KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
20th June 2014
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 International News
Products New copper finish from Mereway
The mineral finish is one of three robust acrylic doors available in a rich Copper; bold Bronze and a shimmering Pearl Basalt. In keeping with the Cucina Colore ethos of mixing colour and texture for dramatic effect, all three work well when teamed with a wood grain finish to add interest and individuality to kitchen designs. Badea - new compact and colourful bathroom storage solutions
The Badea collection consists of six distinctive modern and contemporary ranges with a multitude of finishes, styles, colours and configurations options. New additions in 2014 to the 'Gaste' and 'Sky Colour' ranges - perfect for cloakrooms and en-suites - are really exciting. Ben de Lisi keeps it pure and simple
'Simple' (pictured) is an elegant range of bold, contemporary sanitaryware that offers effortless chic and streamlined design with Nano Tech easy clean coating and a choice of products that includes a wall hung basin, back to wall and wall hung WCs and wall hung bidet.
 Here's one for Dad: Whirlpool's Max Sport Limited Edition perfect for Father's Day!
Stoves stands out with launch of stylish fridge freezers
The Stoves FD90 and SXS90 are 90cm wide models that offer the latest in convenience and efficiency and are available in sleek black and modish stainless steel. New manufacturers' graphics now available from ArtiCad KBB sector CAD software specialist, ArtiCAD, has announced the availability of a large number of new manufacturers' graphics. Designers using the ArtiCAD-Pro software can access these new catalogues and quickly and easily choose the specific items they wish to include in their design to ensure that they are as realistic - and as stunning, as possible. Abode launches Astbury three-part mixer
Sitting pretty - Kitchen Furniture Co introduces new Milly stool
Award-winning tiling fixed with BAL
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We’re one week into the World Cup and whether you’re a football fan or not, the tournament is likely to affect you – either because you want to watch the matches and can’t as you’re working - or because your colleagues or employees take time off to watch, which means that either your workload will increase or you’ll have to find someone to cover the absence. According to a survey, huge numbers of Brits are threatening to ‘throw a sickie’ rather than miss a game – and of course there will also be those who will arrive at work hung-over from imbibing too much while watching the previous night’s game, so employee relationships could become a little fraught unless care is taken to try and keep everyone happy. While many organisations will have agreements in place regarding time off, sickness absence or even watching matches on TV or online in the workplace, a more flexible approach will go down well with the workforce if it’s at all possible to have one. One option would be for workers wishing to follow the football, to come in a little later or finish earlier, or perhaps swap shifts with those that haven’t got the World Cup bug. Perhaps breaks could be extended and taken during match times or staff could listen to the match on the radio or watch it online or on TV, while continuing to work. Handled correctly, the tournament could create a real feel-good factor in the workplace… A clever employer will use it to encourage staff loyalty and even see an improvement in productivity, whereas someone sticking rigidly to the rules just for the sake of it, may find that their actions will provide the tipping point to encourage good employees to find a boss that’s a little more human. An employee that may be in line for promotion, who throws a sickie or arrives at work bleary eyed, smelling of beer and wearing a crumpled shirt, may find that his or her progress up the career ladder comes to a sudden halt (or worse) so do look at the possible long term consequences of how you handle yourself during this and any other sporting tournament and make sure that the only ‘own goals’ scored are on the pitch! Also in this week’s news are some more responses to my comments about the plastic shopping bag tax. I love learning of other people’s opinions, which can often kick my original thoughts into touch, so do keep them coming…
Yours,
This Week's News
A night of celebration as The European Water Label wins its 4th award! At the Water Efficiency Awards awards on Monday, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, which administers The Water Label Company, won its fourth award. The UK Government's Environment Agency and Waterwise UK Water Efficiency Awards 2014 is the most high profile awards scheme in the UK to recognise the water efficiency achievements of the public, private and third sector organisations who promote water efficiency. The award was given in the Campaigns & Education category. Kelly Hoppen collection number six...
Kelly Hoppen, who has designed five exclusive ranges for Crosswater, has fashioned three pieces in this latest KH Zero 6 collection - a monobloc basin filler, a two hole bath filler and a bath shower mixer complete with a sleek pencil handset. All feature a flat topped spout finished with a sleek slimline handle. How increasing the number of apprenticeships in the building trade could solve more than one problem
With the UK housing market finally showing signs of recovery, demand for building work is also on the rise. Property prices climbed up by 8% in the year to the end of March to reach their highest price post-recession, and the prognosis for the upcoming months is also positive.  One in five businesses don't know if their website is optimised for mobile use A third of UK based businesses are yet to develop their website to work on mobile devices, whilst a further fifth simply 'don't know' whether their website is mobile ready or not. According to a new report, released this month by a catalogue marketing specialist, 34% of UK businesses haven't taken the necessary steps to ensure their website is suitable for mobile devices. Whilst an additional 17% admit to not knowing if their website is optimised for smartphone or tablet use. Breakthrough thinking for Bathroom & Kitchen Conference 2014
"Actually the bookings are entirely consistent with our stated aims to bring fresh ideas and breakthrough thinking to the industry," says Yvonne Orgill, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association which is organising the event. Classic Capri from Just Taps Plus is a smart choice
The range includes a full selection of bath, basin and shower fittings, mainly low pressure and ideal for use with the typical UK gravity plumbing system! SBID's Vanessa Brady awarded OBE
Vanessa's central London based ISO 9001 design practice; Interior Design Services, has amassed an award winning portfolio including past projects such as Hard Rock Cafe, the Design Council, the Kabaret Club, British Luxury Club, Unilever, high security government offices, Head of State Palaces and the private residence of numerous diplomats.
Commercial Director John Bainbridge will also miss him and says: "Dave was a real asset to the business and a great character. I'd like to personally thank Dave for his hard work and wish him and his wife Lynn a long and happy retirement." Prize winner adds 'wow factor' with Trend
Hi Jan, I have followed the plastic bag issue with interest, and as with many green issues, feel the facts are not as clear cut as it first appears. I like to consider myself 'green', and I, like most people who do use supermarket disposable bags, reuse them as bin liners, as apart from being free, I find them stronger than liners that are available to buy. Saniflo launches new trade brochure
In addition, alongside each product there's a 'why choose this product' section, which clearly indicates how and when each product is best used, with the aim of simplifying selection and providing installers with an excellent reference guide. 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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clicking the link above. Recent News
KBSA AGM & National Meeting - Date and venue confirmed - as well as some speakers
The completed showrooms are in Isle of Man, Belfast and Bangor and Haldane Fisher is an exclusive distributor in the seven geographical regions (the other regions are Lisburn, Newry, Portadown and Coleraine). May Design Series makes its mark
Water Label shortlisted for its sixth award
Two more speakers secured for Conference
People
Methven announces appointment of new CEO
Britannia appoints new business development manager
Literature
Ellis Furniture unveils new 1891 kitchen collection and brochure
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