KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th September 2018
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 International News
Products VitrA launches new Plural range at Design Junction. See it while you can!
Which? Best Buy accolade for Amica fridge freezer
Blanco ArchPro offers the expert look
New for 2018 at Küchenmeile: Holland Trend Haus
Miele's new CM 7550 bean-to-cup countertop coffee machine incorporates WiFi technology
Blanco introduces super stylish stainless steel taps
NoCode Versobox - innovation in shower valve technology
Rangemaster updates iconic Elan range cooker by launching the Elan Deluxe
Sleek with no leaks for the perfect wetroom
"A few manufacturers have attempted to create something similar but, in our opinion, Abacus Elements has really nailed it with this clever design making it one of the best wetroom trays we have seen," Roger Bisby, Skill Builder. Better than ever ceramic hobs from Amica
Matt black finds its surface match with CRL Quartz Vicenza
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I hadn't planned to continue last week's theme of ways retailers can attract customers into their stores, rather than lose business to online sellers, but I've just received a press release for KBzine's sister publication, Cleanzine, and it made me wonder whether there's any mileage in the idea it revealed... The company concerned is ensuring that its visitors and company vehicles all have immediate access to electric charging points with the installation of some Rexel units in its head office car park. These are available for use 24 hours a day by anyone visiting the firm as well as all employees. It's another selling point, isn't it? The proportion of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles being registered in the UK car market continues to increase. According to The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, there were 7,489 electric or hybrid vehicles registered this August as opposed to 3,968 in August of 2017. The Department for Transport June report states that in Q1 of this year, 15,388 ULEVs were registered for the first time in the UK - representing 1.8% of all new vehicle registrations. This signifies an increase of 11% on 2017 Q1 and 30% on 2016. A spokesperson for this 'switched on' company said that installation of these new charging points is providing reassurance and making it easier for visitors and staff to recharge. The idea has gone down very well indeed. "Sustainability and concern for the environment is key and this is factored into operations across all our business units," he said. "Cutting down on our fleet emissions, is another way we can improve our commitment, as is making provision for the growing numbers of EVs on our roads." And still on customer service, a friend has just had her kitchen refurbished and the finished product includes a concrete worksurface. Unfortunately it's stained and while one surface is rough, another is smooth, when they're supposed to be identical. She told the firm they've not done a good job and they're not interested. In these days of online customer reviews and the likes of Facebook, I wonder that any company can think it will get away with this flagrant lack of customer care. Obviously our friend will do her bit, but if you have an idea of what may be wrong with the worksurfaces and what should be done to make them match and remove the stain, we'd love to hear from you! Yours,
 This Week's News
Glen Dimplex Home Appliances launches Elite Retailer scheme
Up to 50 independents, who display a minimum of six range cookers across GDHA's Belling, Stoves and Britannia brands, will become Elite Retailers and benefit from a host of financial and support benefits, including high-tech display stands, improved margins and rebates.
Several hundred installers have begun the process of independent registration with BiKBBI and will soon feature on the organisation's 'find-a-member' search facility, which will re-launch later this month to coincide with a wider IT project implemented by BiKBBI. Steel screens for stylish interior spaces
These internal partitions are normally fabricated using the W20 sections, rather than the higher energy performing W30 or W40 systems favoured for exterior openings. Whilst the majority of screens installed are single glazed, some clients still often select double glazed screens - featuring 16mm Krypton filled units. Boundary Space leading the trend in coloured sanitary bathrooms
"There has been a move away from seeing a bathroom as just a utilitarian 'living' machine to a bathroom that is a space of luxury and peace," it says. "Bathrooms are becoming closer to boudoirs, with clients wanting the space to be the same pretty standard as their beauty products. Can designer bathroom pieces increase in value?
Cosentino celebrates outstanding Elite studios with its annual Elite Honours List
Rangemaster makes two key new appointments
Emma first joined Rangemaster as online marketing assistant in 2014, and was then promoted to the role of assistant brand manager, and then brand manager. She will now be overseeing the digital marketing strategy for Rangemaster appliances, and her duties will include controlling the digital brand and social media strategy for the company. She will also be managing online product campaigns to raise brand awareness. Hi-Macs helps restore London's emblematic Hoover Building
British Ceramic Tile strengthens sales team in London and the South East
In his new role, Dan will be returning to his retail roots, driving sales across the company's product portfolio, focusing on independent retailers in London and the South East. Abacus Elements relaunches ultimate Tile Backer Board
The company is well known as the 'go-to' brand for waterproofing and wetroom solutions in the bathroom, creating innovative and flexible designs coupled with ultimate build quality. Toto's Washlet certified as world's No.1 brand when it comes to shower toilets
Since Washlet launched in June 1980, Toto has continually expanded and evolved the range. A genuine innovation in sanitaryware technology, Washlet demonstrates Toto's commitment to the advancement of bathroom design and hygiene. Standards & guidelines for installers published
Stylish solutions from Blanco by Gutmann
Gutmann's hand-crafted extractor hoods set what are said to be the highest standards on the market, combining style with unrivalled technology and advanced engineering. Benchmarx Kitchens offers support for Bristol homeless charity
The branch has currently provided two kitchens, including one from one of its latest collections, Richmond Oak (pictured), to aid the completion of the latest containers, which have now been transformed from shipping crates into amazing one bedroom accommodation. These fantastic repurposed homes are designed with the aim of helping to get Bristol's homeless people back on their feet. 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
Over 20% growth forecast for UK kitchen & bathroom worktops market over next five years
BMA works towards international agreement on water efficient products
Abode scoops LTG's 'Best in Kitchen & Bathroom Accessories' Award
Marketing
British Ceramic Tile refreshes retailer Rewards Club
Literature
Smeg's new digital brochure features entire built-in and integrated appliance range
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