KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
2nd March 2012
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International News
Products Award winning quality and design
NKBA reveals top kitchen & bath trends for 2012 More than 350 National Kitchen & Bath Association member designers took part in the 2012 NKBA Design Trends Survey in the US to cite the materials, product types and styles that they've incorporated into their kitchen and bath designs over the final three months of 2011. While broad trends won't be evident in every local market, the following are 10 overall trends for kitchens and baths across the United States and Canada.
Enterprises must boost innovation as global competition becomes stronger
NKBA report shows high optimism for start of 2012 The US National Kitchen & Bath Association has released the Kitchen & Bath Market Report for the fourth quarter. Although results convey a slight drop-off from third quarter in number of remodels and budgets, showroom visits held steady from a year ago and with marked increases from 2009 and 2010, optimism for the first quarter of 2012 remains high. Karonia to showcase extended Mistral range
Karonia, the provider of Mistral genuine 25mm solid surface worktops, will be unveiling its significantly extended range. On display will be a number of exciting new colourways for the versatile enhanced acrylic worksurface. Sustainable products and installation materials can earn 'green' NSF International certification NSF International, an independent global organisation that writes public health standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods, now offers Green Squared Certification for sustainable ceramic tiles, glass tiles and installation materials. |
Welcome to the
It's that time of year that we've all been waiting for... Yes - Sunday sees the start of the UK's biggest show dedicated to the KBB industry. I for one simply can't wait to explore the fabulous room sets we've been promised and I know that some fantastic new products are being unveiled for the first time, so the show promises to be a good one. But of course it's not all about what's on show, is it? It's about the networking with industry colleagues we generally only get to see at such events, about cementing friendships, winning new business and learning too. I've earmarked a couple of conference sessions I ought to attend (although I'd like to attend them all!) and just hope I have time to squeeze them in, with everything else there will be to do. John and I will be at the show with our notebooks and cameras from Monday until the close on Wednesday, so if you do see us walking around, do come and say 'hello', won't you? See you there! Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Growth of construction sector activity accelerates to 11-month high
* Stronger expansion of new business supports rise in output * Employment falls, but only marginally * Business confidence reaches a nine-month high February data signalled a solid rise in the UK construction sector output, extending the current sequence of growth to 14 months. The stronger expansion in activity was supported by a sharp rise in new work intakes. However, accelerated growth of both new business and output were insufficient to prevent a fall in employment. Meanwhile, a fourth successive improvement in confidence was indicated. Management buyout for Waterfront Bathrooms
KBB seminar heralds the bathroom as an investment in quality of life
KBB Cookery Demonstration area to debut at kbb birmingham
kbb Birmingham, through a collaboration with premium appliance brand V-ZUG, will be running a series of presentations on how to run the perfect showroom cookery demonstrations, when it opens its doors at the NEC from 4th -7th March. With consumers rediscovering their love of home entertaining, one of the key areas of investment for home improvements is the kitchen. But spending money on big ticket items is met with much more scrutiny than in previous years.
Making its KBB Show debut is Krushr, demonstrating its range of recycling compactors for built-in or fully integrated kitchen installation. Krushr provides consumers with an innovative solution to handling household waste whilst retailers can add value to the kitchen sale with this 'next generation' appliance. Krushr is actively building its retailer network, offering a generous sales and marketing support package plus a special KBB Show discount on display orders placed by Friday 4th May. New Radcliffe Collection from Imperial Bathrooms offers extended options
Hafele sinks it with Rangemaster
Kitchen Retailer Exchange at Blum
Franke launches the Ascona tap - with a £48 discount on 'sink and tap' offer
'We Are Water' foundation launches international short film competition
Circo Corner radiators - great for tight spaces in kitchens and bathrooms
InstallerLive and the HHIC join forces
Tyldesley tiler named as leading professional
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Major new TV series seeks Britain's most colourful and unconventional workplaces BAFTA award winning documentary company Dragonfly Film and Television, maker of super hit shows The Hotel and One Born Every Minute is looking to produce a feel-good documentary series that profiles remarkable businesses to find out what working life is like in a 21st century British workplace. Protection vital in volatile market, warns KBSA The news that the Homeform Group will not pay out on any customer warranties or guarantees has prompted the national trade association for the kitchen bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, to warn consumers that it is still vital to buy from retailers that offer financial protection.   New standard for furniture hardware The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced the publication of a new standard for furniture hardware: 'BS EN 15939: 2011 Hardware for furniture. Strength and loading capacity of wall attachment devices'.  BMA's delight in welcoming new member - Dietsche Roman Dietsche Gmbh, the well-respected German bathroom products manufacturer, has become the latest recruit to the expanding Bathroom Manufacturers Association. Ecobuild is just four weeks away Ecobuild, the world's biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, opens in exactly a month and the organisers are promising: KBSA welcomes back three members Highlighting the value of belonging to a professional association, especially in a tough economic climate, the Kitchen Bathroom Specialists Association has announced the return of three previous members. New qualification created for domestic refrigeration engineers
Amica, Liebherr and the Whitegoods Trade Association are lending support and financial sponsorship to the process of creating A Qualification Route for Domestic Refrigeration Service Engineers. New courses cover kitchen & bathroom design principles and project management The NTG has announced two new design courses for 2012. They will be delivered in a collaboration between EQ Software, the NTG (National Training Group) and the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Bathroom Academy. These two day courses are aimed at professional kitchen or bathroom designers as well as new entrants into the kbb market. Anthony Nolan named Belling's centenary year charity
British kitchen manufacturer Belling is hoping to raise at least £10,000 for pioneering stem cell charity, Anthony Nolan, after naming it Charity of the Year as part of its centenary celebrations. Lakes Bathrooms moves to new premises
Government urged to boost credibility of apprenticeship schemes The Forum of Private Business has urged the Government to simplify the entire apprenticeship system to make it more business-friendly and appealing to industry leaders. |
