KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th March 2017
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 International News
Products British Ceramic Tile talk texture with New Brighton and Luna
Blue Atoll - a calming shade from Lustrolite
A license to thrill with spectre from HiB
More than a kitchen: The new Kyra range from in-toto
Installing sustainability is an education for Geberit apprentices in Poland
Inexpensive 'stone look' floors are easy to install
Traditional glamour yet modern manufacturing: Ideal Standard's new Waverley collection
Methven UK launches new bath shower mixer: thermostatic offering extends Kiri range
New marble-effect quartz for PWS Worksurfaces' Strata brand
Hoover launches supersized 16 place setting dishwasher
Knit wall murals - perfect for that cosy night in when it's cold outside
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While many in this industry have been enjoying themselves out at ISH this week, John Austen and I have been at a cleaning show at ExCel in London's Docklands. The KBB sector was never far from our hearts and minds however, particularly so since all the wonderful things this industry produces, need to be cleaned - and bearing in mind we're talking about areas where we're most vulnerable to picking up germs, i.e. the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, they need to be cleaned properly. As you might imagine then, it was with much interest that we struck up a conversation with the head honcho at the Domestic Cleaning Alliance, who approached us specifically to grumble about the way some of the goods manufactured by this industry, are made, since their design and/or construction, make/s the job of cleaning them, almost impossible. I often grumble about how difficult it is to clean my kitchen and its appliances properly (same with the bathroom) because of their design, but I'd not been aware prior to my conversation with the DCA's director Stephen Munton that some items I enjoy writing about are actually prone to breaking... so much so, in fact, that when preparing contracts, many Alliance members include a clause saying they won't be held responsible if certain types of loo flushing systems break. Many also specify that they cannot rinse down a shower properly after cleaning, if all there is in the bath or shower is a fixed shower head. Logic tells you that you need to be able to hold a shower head in order to direct it around the area you've cleaned, if you're to remove all the cleaning solution and muck. Stephen revealed that so often, his members are faced with just a fixed shower head and thus can't provide a proper clean. Why are some of us not telling consumers that, if they're buying shower equipment with a fixed head, they should perhaps purchase something that also incorporates a hand-held shower, because of cleaning issues? After all, most good manufacturers produce these. And just think of the extra profits! And regarding loo flushes and other items that regularly break long before their guarantee runs out, why aren't we doing something to stop this happening? Or is it just that disappointed consumers don't bother to complain that their 'new' fittings have broken? I'd love to know... Yours,
 This Week's News
Builders welcome NI U-turn, says FMB The Government has made the right decision to row back on its plan to hike up National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said yesterday. "At a time when we need to do everything we can to ensure economic stability, this would have been a destabilising tax increase which would have hit large numbers of tradespeople on quite modest incomes," said Brian Berry, FMB chief executive. "That would have felt very unfair and would have been in danger of undermining the entrepreneurial spirit Britain will need to rely on as we approach the economic uncertainty of Brexit.
From the items bought for the kitchen to the country's cooking habits, there's so much to discover from the research below: Aquavision introduces the Tailored Collection
Homes and buildings industry: integration of new technology drives double-digit growth
The industry is undergoing an intense evolution and accelerated growth. Transformational technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, data analytics and the cloud, are propelling double-digit growth and market expansion in connected homes and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting sectors. Whirlpool dishwasher wins Waterwise Award
The Waterwise UK Water Efficiency Product Awards recognise products and technology which contribute to water efficiency that benefit the economy, society and environment. Benchmarx expands to 180 branches
CTD and BAL 'Win A Van Competition' winner takes to the road
The 60-year-old is a regular customer at CTD's Dundee branch and started tiling 40 years ago after completing a four-year tiling apprenticeship. Saniflo launches raft of new products, new product catalogue and extended warranty
Carron Phoenix's new Carronade Elite waste disposal units: easy to fit; efficient to use
Compatible with most sinks, the WDUs are easy to fit and their premium specification includes antibacterial protection for odour control in addition to sound insulation for quiet operation.
Each represents the bright shades of towns and villages along the Italian Riviera and offers a fantastic way of introducing colour in the kitchen. Faith Furniture Company releases two-year anniversary photo tribute to staff
Croydex continues to support merchants with new sales appointment
Andrew brings three decades of experience to his role with the award-winning bathroom accessories specialist having held similar positions at Rak Ceramics, Phoenix Whirlpools and Uptrend Distribution. He will be responsible for strengthening relationships with national trade accounts, independent merchants and showrooms across South Wales and the West 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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Budget relief on business rates welcomed KBSA
Newly appointed chair of the KBSA, Richard Hibbert, said: "It is good to see that the Chancellor has listened to the business community on business rates. The £435 million promised will provide much needed relief in the short-term.  Marketing
New point of sale displays for retailers
Utopia launches new online lead generation tool for retailers
Literature
Häfele launches latest edition of go-to reference guide
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