KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th March 2019
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
 International News
Products Free up kitchen space with Fonda hob/extractor combination from Blanco by Gutmann
Perfect for small or large kitchen design schemes and flexible in terms of installation and location, the Fonda sits quietly and discreetly in a streamlined, functional space. Beko launches AutoDose Connected Dishwasher
Launched at ISH this year Equal explores the fusion between the organic shapes found in nature with the architectural lines present in an urban environment. ViClean-I 100 combines purism with technology and comfort
ViClean-I 100 boasts clear lines and a minimalist look, accentuated by the ultra-flat toilet seat. Add to that the intuitive use and convenient shower functions and the new ViClean-I 100 becomes a subtle centerpiece in any purist bathroom. LDL to offer L&S Italian lighting range
LDL is delighted to be the official UK distributor and to represent such a well-established and innovative brand. KBSA says rise in induction hobs is changing dominance of gas in the kitchen
XSquare bathroom furniture range secures Duravit the iF Design Award 2019
The XSquare furniture range is both impressive and striking, with contemporary, elegant style. The quadrant-shaped chrome profile which edges the furniture emphasises its characteristic design. On the floor-standing model, the transition from the body of the furniture to the base is absolutely seamless. Industrial design on tap with new Hex range
"We are delighted that the Nuance range is now available on ArtiCAD," comments Paul Findlay, product sales manager for Nuance. "The ArtiCAD system means that consumers and specifiers can get a clear view of how the panels will look in any bathroom - and allows retailers to present different options for those who have problems making a buying decision." |
New research by the University of East Anglia, could have an important message for our industry. It found that giving people general information about the importance of saving water is less effective than emphasising the water-conserving actions of others in the same social group - i.e. put people into an 'ingroup' which supposedly exhibits specific behaviour and they're likely to conform to that behaviour. "Ensuring a sustainable water supply requires a multifaceted approach and this will become increasingly important as demand for water continues to rise and climate change alters water availability," said lead researcher Dr Ellin Lede. "Our findings have implications for the design of environmental campaigns. Traditionally, water conservation campaigns deliver general water saving information. However, campaigns informed by behavioural science can increase their effectiveness and should form an integral part of demand reduction strategies." The research involved four studies. One, in which stickers were placed in UEA halls of residence shower rooms (indicating that other students were reducing their shower time by one or two minutes) showed how well this strategy works. Students reduced their showers by more than a minute whereas students seeing a normal 'please conserve water' message just carried on as usual. Another, conducted with Anglian Water, aimed to increase sign-ups to a free residential retrofitting service, whereby a plumber fits water-efficiency devices in customers' homes. An 'ingroup norms' appeal message was added to the beginning of a letter sent to 1,148 households, stating that people in Norfolk care about the environment and saving water, and that other residents had already signed up to the programme. Sign-up rates were significantly higher among households that received the amended letter, compared to the 1,158 that received a standard letter without additional messaging.
Study co-author Dr Rose Meleady, said: "Across four studies we demonstrated the ways in which the social identity approach can maximise the power of behaviour-based interventions and encourage a shift in intentions and behaviour to promote household water conservation. How can we as an industry change our behaviour to incorporate these findings into our own messages I wonder? It should be quite simple and could make a huge difference to the way we use water, couldn't it? John and I were away at an exhibition last week - hence this Monday broadcast. Yours,
 This Week's News
Overwhelming support for the Unified Water Label At ISH
One hundred and fifteen companies attended the event to hear the latest news on the UWL which was facilitated by Luca Conti from CEIR. Carlos Velazquez, chair of the EBF gave an overview on actions taken on the harmonisation of the four labels into one. ANQIP and Swiss Energy also gave presentations on why they joined and supported the initiative. Pland Stainless Centenary attracts Royal guest
Established in 1919 on the same site, stainless steel products manufacturer Pland Stainless, invited the Royal Guest to take a tour of its engineering facility and assist in the manufacture of some hospital sinks to mark the occasion. Fulgor Milano partners with Euroline to enter the UK market
The company produces a broad selection of premium range cookers, built-inovens, built-in compact ovens, built-in compact wine coolers, refrigeration, induction hobs, gas hobs and outdoor barbecues. New shower tray ranges for all sectors
These come in a range of sizes and colours; some are cuttable and there is a range of surfaces from a luxurious stone finish to smooth white. Each carries a 10-year warranty.
In addition, CIH will be offering a full marketing suite giving the members and agents a 'one stop shop' solution. BiKBBI strengthens Board with two appointments
Jon joins the BiKBBI with over 20 years' strategic experience, working with some of the industry's leading manufacturers and retailers. This experience includes showroom director at Jewson, managing director at Crestwood, head of marketing & development at Moores Furniture Group and sales director at Knauf. Wilsonart creates the Verve Collection for Arnold Laver
Family owned since 1920, Arnold Laver is one of the UK's most successful distributors of timber products with depots across the country. The new Verve worktop collection which is supported by a full-colour brochure includes a choice of 22 decors across 28 and 38mm thickness. There are nine surface texture options, and square or post-formed edge finishes. Back to nature with Trend's new Immense collection of tesserae mosaic tiles
Immense has been developed by Italian glass tile specialist, Trend, to evoke and reflect the shape of landscapes and nature's creations which portray 'sceneries of immeasurable beauty'. Why destroy perfectly good kitchen cabinets?
New judging panel announced for KBSA Awards
She is supported by previous judges Martin Gill, managing director at And So To Bed and Andrea Hillier, national retail services manager at Blum UK. BMA launches 'Stay Safe and Save Water' campaign to mark World Water Day
BMA CEO Yvonne Orgill took to the airways to reach consumers, launching the campaign via a series of radio interviews and directing consumers to the BMA website to view a number of new videos, designed to help consumers understand what to look for and how to make more informed choices. 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. News in Brief How to contact us at The KBzine:
|
 REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
BMA announces date and venue for 2019 Conference
Entries now open for KBSA Designer Awards 2019
Unified Water Label can help combat climate change
Yvonne called for the industry to support the UWL, in response to the Committee on Climate Change's 'UK housing: Fit for the future?' recently published report. Marketing
Smeg UK announces super Spring offer for its retailers
Literature
Karonia updates Mistral worktop brochure
New Dealer Inspiration brochure from Blanco is beautifully illustrated
|
