KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th October 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 Cabuchon launches easy access soaking tub - the Takara
Like the other baths in its deep soaking range, it is inspired by the traditional Japanese ofuro but it includes a host of refinements designed to enhance comfort and to better suit Western bathing habits. It will also accommodate modern technologies such as spa hydrotherapy. More affordable kitchens than ever: Faith updates Evo Kitchen Collection for AW 2019/20
Evo offers retailers a simple and affordable range of kitchens for customers that doesn't compromise on quality and looks. VitrA launches two statement collections at Cersaie 2019
Introducing new materials and textures, the tile ranges demonstrate VitrA's expertise in ceramic design and technology. The tiles can be used in residential and commercial environments, from kitchen and living spaces to swimming pools and terraces. Aqualisa kicks off Installer Club relaunch with National Roadshow
In partnership with Fix Radio, Aqualisa will be touring trade showrooms and merchants during October and November of this year. Delicate wash cycles in machines found to release more plastic microfibres than other cycles
Hoover achieves potential 'world first' with H-KeepHeat oven launch
Global kitchens study by Silestone Institute reveals that UK households are leading the way
Collaborating with 23 eminent experts on all things kitchens - chefs, architects, interior designers, nutritionists, sociologists, food historians and influencers - the study focuses on the role of the kitchen in today's 21st century society. Tin is trending with BC Designs
Amica to sell Fagor appliances Amica has signed a license agreement with Fagor S.Coop to sell major home appliances under the Fagor brand. "This will enable the brand, which is well known in Spain, to return to the market with modern, top quality products," comments Jacek Rutkowski of Amica. The license agreement will also give Amica the opportunity to establish a presence in the Spanish market."
Bushboard Evolve chosen for solar powered narrowboat
|
Last Thursday was World Mental Health Day, an internationally recognised day in which organisations and individuals come together to break the silence surrounding mental ill-health. This year's theme focused on suicide prevention. According to The Office of National Statistics, in 2018 there was a rise in the number of deaths by suicide with 6,507 recorded in the UK alone - the highest level since 2002. There is growing awareness of the scale of the mental health crisis. The facts are stark: one in three in the UK will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point while three out of five have experienced mental health issues due to work. Given that the average person now spends a third of their adult life at work, we all have a part to play in safeguarding mental as well as physical health at work. I agree with the British Safety Council when it says that just as with physical health and safety, prevention is the best cure and the wisest investment. Changes that reduce stress, encourage early intervention and remove the mental health stigma deliver significant long-term benefits and its training courses prove that. Evidence gathered along with mental health charity Mates in Mind, shows that taking a 'whole organisation' approach is having both quantifiable and qualitative impact, such as improved sickness absence and staff retention rates and more engaged workforces. For example, in the last two years, Tideway has reported a 12% rise in the number of staff who felt that they could approach their boss about a mental health problem - up from 64% in 2017 to 76% in 2018?. A similar increase was reported in RSE Building Services, an SME firm, where there was a reported 9% rise in staff feeling supported in relation to mental health - up from 66% in 2018 to 75% in 2019?. The pressures we're under workwise are growing as most organisations don't have the luxury of a less than fully employed workforce. If one team member is off sick, colleagues tend to be able to cover for a while to ensure tasks are carried out successfully to deadline, but if this carries on long term, standards are likely to drop alongside morale and the rest of the team's mental health too. Orders may not be fulfilled and contracts can be lost. There's too much at stake to ignore mental health, isn't there - not just for the individual/s concerned but for the employer, too? Yours,
 This Week's News
Buy it Direct rescues Better Bathrooms in another turn around win
The news comes following the acquisition on 18th March 2019 by the Buy it Direct Group, which also owns popular retail websites such as AppliancesDirect.co.uk, LaptopsDirect.co.uk and furniture123.co.uk BMA pledges to make compliance number one priority Incoming Bathroom Manufacturers Association CEO Tom Reynolds laid out bold plans to tackle non-compliance in the bathroom industry at a compliance seminar, held the day before The 2019 Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference. Tom promised that the BMA was determined to ramp up the noise on the compliance issue, educating consumers and stakeholders as well as lobbying Government in order to break through the myths and lack of understanding about the level of non-compliance. Consumers desire permanent germ-free solution for tiles
Bathroom industry pays tribute to Yvonne Orgill as new CEO takes over at BMA
A presentation was made by BMA President Alan Dodds (pictured with Yvonne) at the gala dinner to mark Yvonne's 33 years in the industry, as she passed the baton of leading the BMA to new CEO Tom Reynolds. Walk-In Showers and Baths bosses admit fraud charges
Kinedo showroom offers. One to show. One to go
HIB products gain official Bluetooth qualification
HiB's Bluetooth products, including multiple mirrors and cabinets, underwent the Bluetooth Qualification Process managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), to ensure complete compliance with Bluetooth standards. Nicolas Pécheur joins Bushboard as product manager
Responsible for new product introductions, market planning and product lifecyle management, Nicolas will spearhead links between new and existing customers, marketing plans, operations and supply chain management for all wall panel products throughout Europe. kbb Birmingham to collaborate with The Used Kitchen Company to create more sustainable Show
Exhibitors at kbb Birmingham selling their kitchens with TUKC, will be making a valuable contribution towards recycling within the kitchen industry. MHK celebrates 40th anniversary with Eurovision Kitchen Contest 2020
Samantha Donnelly joins Wilsonart as marketing content manager
Wilsonart UK, is the UK head office and manufacturing site of one of the world's largest producers of laminate surface products, Wilsonart USA. 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
KBSA 'Staying Ahead' conference is fully booked
Grohe establishes new EMENA division for Watersystems, Filter and Kitchen Channels
Formica Group Procurement Team of the Year in the CIPS Supply Management Awards 2019
People
Andy Birkbeck joins Karonia as head of sales for Projects Division
|
