KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
3rd February 2012
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International News
Products Glimmers of hope for remodelling in the US in 2012
Furniture retail quality group publishes Flammability Best Practice Guide The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced the publication of a new best practice guide for flammability testing of upholstery on behalf of the Furniture Retail Quality Group, the technical committee representing all major UK furniture retailers. Gender differences using technology highlighted by survey
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Welcome to the
I write this wearing fingerless gloves... my hands are really feeling the cold this week and frozen fingers don't type very accurately! And of course Southern England isn't suffering so badly in this cold snap that seems to have hit most of Northern and Central Europe this week. The winds are really howling around my office but at least it's not -25 degrees! Figures recently released show that the majority of accidents caused this time of year are by drivers setting off before they've cleared their windscreens, mirrors etc, properly. That's not something I'm generally guilty of but I almost came a cropper this week when I drove off one evening with just a little wet on my windscreen, which didn't cause a problem on my driveway. Once I was on the main road , however, the other drivers' lights made it more difficult to see so I decided to clear it with my windscreen wipers.
The KBB industry relies heavily on people being out on the road for long hours: delivery drivers, fitters, joiners, salespeople etc. and while it's tiring and pressurised work at any time of the year, weather conditions such as those we're experiencing right now make things far worse, so if you're an employer, try & allow extra time for some warming tea breaks for your team! One of my friends sent me this picture and it actually makes me feel warmer. I hope - if you're feeling the cold today - it does the same for you! Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Pseudomonas - we need more facts
The tragic baby deaths in Belfast's Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital have shocked us all and investigations into how and where this killer bug, pseudomonas, thrived, need to be carried out quickly and accurately. Queen's Diamond Jubilee: 60 years of Britain at work (more productive, more prosperous, more unequal, more stressed, more workless) In a special Work Audit report published yesterday to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year, the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development looks at how work in Britain has changed since 1952. The report finds: Carron Phoenix has lots of surprises in store
Carron Phoenix will unveil a raft of exciting new sinks, taps, waste disposers and cooker hoods, continuing the company's drive for a comprehensive portfolio based on the principles of affordably good design and long-lasting quality. In addition to the new launches, the company will showcase all of the products launched in Summer 2011, further underlining the depth and breadth of what's on offer to retailers. Pronorm shows off new products
With its sights on increasing UK business and expanding its 80-strong retailer base, Pronorm will be showcasing its distinctive brand of precision built rigid furniture together with superb new designs and product developments. Bushboard : 'Sensational surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms'
'Sensational surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms', is the new corporate strapline being displayed loud and proud by Bushboard on a stand which will be packed with yet more innovative and design-oriented new products for retailers and designers from the Encore solid surface, Omega and Prima laminate and Nuance bathroom surfacing brands. The Encore range of solid surfacing is being extended with a brand new hybrid material which mirrors the look of real stone but has the fabrication ease and seamless appeal of solid surface. Available in four luxurious-looking designs, the material is exclusive to Bushboard and won't disappoint those who are used to clever and stylish solutions from this forward-thinking supplier. SBID offers honorary membership to kbbreview award finalists The Society of British Interior Designers is offering the finalists in the design categories of the kbbreview Awards the opportunity to become an honorary member for a year, usually worth more than £300. Ellis Furniture launches the Brompton Natural Oak kitchen
With 'Tangerine Tango' dubbed the colour for 2012 by the Pantone Colour Institute, this winning kitchen combination is sure to top the popularity stakes and make a stunning statement in many homes. Not only does this kitchen offer up to the minute striking styling, a host of versatile cabinet styles and sizes - the addition of sleek CDA appliances, a postformed worktop in Welsh slate, and chrome bar handles, creates an immensely practical space. World record-breaking paralympic athlete champions independent living opportunity
160-year old kitchenwares firm goes for high-tech inventory management tool A multi award-winning kitchen, dining and housewares supplier with a 160-year history has opted for a high-tech solution to boost already impressive availability targets. New Abode for talented young technical designer
Vado announces 2012 catalogue collection In preparation for what is set to be another busy year for brassware manufacturer Vado, the company has produced a range of 2012 catalogues tailored to the specific requirements of its customers, namely: Vado Catalogue; contains the company's complete portfolio of taps, showers and accessories. The 2012 edition features five complete new product ranges and 60 product additions to popular lines. As well as a useful reference for showroom staff, this catalogue is also designed for the showroom's customers. Franke appoints Annie for first class aftersales service
Annie is well qualified in customer care and liaising with retailers and distributors from her previous roles within the airline industry and IT sector. KBSA announces new corporate member The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has just announced a new Corporate Member, Keller Kitchens. Keller is an established Dutch kitchen manufacturer with over 75 years' experience of producing contemporary, traditional and designer handless kitchens, and is one of the Europe`s largest kitchen furniture suppliers. FIRA dramatically reduces its carbon footprint by working with Recycling Furniture
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Ultima Furniture Systems takes over Matchmaker Kitchens Longstanding cabinet manufacturer Ultima Furniture Systems has today announced that it is taking over the Matchmaker Kitchen brand. Retrofit 2012 conference finds that policymakers have yet to engage with human behaviour The University of Salford Retrofit 2012 conference concluded yesterday with a detailed focus on the challenges of the large-scale behaviour change needed in the UK if the Government is to achieve its carbon reduction targets. Belling announces centenary plans for 2012
Anna Ryder Richardson and Gerd Bulthaup to speak at kbb Birmingham
Literature
Amica launches brand new built-in catalogue
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Despite not having used the water spray (before the blonde jokes start!) I was suddenly faced with a completely iced-up windscreen, which was worrying for me but probably even more so for the driver following me! Be warned...
