KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th January 2015
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 International News
Products Light up the life of a bathroom or kitchen with impressive new Abacus lighting portfolio
Milestone for Nolte Kitchens in Russia
Whirlpool's new 6th Sense induction oven can save 50% in time and energy
A traditional oven is probably the one we are all used to, however the big difference between the two becomes immediately apparent in the way of an easy to use cooking experience that will save users personal time, money and energy. The wonder of induction technology, which is clean, fast and super-efficient, makes the whole cooking process a joy. Electrolux's Design Lab 2015 theme and upgraded prize fund announced
Introducing the complete outdoor kitchen: the latest cooking trend for your home
Swan celebrates a stellar year
Geberit AquaClean range enhanced with new enhancement sets
Blanco's story of quality will be showcased at LivingKitchen
Hotel picks Max-Top for 5* quality
New palette of painted colours adds an individual touch to the hub of the home
Adding warmth, character and personality to any style of kitchen, the new colours of Biscuit, Light Blue, Light Grey, Heritage Grey, Dust Grey and a Primed finish ready for painting on site, bring the total number of painted colours available from Masterclass to 15. Chic and stylish towel warmers from Ben de Lisi
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Having suffered yet again at the hands of tradespeople during the holidays – the first a roofer who was supposed to repair/replace whatever was allowing rainwater to drip through a ceiling, who charged a small fortune for rebedding ridge tiles then left me with the same problem as before by damaging two roof tiles on his way down… the second a heating engineer asked to replace the boiler’s thermistor, pcb or wiring in between, who strung things out for 10 days and charged £350 for pulling up carpets and floorboards searching for a non-existent leak - it was with interest that I read this week that The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers has signed up its first female member. Does Pamella Edwards live locally enough to help me find out whether it’s just men I’m having a problem with, I wonder? Other changes may well be afoot of course, when it comes to women’s roles in the KBB industry, following the ‘Chicks with Bricks’ reception held at the House of Commons last week, when Nicky Morgan MP, championed the role of women in construction. “Too often we see women feeling ‘shut out’ of certain careers or routes into work and we know that this includes industries like yours - long being seen as ‘something for the boys’, despite the incredible opportunities it can offer,” she said. “Stereotypes still persist. For many, a job in construction too often still conjures up an image of a man in a high-vis jacket on a building site, wearing his trousers slightly lower then he should be…” The Government is asking schools and careers advisors to encourage young women to study the subjects that could lead to a career in the industry and asking companies to commit to running apprenticeship schemes that will allow young women to get a foot on the ladder, arguing that technology and innovation have rendered the ‘brawn versus brains’ debate largely immaterial when it comes to construction. Let’s hope everyone takes up the challenge so that we can soon see builders bottoms of a different type and that the powers that be, ensure that competence and good service are top of the curriculum!
Yours,
 This Week's News
Liebherr appliances now to be supplied directly to the UK trade From the beginning of this year, new stocks of Liebherr appliances have only been available from Liebherr GB. Products from the innovative and high-quality appliance manufacturer have previously only been available in the UK through distribution but now the company is serving the market directly from a new specialist division at its base at Liebherr GB's, 3.7 hectare site at Stratton Business Park, Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire. Miele is star performer in the Which? 2015 Best Appliance Brands Survey
Simon Grantham, (pictured) managing director for Miele GB says: "We are committed to offering customers products that embody our ethos of 'Immer Besser' (Forever Better) and it is great to receive this recognition in the Which? 2015 Best Appliance Brands Survey." Minister highlights safety concerns as too few people register their domestic appliances Thousands of consumers are missing out on product safety warnings as they fail to register appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, according to research published yesterday. Consumer Affairs Minister Jo Swinson is encouraging more people to take this important step and use 'register my appliance.' A YouGov survey for The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) found that just over a third of consumers currently register all of their appliances with the manufacturer leaving thousands of owners untraceable if a safety repair is needed. Methven goes back to school with L&Q
The Schoolyard is a new residential development, comprising of 139 hi-spec apartments with accessible shared spaces, in the vibrant Wandsworth area of London.
KBIS (The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show), which takes place from 20th through 22nd January in the Convention Centre, is North America's premier annual kitchen & bathroom industry event. Abacus Elements wet rooms - high on technology, low on carbon footprint
Abacus Elements is a range of easy to install, tileable wet floor systems for domestic and commercial applications. Made by specialist manufacturer and distributor of bathroom products, Abacus Manufacturing Group, the waterproof structural foam boasts high insulation properties and high compressive strength. iKBBI welcomes first female member
The former language teacher from East London, who gained her City & Guilds NVQ plumbing qualification in 2014, is set to add to her qualifications in 2015 when she completes her formal assessment for Gas Safe Registration. Karonia Store: The online resource for all things solid surface
Following a period of evaluation after its first four years, the website has been enhanced with additional features and benefits based on both advances in e-commerce and also Karonia's analysis of previous customer interface with the site. Sensio launches curved acrylic LED over mirror light
Cascade creates a diffused LED lighting effect and is available in both a 'cool white' option that's perfect for contemporary, minimalist bathrooms, and a 'warm white' fitting that will create a cosy atmosphere. InSinkErator's stylish range of 3N1 taps adds an affordable splash of colour to any kitchen
The stylish yet affordable one-piece kitchen tap is now available in three new finishes of Natural Stone, Orange and Pearl White; keeping with contemporary design trends and exhibiting an eye-catching splash of colour in any showroom. Belling launches first 80cm and 90cm induction hobs
Both hobs feature five induction zones with individual touch slider controls and timers, 13 power levels and a Power Boost function which increases the power to cook zone by 60%. Tom Howley opens new Bristol showroom
Following on from the success of the company's nationwide expansion, the new Clifton, Bristol showroom is a direct response to the growing demands of customers from the South West of England. 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 report says 2014 business increased by 7% The Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association says initial figures indicate that overall value sales from its members increased by 7% in the year ending December 31st 2014. This figure confirms anecdotal reports that were seen throughout the year, with members being extremely positive about sales. Soapbox: Addressing skills gap and improving industry image will be key for construction in 2015
Kitchen refurb puts chef out front
Franke Water Systems raises valuable funds for Cancer charities
Wirquin staff support Cash for Kids
The toys were dropped off at the local Asda supermarket and will be distributed by Santa's helpers, aka the Cash for Kids charity, to young people living in poverty to help make their Christmas morning that little bit brighter. Home extension planning applications estimated at 400,000
Shower market builds head of steam for 2015 A new report on the UK shower market from MTW Research has uncovered inflation busting growth returning for some sectors for the first time since 2007, with sales set to strengthen in 2015. KBB industry raises £1340 for WaterAid
Elis Furniture awards further apprentices
Water Label appears at the Big One The award-winning European Water Label will be making an appearance at the Big One - ISH Frankfurt, the world's biggest showcase for innovative bathroom design, and water and energy efficiency. Marketing
Britannia supports independent retailers Britannia Living has announced that its Wyre range cooker collection has been repositioned to support independent retailers. The Wyre, which is one of four range cooker collections from Britannia, is characterised by its solid doors and matte finish. |
_142.jpg "Director Richard Ellis awards apprentice Patrick Madigan with his voucher (1)_142.jpg")