KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
6th January 2017
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 British Ceramic Tile's 2017 design trend predictions...
Outstanding reaction to Utopia's Roseberry Collection
Gorenje reveals six new stylish extraction hoods
Built-in innovation from New World: Design Suites Collection to shake up market
The New Range Generation: GDHA releases report on Range sector
Kaldewei extends its Meisterstücke Collection
Whirlpool washing machine proclaimed a Which? Best Buy
Assessing the washing machine, Which? noted that it is 'dead easy' to use; the testers also loved the 'large and clear digital display' and the wide door opening, which enables easier loading and unloading of large items, such as a duvet, and particularly commended the way in which the FSCR 10432 'kept washing and spinning noises to a minimum'. Utopia upgrades and expands Halo range
With immediate effect all washbasin units and occasional units will have LED under unit mood lighting fitted as standard. This accent lighting offers subtle illumination below the unit, perfect for creating an atmosphere of subdued lighting or for use as low level lighting at night-time. Tutti frutti! Everhot launches tangerine range cooker
CRL launches new collection of porcelain surfaces
Drawing on its 20 years' expertise in the stone industry and responding head-on to current trends in worksurface design, Ceralsio surfaces from CRL tap into the huge move towards ceramic worktops coming out of Europe. |
Welcome to the first 2017 issue of KBzine. I hope you had a good break and that you are one of the few people who managed to avoid that dreadful virus that's had the majority of us laid low with raging sore throats and hacking coughs over the past month. My daughter has a theory that we tend to get sick around holiday times, because we can. That may sound odd but I feel she could have a point since her argument is that we're all so busy throughout the year, we don't have time to be unwell so we psychologically send the virus away until we have time to succumb to it. We relax and - poof - suddenly the virus takes hold! As I say, it sounds odd but I see it happen so often, perhaps it's true... Another way of looking at it is that in the lead up to the holidays, we're so busy rushing around to meet deadlines, fulfil orders and tie-up loose ends before we finally leave the workplace, that we don't look after ourselves enough by eating well, resting or exercising enough and getting plenty of fresh air and a good night's sleep, thus leaving ourselves run down and vulnerable to attack. Then there's the argument that we're physically closer to others around holiday times too, and thus more likely to pick up a virus when shoehorned into an aeroplane, for example, or squeezed into a tightly packed club or pub... John and I, who were both unwell when we put our last issue together, reckon we're lucky to work from our respective home offices, since at least we can work as and when we're up to it (and can dress accordingly) and don't have to go out at some unearthly hour and de-ice our cars or pack into ridiculously crowded trains with the heating on full blast while we're sweating in our outdoor coats and hats! This year has been particularly bad for illness, which leads me to wonder how you cope. Everyone seems to be running a pretty tight ship these days, so if even a quarter of your workforce are struck down, it leaves a gaping hole. And what about delivery drivers and fitters, who can't just suddenly double the workload to cover others' absences, or pull extra hours out of the hat to make up for time lost through being ill? Yours,
 This Week's News
ArtiCAD acquires majority stake in Smart Systems (Generalsoft)
ArtiCAD has enjoyed a strategic partnership with Smart Systems for several years, providing mutual customers with fully integrated, comprehensive design, pricing and management tools. The acquisition, announced at the end of 2016, will foster even more technology integration between the two companies with the aim of delivering an ever-improving customer experience together with access to hundreds of manufacturers' product catalogues. New research shines a light on what really works in performance management
There have been plenty of leading stories in the press about corporate household names who're getting rid of their annual appraisals in favour of more informal processes. And with hard-hitting language such as 'axe', 'abolish' and 'kill' being used to describe this shift, these headlines are bolstering the widespread assumption that traditional methods don't work. AKW promotes independent living on Care England and ITN's 'Caring Communities'
Bespoke Laufen for prefabricated construction
Especially for this project, Laufen produced 1241 Kartell by Laufen wall-hung WCs, 1,241 bespoke Sentec washbasins and 750 Marbond shower trays in a total of 200 different bespoke variations. Mark Taylor Design champions future of kitchen design with scholarship on degree course
Kitchen retailers jet off to Tenerife as part of Faith Furniture Co's Winter Sun incentive!
Belling enters new market with Sensicare Collection: family favourite launches into laundry market
The new collection - which includes four washing machines, a washer-dryer, two tumble dryers and a 15-place setting dishwasher - means Belling now provides a complete range of home appliances. Abode supports Mission Christmas
Alno Contracts donates some festive cheer!
Nationwide supplier of high-quality kitchens and service to the project market, Alno Contracts (a division of Alno UK), donned Christmas jumpers at its office in Sevenoaks for Christmas Jumper Day in aid of the Save the Children charity. Croydex continues drive for growth with two new commercial appointments
Daniel Peek (pictured left) and Tim Barrett (below right) both join the award-winning Andover-based company as commercial managers and will be responsible for business development as well as strengthening relationships with existing customers.
Gary joined Merlyn, from Novellini, back in 2006, after resolving that Merlyn was an organisation of which he wanted to be part. Baumatic launches new 2017 matte ovens brochure: Matte Perfection for the Kitchen
Caple publishes latest sink and tap brochure
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
Not so grim up North as growth continues at NESP
Euronics postpones Showcase 2017 but will invest £multi-million to support growth
Cashflow problems undermine four in 10 small UK firms Four-in-10 (38%) small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have suffered cashflow problems over the past two years, according to new research by Amicus Commercial Finance, the specialist lender of flexible working capital to SMEs. The figure rises to two-thirds (65%) among medium-sized firms with between 50 and 250 staff. Karonia freezes Mistral prices
"Strong demand for residential projects" reports latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI
Tiles market growth forecast for 2017
Taking time out for training: the Counter Interiors experience
A 'bluming' fantastic two-day event for Burbidge premium partners
Literature
IDS launches new 72-page Solutions Guide for decorative surfaces
|
