KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
12th October 2012
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International News
Products Amica set to bring Red Dot winning oven to UK... if market wants it!
Business leader warns companies about investing outside established markets The head of Europe's leading employers' body has called for companies that have their principal markets in Europe to reassess the risks and opportunities of concentrating their production and service centres at locations far removed from their customers. Metropolis... just as the name suggests
Exclusive to Hafele UK, Metropolis hosts a selection of bar, bow, pull handles as well as square, classic mushroom and tapered knobs. A self sustaining solution for electronically controlled taps
Another success in the kitchen for Hi-Macs
Sleek and efficient by design: new Aquacurve from Leisure Sinks
The true value and importance of a good toilet revealed... Robert Mohl, Managing Director of Bridport luxury bathroom company Ocean Bathrooms, is seeking to make more people aware of the true value and importance of the humble toilet in their home Bushboard adds sensational new surfaces to its Prima worktop range
Life looks better in HD with British Ceramic Tile's new ceramic tile collection, HD Origin
The Basis of a beautiful kitchen
Cooking up a storm in kitchen tap designs from Pegler Yorkshire
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Well this year's Bathroom Conference, which was organised by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, certainly attracted the big guns - as our picture taken once the dancing took over from the gala dinner shows!
If, like us, you were unable to attend, you haven't missed out entirely as you can read a comprehensive summary of many of the presentations which have been provided courtesy of David Kuczora of Clive Reeves PR who was clearly working very hard throughout the event! The papers certainly appear to have been as interesting as the choice of 'special guest' (who brought some real majesty to the occasion and even deigned to present the awards). Sometimes controversial, they provide some real food for thought, so make sure you don't miss them... Yours,
This Week's News
Furniture retail quality Group publishes new guide for glass in furniture FIRA has announced the publication of a new industry Standard for glass in furniture: FIRA-FRQG G001 Glass in furniture - requirements. The document has been produced by FIRA in conjunction with the Furniture Retail Quality Group (FRQG), comprising technologists from the major retailers of furniture in the UK. It has been introduced to ensure that basic safety levels relating to glass in furniture and mirrors are maintained.
Hettich has introduced what it believes is the most comprehensive furniture fittings App to be offered in the UK. The UK is among 20 countries selected by Hettich for the initial roll-out of the App, and it is available free through the Apple App Store.  Companies north of the border to get lifesaving advice Construction companies in Dumfries & Galloway are to receive potentially lifesaving advice at a free event aimed at preventing injury and ill health on site. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors to work in and in the 12 months up to April 2012, 49 workers lost their lives on building sites across Britain  White open-zone induction hob joins intelligent cooking from Amica
The clean lines and bevelled edge of the new Amica white induction hob provides a blend of minimalism and advanced, flexible functionality for today's contemporary interiors. Axor Starck Organic: Harmony of head and heart
Products and innovations show award-winning credentials
As a result of the company's successful collaboration with outstanding architects and designers, the aesthetically-appealing design and high quality of Laufen products continually win over international judges, with top awards being won this year for individual products and materials. Gorenje partners with London charity RADICLE
Annual Bathroom Conference - The Retail Revolution:
Peter Cross, business partner of Mary Portas and managing director of Yellowdoor, delivers the keynote address at the Annual Bathroom Conference: I'm going to discuss something this afternoon which on the surface of it seems a bit bloody obvious - how we shop today. Yes we know people have less money, yes they shop online. But I want to look at the reasons why. Annual Bathroom Conference - Bathroom market dampened by economy, says GfK
GfK reported that value sales of bathroom suites declined by -9% from the year ending July 2010 to year ending July 2012. This decline can be attributed to low consumer confidence and the beleaguered economy, which is experiencing the worst double dip recession since records began. Annual Bathroom Conference - New Defra head of water lauds industry's Water Label efforts The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs' new head of water supply and infrastructure opened the Conference by praising the work the industry has carried out to encourage consumers to save water. Chris Preston from Defra confirmed the Government's commitment to reducing legislative 'red tape' as well as being 'the greenest government ever.' Annual Bathroom Conference - Government austerity is killing consumer spending
The impact of the global financial crisis is clear to see, with recovery hampered by ongoing Eurozone sovereign debt crisis. In 2011 manufacturing decelerated globally - declining in the Eurozone, stagnating in Japan and barely growing in the US. Annual Bathroom Conference - Good digital is just about connecting stuff with people who want stuff
The biggest question we all want to answer is how do you get a bigger piece of the pie when the pie is shrinking? There are opportunities out there. Companies are doing well. So stop making excuses if you’re not. 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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Carron Phoenix announces the sale of its commercial business to Franke UK Carron Phoenix has agreed the sale and transfer of its commercial business to Franke UK, forming a single legal entity for the trading of both brands in the UK and Ireland markets.  Symphony adds important green award to its collection
 Tradesmen need to take online reputation management seriously... Negative mentions about a business or its products on the Internet could hit a company in the balance sheet, and once a company has a poor online reputation, it could spread like a virus. Companies need to take ownership of their online reputation to avoid potential disaster. New home applications still below last year's levels Latest year-to-date figures release today for new home registrations in the UK reveal that house building levels continue to fall, according to NHBC. Marketing
Autumn promotion from Hepplewhite Fitted bedroom furniture company Hepplewhite is offering its best-performing dealers the chance to win some fantastic new technology as a sales incentive this Autumn. |
