KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
2nd November 2018
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 International News
Products VitrA presents its latest designer collaboration and most iconic designs at Sleep + Eat 2018
Winchester by Keller Kitchens; a modern twist to a countryside style
Available in silk gloss lacquer or structured lacquer, the Winchester kitchen boasts beautiful colours from the Master, Trend and Comfort Collections, including 1,950 hues and natural stain on veneer shades, such as honey and oak, allowing homeowners to create their favourite look and feel. Special display offer for Evolve retailers
Terramix recreates exposed brickwork with ease
Solid Core Zenith makes a style statement
Be bold with blush: Meet the new Illusion from British Ceramic Tile
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While there were both winners and losers with this week's budget, one thing I was pleased to see is that the Chancellor is taking seriously our need to halt the demise of the 'Great British High Street' with the announcement of the £675 million 'Future High Streets Fund', which will support and fund local areas' plans to make our high streets and town centres fit for the future. According to Office for National Statistics figures, between 2007 and 2018 online sales increased six-fold while in-store sales dropped dramatically, leading to the closure of many long-established and much-loved stores. Friends and family grumble about these closures but the younger ones are shopping online more and more; seemingly unconcerned by any "use it or lose it" warnings. In 2000, online retailing accounted for less than 1% of retail sales while in August 2018 almost a fifth of all retail sales took place online. It's scary, isn't it? Online retailers can offer competitive prices, more choice and greater convenience than many town centre competitors. In turn, we consumers are changing what we want from our shopping centres: The Institute of Place Management reports that there is an increased importance placed upon the overall 'experience' of high street shopping; we want our town centres to provide convenience, a sense of community and to add value through services not offered online. Evidence from the Public Health England British Property Foundation shows that high streets with a wide choice alongside well-designed and planned residential and office space are more resilient to these changes and are adapting more successfully. In contrast, high streets that rely heavily on traditional retail without sufficient office space and housing, have found it harder to adapt and tend to be the ones that are struggling. Through my work in estate agency I'm well aware of the lovely spaces above our town centre shops - many of them devoid of any useful purpose which is a real shame when one considers the general lack of available housing. The moves to make these spaces useful again are most welcome and filling them with people who may well patronise the shops below will help make our town centres vibrant again. News that something's finally going to be done about our nation's potholes was also welcome, although I do wonder whether enough money has been set aside, bearing in mind the size and number that need to be tackled... Yours,
 This Week's News
Industry is missing opportunity to gain more sales and impact on water efficiency
The comments were made at the Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference. Yvonne said that the industry was missing a chance to gain more sales as their research showed that consumers would be positively influenced to buy products if they had more information about water efficiency. Stay trendy with Keller's industrial style
The simple industrial style offers homeowners and designers the opportunity to create trendy 'personal' kitchens. Complemented by statement pieces and fashionable accessories, such as brass or copper-coloured light fixtures which can be matched with bold coloured appliances - such as a striking metallic fridge - Keller's Elba model enables homeowners to turn their dream kitchen into a reality. Laufen congratulates 2018 Aia UK Student Charrette winner: University of Westminster
Rangemaster unveils broader strategy as it launches four new built-in products
The new products that have been added to the portfolio include: The Signature Collection by Masterclass Kitchens offers design flexibility
More than just a range, each piece in The Signature Collection can be chosen to suit the needs of the consumer, enabling the kitchen to be tailor-made to individual requirements. Introducing the V&A Brompton collection from British Ceramic Tile
Victorian decoration at its finest, the new Brompton range from British Ceramic Tile and the V&A delivers style and sophistication. Celebrating the Victorian fascination with medieval geometric floors, this striking collection of porcelain tiles can be used inside and out, decorating the home with authentic character. Blanco UK supports young kitchen designer
Beth completed her first year of the course in June, having been on three trips where she was able to interact with speakers from the industry and visit various kitchen locations, including the Roundhouse factory, Miele Experience Centre and the Weald and Downland Museum. Stuart Wilson Joins Wilsonart as senior national account manager
New specification sales manager for Saniflo
Having graduated from Brunel University in Uxbridge with Masters in Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research, Fahim was subsequently attracted to a career in sales and has since spent over seven years in Specifications. Margarida Jesus Joins VitrA as specification manager
The new website makes it easy for homeowners to search and find the products they need. Ahead of the curve - new photography from Clearwater
InSinkErator wins contract with Galliard Homes
Not only will this addition streamline the worktop, reducing the clutter of a kettle, the tap brings a number of convenient benefits to the end user. Half hour test success for SWA creates new openings for steel doorsets
Where such tests are normally carried out on fire doors set into masonry or gypsum boarded wall constructions, the SWA opted to mount both the single and double doorsets within a glazed screen, replicating the situation in which they are routinely specified by architects and interior designers. 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
Bathroom & kitchen business conference that looks to the future hailed as great success
ICE Interior showroom shows off Blanco products
VitrA secures second consecutive Designer Kitchens & Bathrooms Award for Bathroom Innovation V
Cosentino UK supports The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET)
Blanco's charity bake-off success
Hotpoint's Fresh Thinking pop-up café will make us think twice about food waste
Marketing
Hotpoint launches £50 cashback laundry promotion
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