovens. Both provide a 38-litre combination of oven with built-in microwave and grill and both offer touch control LED clock and time. Five power levels for the oven and three for the grill feature on the AMMB44E1GI which also features a 1000W power combi oven with a 1500W grill. BETTE shower trays and baths chosen for luxury St James developments
"Disney chairman Bob Iger once said: 'The riskiest thing we can do is just maintain the status quo'. I was reminded of this when members of our team here at Darren Evans Assessments visited the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon. Abode Zorb - a 'steel' of a stainless tap
They are hygienic and practical, retaining a natural lustre for years and the resistance of stainless steel to corrosion and staining, together with its low maintenance and sheen, make it an ideal material for the kitchen. Holloways of Ludlow launches three kitchen designs to celebrate move to Shropshire
Burgbad's Coco Collection wins German Design Award 2017
Britannia Living unveils refreshed Fleet collection
The models have been updated with the addition of a refined new oven door-handle and the introduction of a new fascia panel, which proved a huge hit on the Delphi platform. The neat and multi-functional Blanco Delta II sink: perfect for smaller kitchens
This 183 mm bowl is large and deep, and its uniquely slanted shape provides excellent space for washing up large saucepans and baking trays. Alongside the main bowl, there is an additional one with an integrated stainless steel colander and a large drainer area making this a truly multi-functional sink. British Ceramic Tile relaunches its impactful splashback collection
Indesit makes dinner time a breeze with innovative turn&cook function
Kaldewei showcases new product segment - washbasins - at this week's Sleep exhibition
Created in collaboration with designer, Anke Salomon, the Silenio is distinguished by exceptionally soft interior lines - with the baths and washbasins harmoniously combined. |
I was lucky to have been able to attend the CIH suppliers lunch at the Dorchester this week - not only because it was a jolly event and a nice lunch at a great venue, but also because it's always good to be able to chat to folk 'at the sharp end' of the business, 'off the record' and in a social environment, when people say what they're really thinking, rather than worry about any comments being reported in the press. One thing that struck me is that despite it having been quite a tumultuous year, there was a real air of positivity amongst those with whom I spoke. Yes, prices had risen a couple of times over the year but the consensus was that they had been suppressed for far too long anyway, and that everyone knew even before the Referendum took place, that it was only a matter of time before prices were increased, whatever the outcome of the vote might be. In terms of Brexit, no one I spoke with seemed overly worried about Britain's ability to do well outside of the EU but what was worrying everyone was the ongoing scaremongering from 'the establishment' (and others) on both sides of the channel, which is causing not only uncertainty but which could also end up sending us into an unnecessary recession. As some said (and we all agreed): the decision is made and now it's up to us all to be positive, pull together, see things through and ensure we come out the other side a lot better for it. Indeed, CIH chairman Robin Millwood himself said: "We entered 2016 with probably more hope than usual - especially as it looked like we had seen the back of the recession, most suppliers were confident in their new ranges to be launched and with retailers praying that price stability would come to fruition... but nobody could have guessed that the world was about to change (and with this he was not only referring to the Referendum but also to the US elections). "The sooner we get the stability back once Brexit is sorted, the better it will become... providing we all work together, we will come out of this stronger." Yours,
 This Week's News
Euronics postpones Showcase 2017 but will invest £multi-million to support growth
While the electrical buying group, which is part of Europe's largest electrical buying group - Euronics, is to postpone its Showcase 2017 exhibition for one year, it is making £multi-million investments in 2017 which will include expansion of the distribution network and the addition of a Northern distribution hub, to support future growth for members. Cashflow problems undermine four in 10 small UK firms Four-in-10 (38%) small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have suffered cashflow problems over the past two years, according to new research by Amicus Commercial Finance, the specialist lender of flexible working capital to SMEs. The figure rises to two-thirds (65%) among medium-sized firms with between 50 and 250 staff. According to the study conducted among 500 small businesses owners, over the past two years one-in-seven (15%) are still suffering liquidity problems and 12% either came close to or became insolvent. Small businesses recognise the threat cashflow problems can pose; nearly three-quarters (71%) say it is the biggest risk they face. Kaldewei extends its Meisterstücke Collection
Whirlpool washing machine proclaimed a Which? Best Buy
Assessing the washing machine, Which? noted that it is 'dead easy' to use; the testers also loved the 'large and clear digital display' and the wide door opening, which enables easier loading and unloading of large items, such as a duvet, and particularly commended the way in which the FSCR 10432 'kept washing and spinning noises to a minimum'. Utopia upgrades and expands Halo range
With immediate effect all washbasin units and occasional units will have LED under unit mood lighting fitted as standard. This accent lighting offers subtle illumination below the unit, perfect for creating an atmosphere of subdued lighting or for use as low level lighting at night-time. Tutti frutti! Everhot launches tangerine range cooker
Karonia freezes Mistral prices
While the year's unprecedented events and their effects have required special consideration, the company is confident in the potential of Mistral both through distribution and the reinvigorated contracts sector. British Ceramic Tile takes the LEAD with its workforce
The company has joined forces with Lean Education & Development Limited (LEAD) to implement a new scheme that sees employees undertake live projects in return for accreditation. Following the 'Lean manufacturing principles', colleagues have been working to simplify and organise the working environment within the factory to drive down waste and improve efficiencies.
David joins the business as sales manager - Midlands, covering areas from Derbyshire down through to Oxfordshire and Essex. David isn't a stranger to the kitchens and bathrooms industry and has considerable experience of the industry's distribution markets across the central UK regions. Andrew takes sales & marketing crown at AKW
Gorenje appoints new South West regional sales manager
He has been tasked with maintaining and increasing sales in the South West region, servicing existing customers and expanding the Gorenje customer base. A Hero's Award for PWS & Blood Sweat & Gears' fundraisers
Blood, Sweat and Gears successfully undertook a 500km cycling challenge across South Africa which it was hoped, through sponsorship, would raise £250,000 for Help for Heroes, of which Mark is a long-term supporter. However, thanks to donations, the tally grew to an incredible £314,000, making it the highest amount in 2016 of any singular, third-party fundraising challenge donated to Help For Heroes. 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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