KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
19th October 2012
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
Hettich has introduced what it believes is the most comprehensive furniture fittings App to be offered in the UK. White open-zone induction hob joins intelligent cooking from Amica
Axor Starck Organic: Harmony of head and heart
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 Government's announcement yesterday that it is to postpone next year's much-needed business rates revaluation until 2015 and not implement it until 2017, has been greeted with despair by Britain's retailers, many of whom are struggling to pay rates based on rents back in 2008 when they were just about at their peak. With rental values down over the majority of the country and in some areas having fallen by as much as 30%, the promise of a rate reduction was, for some, an incentive to struggle on. Now that this incentive has been removed I wonder how many more retailers will shut their doors for good... Yours,
This Week's News
Cutting a greener deal for consumers Huge improvements in appliance performance now mean that replacing an old fridge freezer can bring the same environmental benefit as installing double-glazing according to AMDEA (The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances). The industry is calling on Government to work with it to encourage consumers to replace their old appliances and use energy saving features - to cut their electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions. Record month for Schuller sees new record set for September
Wayne Dance, Managing Director of InHouse, says: "We had a great start to the year with the KBB exhibition. Schüller has been fantastic at totally reinventing its range with stunning new products at very competitive price points. While the economy is still struggling, we're seeing retailers move to Schüller who want the support, product and price point that will appeal to the market."  F & P Wholesale launches luxurious Diamond Collection and Refressshed brochure
Meeting the increasing demands to deliver luxurious bathroom solutions, F & P Wholesale has launched the new Fresssh Diamond Collection, which judging by its looks, is set to become one of the most desirable bathroom ranges available in the UK.  US home remodelling spending set to accelerate An improving housing market and record low interest rates are driving projections of strong gains in home improvement activity through the end of the year and into the first half of 2013, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released yesterday by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA suggests that the seeds for what appears to be a very robust remodelling recovery have been planted, with annual homeowner improvement spending expected to reach double-digit growth in the first half of 2013.
Lec, which this year celebrates its 70th birthday, has had its entire product range rigorously tested and evaluated by the Energy Saving Trust. LDL implements world class practices
Nolte Kuchen Inhouse Fair 2012 a real success Nolte Küchen's Information & Exhibition Centre was open to the trade audience from September for a week last month, proudly presenting a fresh design during the - as usual - unlimited opening hours in the evenings. This year the focus wasn't only on product though. A completely new website including Social Media presence, an advanced Kitchen Planner (which will shortly be available for iPad, too) and a plausible target group concept, also caught the attention of the 7000 visitors. Volante sliding door system - new from ECF
Amica to introduce @micaSmart - at the heart of the kitchen
Gorenje and Ecover striving for the same goals Gorenje and Ecover are pioneering in the development of new technologies and materials that are better for the environment, whilst continuously searching for new ways to reduce the use of energy resources - and the amount of waste produced during the production process. Assign - next-generation mobile and field workforce scheduling software launched
New Polypipe MVHR performs well and is simple to install and operate Polypipe Ventilation has launched the Silavent Green Line HRX range of Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery appliances, incorporating advanced technology for maximum performance and innovative design for simple installation and operation. MP Rob Flello visits Inta after Staffordshire Legionella outbreak
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:
|
REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent 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.  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.  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. |
