KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th June 2019
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 International News
Products Verona taps into the tactile trend with the launch of Marmi
Made from premium Italian porcelain, Marmi replicates the look and feel of natural stone but with a whole host of additional benefits. Featuring a split face design, highly textured surface and realistic HD stone-effect print, Marmi brings depth and perspective to walls with detailed shading and veining adding to the visual interest of the tile for a striking aesthetic. Bette launches British Institute of Interior Design CPD factory visit
Königquartz - 28 colours to keep kitchens on trend
VitrA launchES WC with built-in bidet
Bring steel windows and doors into the bathroom
Grohe Bau: affordable bathroom solutions for low-pressure buildings
Super Subway shapes from Trend
AKW launches new plumbing fittings range
The sideboard renaissance, a contemporary serving by next125
"Originally gaining popularity in well-to-do households fortunate enough to have a separate dining room, sideboards became the statement piece for storage, display and serving.
TKC launches new sink and tap range
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Apologies for the late arrival of KBzine. As you can see, I've had a slight accident with my iMac - and as my MacBook's being repaired because of a technical fault, I've been somewhat stymied. I won't go into what happened, but suffice it to say that if my passenger door ever fails to shut again, I'm going to check that if the seatbelt's not blocking it, nothing else is either, before trying a more forceful close. I'm awaiting a callback from Apple so have not been near a computer all weekend and it's as if I've lost a limb. I'm having to use the iMac today as needs must, and am almost grateful that I have two-thirds of a normal screen to stare at, so lost have I been without it.
Isn't it odd how relatively new technology can become such a crucial part of life? As a trainee journalist at IPC - then one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, I was apparently the only editorial team member in the company allowed an electric typewriter since I was the only one who could touch-type. I could no way have gone back to a manual machine then, than I could now use an electric typewriter. We grumble about Internet outages and occasional slow speeds, but do you remember the days of 'dial-up'? It's laughable that we had to exist like that, isn't it? If you've been reading my leaders for some years you'll be aware that my kitchen pride and joy is my Whirlpool Max microwave which after a minor repair is still going strong several years down the line. While polishing my daughter's fingerprints from the mirrored exterior on Saturday (a long process) I had that 'what would you save if your house caught fire' thought. Ignoring lifeforms, it would of course be my computers (broken or not) because of everything they hold, but in terms of kitchen equipment, that microwave wins, hands down. Replacing anything else, I'd choose a different make/model). It really says something about a product if the owner would buy the exact same thing, doesn't it? I shouldn't imagine that there are too many such products about. Do your customers ever ask you for 'more of the same' and if they do, what do they like about that particular product and why? Yours,
 This Week's News
Bathroom market trends report research & analysis UK 2019-2023 now available
Written for bathroom suppliers and retailers, the 200+ page bathroom market trends report offers a fresh perspective. It facilitates business planning, focuses marketing, identifies growth opportunities, helps with competitor analysis & offers immediate sales leads. Produced in the UK from quantitative data with intelligent qualitative insight from experienced marketing professionals, it includes:
VitrA is one of the leading bathroom companies in the UK, with a reputation for innovation, quality and customer service. Retailer training has always been a key component of the VitrA offer which is now being boosted further with a comprehensive new training resource; VitrA Academy. BMA launches Ageless Design bathroom competition
The competition, which is supported by BMA members, is open to any bathroom retailer, architect or designer. There are three categories to enter for a full bathroom, cloakroom and ensuite. Two renowned entrepreneurs to share expertise at KBSA annual gathering
New handleless kitchen for Trend Interiors
The new range has a choice of eight fashionable profile finishes which include Brass, Copper, Bronze, Dust Grey, Graphite, White Gloss, Black Gloss and Aluminium, providing a wide range of possible looks when matched with one of the 33 door finishes available across Trend Kitchens. From urban Concrete to modern Gloss White, trendy textures and cool Scandi style Greens, there is tremendous flexibility and choice to design a kitchen for every customer. Kaldewei Nexsys wins three awards for excellent design
Following two Iconic Awards last year, Kaldewei Nexsys has now received the Good Design Award 2019, the iF Design Award 2019 and the German Design Award 2019. Industry software specialist Compusoft has been unveiled as the latest respected brand to become Corporate Sponsor of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation. As the first software company to champion the BiKBBI - the organisation responsible for standards, education and compliance in the KBB industry, Compusoft says this new three-year Corporate Sponsorship deal: "demonstrates the importance of installation within the future development of our product". Crosswater launces luxury Italy brassware collection
A combination of time-honoured manufacturing techniques, quality materials and tried-and-tested components are brought together to offer a complete brassware range that proudly wears the Crosswater seal of approval. 'Glitz and glamour' with new White Sparkle by Vogue UK
Glistening upon Vogue's mainstream Focus MD001 towel warmer, the new White Sparkle colour option is exclusive to Vogue UK, infusing a dazzling iridescent finish across one of its flagship multi-rail designs. Smart Tachographs introduced last Friday, will not bring the financial benefits promised, says FTA
The business organisation, which represents the interests of the logistics sector, refutes claims made by the European Commission, (when the law making the new devices mandatory was made in 2014) that it will save logistics businesses a total of EUR 500 million through increased efficiencies. Triton Showers bowl over cricket club
Making its debut at the next Warwickshire County Cricket League fixture, the first team will don the newly sponsored kit for their home game against Hampton & Solihull. Players and supporters will also now have the opportunity to get their hands on the new kit from the club shop. 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
Broadview completes acquisition of Formica Group
BMA announces first headline speaker for 2019 conference
PHG rewards Mermaid with New Supplier Award
Mermaid has been a leader in the shower panel market for over 30 years, specialising in design, quality and innovations like anti-bacterial finishes on panels for showers, bathrooms and wet rooms and striking decor designs. Final call for entries as KBSA announces Kevin Keegan as Awards host
Granite & Trend Transformations supplier visit: an inspiration
Bushboard Evolve stars in 'Your Home Made Perfect'
People
Marketing manager appointed at Kudos
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