KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
8th January 2016
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 International News
Products Combating the problem of leaky showers with Elements Wetroom
AHEC to hold its 2016 European conference in Copenhagen
Abode launches two new 3-exit thermostatic shower valves
Impey unveils new product offerings
German Design Award 2016 for Kaldewei washbasins
Sublimated Trascenda is permanently patterned
Aestus presents wintertime heating solutions
Gaia provides underfloor luxury to prestige river-side apartments
Fresh shower tray solutions fashioned from innovative new materials
Miele offers extended warranties on latest range of washing machines and dishwashers
Just in - new photography of Caple's Holton range in stunning Moss & Stone and Storm Grey
New sealing system is simple to install
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I had what I call, a bit of a ‘head in hands’ moment when I came to write this leader… Many of us have had a break over the past couple of weeks to enjoy Christmas and celebrate the coming of 2016. The fireworks routinely set off by so many countries now, as one year becomes the next, have been even more spectacular than those we enjoyed last year, yet alongside that, millions of people were (and still are) going though turmoil, from the families displaced by the growing global conflict, to – closer to home – those who are fighting to salvage what they can from flooded homes and businesses. I’ve been following the floods closely as I have family in the most badly hit parts of the UK and although I can see that it looks miserable, it was only when I was caught out walking in heavy rain last week that it occurred to me just how cold those affected must be! And then of course came the question: “Are we spending our money wisely, or should we spend less on fireworks and more on looking after everyone and upgrading our nation’s flood defences so we can prevent this recurring misery for those living in flood zones?” Of course this industry will eventually benefit from people needing to replace fittings, furniture and appliances once the clean-up has finished and the buildings have been brought back into use, but I’m aware of many businesses that had been looking forward to getting the new year off to a good start with some busy trading, that can no longer do so because their own showrooms and manufacturing sites have been destroyed by the floodwaters. How frustrating and soul destroying this must be for everyone involved! It’s bad enough to have it happen once, but no-one should have to keep going through the disruption and despair time and time again because not enough is being done to protect our environment, should they? If you have been affected by the flooding John Austen and I wish you well and hope that things get back to normal more quickly than you are expecting them to. And however you’ve fared over the Christmas break, we’d like to say: “Happy New Year. May all the good things you wish for, come your way.” Yours,
 This Week's News
New Year, new partner: Symphony Group commits to iKBBI
Symphony is one of the UK's largest privately owned manufacturers of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture, with a turnover exceeding £180 million. Its customers include private developers, social housing providers, hoteliers and independent retailers throughout the UK and overseas. EWL in 2015 - A year of rapid progress and exceeded targets
Yvonne Orgill, Managing Director of EWL, in her recently published Annual Review, indicated her delight with the progress of this voluntary and value-led scheme.
Feedback from past candidates reaffirms the Geberit message that taking some time out to brush up on knowledge and skills is a good investment, with Nigel Hawkins from Northants Plumbing and Heating commenting: The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that Julia Ann Ball, wife of the KBSA's former chief executive officer, Graham Ball, passed away in December. Graham stood down at the end of May last year when his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Britannia Living responds to a DIY SOS
"DIY SOS is a fantastic programme that gives deserving families a well-earned helping hand," says Michael Haigh, marketing manager of Britannia Living. "The Fords are a lovely family who had always wanted a range cooker, so we were more than happy to oblige! 'Sophisticated Showering' from Grange Design
Unlike some plated or traditionally 'enamelled' black bathroom brassware, these new MGS finishes ensure that the surface of both the Dual Shower Valve and 45˚ Swivel Showerhead will not wear away to reveal its raw material. PWS' new Mornington range supports Help For Heroes
Mornington is a 20mm solid ash timber frame, with a veneered centre panel, and is available ex stock in partridge grey, porcelain and stone, as well as a sanded finish. A further 21 colours are available on a paint-to-order basis, with a leadtime of 11 working days from order to delivery. Caple's new AN900 Anoka chimney hood combines style, function and technology
Featuring an illuminated electronic touch control and 3W LED light bar, it offers Caple's latest advanced technology and measures 900mmW x 400mmD x 800-1200mmH. InSinkErator dishes up seasonal treats with Jenny Bristow
Twenty Jenny Bristow fans were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the successful cookery writer and chef in action. Greeted by carol singers inside Jenny's picturesque home, guests sampled canapes and mulled wine before venturing into the renowned studio kitchen, which has featured in all 10 of Jenny's television cooking series'. Two guests were also lucky enough to take home either a food waste disposer or steaming hot water tap from InSinkErator. Dream Doors scores record Checkatrade rating for 2015
Dream Doors, the UK's largest kitchen makeover retailer, has announced its best ever Checkatrade rating, achieving an average customer rating of 9.7 out of 10 during 2015. The Golden Eagle has landed at Gorenje
Three victories and a third place took him to the top of the leader board and he proudly held up the Four Hills trophy, the prestigious Golden Eagle. Max-Top makes its mark in Magnet
Hayley Simmons, head of merchandising at Magnet, explains: "Before we decide to launch a product we put it through rigorous testing and we were incredibly impressed with Max-Top Quartz. Electrolux remains in the forefront of connected appliances
"Electrolux is committed to shaping the future of connected appliances to deliver great experiences to consumers everyday, whether it's making great tasting food for their families or better managing their homes," said Jan Brockmann, Electrolux chief operations officer and R&D head, at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the cooperation was announced. New Pier bathroom furniture collection optimises bathroom space
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New marketing appointment for Aqata
 Aqata announces new regional sales appointment for the South East
Marketing
Success for Grohe Work Smarter Tour 2015
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