KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
18th November 2016
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International News
Products New freestanding bath offered in several finishes
Named after the Spanish city province of Barcelona, the Terrassa features a synonymous rimless design taking many of its design cues from the Barcelona bath, one of the company's most popular designs found in hotels worldwide. The contours of the bath are highlighted by smart, sculpted 'swage' details on the inside, creating unique shadows to emphasise the Terrassa's distinctive shape. Comprehensive grab rail range can't be beaten
'Spa-luxe' bathroom heating by Vogue (UK)
Introducing the Esteem monobloc kitchen tap
One of the latest products to be launched is the contemporary styled Esteem monobloc. Neolith Polished - a real winner!
New and improved spec for Prima Brand
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The Government has today given the go-ahead for Buckingham Palace to undergo a 10-year overhaul, costing some £370 million, with ‘essential works’ to include replacing electrical wiring, water pipes and the heating system (installed in the aftermath of the Second World War), as well as improving visitor access. The press statement doesn’t mention new kitchens or bathrooms, but I hope for our industry’s sake that at least some of these will be refurbished too. The work is needed, if we are to protect one of Britain’s most prestigious buildings and one of the country’s most popular attractions, which more than half a million people visit during its Summer opening. With these visits and the millions of tourists flocking to the Palace’s gates every year to see the Changing of the Guard, it helps deliver a £multi-billion boost to the economy, so my view is that it will be money well spent. The project seeks to prevent a serious risk of fire, flood and damage to both the building and the priceless Royal Collection of art belonging to the nation. Windsor Castle suffered a fire in 1992, which raged for nine hours and caused devastation to large parts of the building. The restoration took more than five years, and it is estimated that similar damage to Buckingham Palace could cost up to £250 million for a single wing. Ancient electrics don’t sound very safe to me! The phased programme will be sequenced wing-by-wing to enable the Palace to remain occupied and fully operational, and allow the Queen to carry on with her official duties for the country. Significant national events, such as the Changing of the Guard, Trooping of the Colour and Garden Parties will continue throughout the overhaul and the Palace will remain open to visitors. I often receive releases from manufacturers in this industry that have donated all manner of goods to charity projects, to help those in need of a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or appliances. What price for the kudos companies would gain by getting involved in this particular project and supplying the Royal Household with top-of-the-range new products? I doubt that Palace approval of a supporting press release would be forthcoming, but I’m aware of how quickly the word can get around… Worth a try perhaps?
 This Week's News
The logo and branding will be phased in by the organisation over coming weeks, with members receiving van signage in December in time for the New Year. Retail partners and corporate members received access to digital logos last week to help them prepare for their winter sale activity. Abode wins designer award for Pronteau
This year the Award was for Abode's creatively designed Pronteau 4 in 1 hot water kitchen tap, which the company launched earlier this year. The Award entry was in the 'Innovation in Functionality' category. Burgbad's Coco Collection wins German Design Award 2017
The German design council has been holding the international competition since 2012. Every year, it looks for unique design trends which are then presented and honoured as groundbreaking contributions to the international design landscape. Triumph for CIH members as they scoop six Retailer Awards
The ERT Awards honour both retailers and suppliers for their dedication and innovation in the electrical retail industry. Winners of the retailer categories were selected by an expert panel of judges, from an array of sectors, with extensive knowledge of the industry. Britannia Living unveils refreshed Fleet collection
The models have been updated with the addition of a refined new oven door-handle and the introduction of a new fascia panel, which proved a huge hit on the Delphi platform. The neat and multi-functional Blanco Delta II sink: perfect for smaller kitchens
This 183 mm bowl is large and deep, and its uniquely slanted shape provides excellent space for washing up large saucepans and baking trays. Alongside the main bowl, there is an additional one with an integrated stainless steel colander and a large drainer area making this a truly multi-functional sink. Saniflo roadshow boosts Kinedo sales
This year, the brand new, purpose-built roadshow truck took in 80 venues in England, Wales and Ireland from May through October with more than 600 installers and builders visiting the truck in England and Wales, and more than 220 installers visiting in Ireland. Those who attened, chatted with the Saniflo technical and sales teams who were on hand to answer questions and discuss how installers can improve their earnings by fitting Kinedo cubicles - often in just a couple of hours. British Ceramic Tile relaunches its impactful splashback collection
As a company always looking to make a big impact when it comes to developing its product portfolio, the new collection reflects current design trends and consumer demand, providing retailers with a versatile range that is simple and straightforward to sell in store. Sirius Buying Group secures two more 'Preferred Kitchen Retail Suppliers'
Both companies realise the value of joining Sirius and now take advantage of the Group's capacity, reach and services. Indesit makes dinner time a breeze with innovative turn&cook function
Emma Leigh is one of the company's three new internal sales co-ordinators. Looking after the south-west region, Emma already knew ArtiCAD and was keen to join a company with 'high morale' and lots of team spirit. Franke and its More in Store retailers fund over 400 hours of nursing care for Marie Curie
Marie Curie supports people living with any terminal illness, and their families, offering expert care, guidance and support. Hoover Candy Baumatic appoints Matthew Walker as head of sales - multiples and merchants
With 24 years working in the DIY, merchant and grocery channels both in-house and as an account manager for supplier businesses, he brings specialist skills in the areas of product development, planning and promotions together with an impressive list of senior contacts. British Ceramic Tile lend a helping hand to home development charity
"We were amazed with the generosity displayed by British Ceramic Tile and that the company chose to support our cause," says Hana Nadat, representative for Fusion Housing. "The donation will help us cut costs for some of our future projects and allow us to provide more housing to those who need it." Kaldewei showcases new product segment - washbasins - at this week's Sleep exhibition
Created in collaboration with designer, Anke Salomon, the Silenio is distinguished by exceptionally soft interior lines - with the baths and washbasins harmoniously combined. 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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Now officially the best of British: iKBBI The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers announced yesterday that it had been granted permission, by The Secretary of State, to change its name with immediate effect. The organisation is now to be known as The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation.  British Ceramic Tile represents manufacturing alongside Philip Hammond in The Parliamentary Review
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