KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
24th February 2017
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 International News
Products Belling launches freestanding microwave collection: Five models and two new looks
Ripples franchise appeal to industry-insiders!
2017 saw the doors open on one of Ripples' largest showrooms in Birmingham, based within Cookes Furniture the new showroom is already proving to be a huge hit, with hundreds of visitors heading to the inspiring new showroom in its first month. Introducing the Regent Furniture Range
The new Regent furniture collection is the ideal solution for any bathroom, providing ample storage without compromising on style. Regent has a classic aesthetic with a modular design, playing on the key modular living trend and offering an elegant and flexible solution for all bathrooms. Utopia adds to popular Symmetry range
Shower in style with Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection
LDL presents new Furnipart handle finishes for 2017
Already available in Inox Look, Edge Straight is a stylish aluminium handle, 41mm wide, and is now available in four new finishes - Brushed Rose Gold, Brushed Anthracite, Antique Bronze and Brushed Brass. The perfect complement for the current trend for vintage or industrial looks, the new handles carry a lifetime guarantee along with all Furnipart handles. Abacus Bathrooms - innovations for 2017 by expert in advanced bathroom and wetroom design and build
The Elements brand, manufactured by Abacus in the UK, offers what is arguably the most comprehensive range of wetroom and waterproofing products currently available. |
Last week's Office for National Statistics announcement that UK employment reached 74.6% in the last quarter of 2016 – the highest rate since such records began in 1971, while unemployment remained at its record low since 2005 on 4.8%, compared with 5.1% for the same period the previous year – has caused quite a stir. Of particular interest to various players in the KBB industry was the announcement that the number of EU nationals employed in the UK had risen by 190,000 in the final quarter compared with the same period the previous year, but, comparing the final quarter of 2016 with the preceding quarter, there were 19,000 fewer EU nationals employed – the first three-month fall in since Q3 2014. While David Freeman, ONS senior statistician, warns that the fall in the number of workers born in other EU countries should be treated with caution as the figures have not been seasonally adjusted, the latest Labour Market Outlook from the CIPD and Adecco says that labour and skills shortages are starting to bite in UK sectors that employ a high number of EU nationals – such as general building and the more specialised allied trades, as well as retail. It suggests that, despite a near record number of vacancies (748,000 according to ONS data), UK employers are struggling to fill roles with the right candidates and that low-skilled sectors which typically employ a large number of non-UK nationals from the EU are facing particular recruitment challenges. The CIPD says employers need to review their approach to workforce development and training and improve the attractiveness of their jobs through better line management and job design, developing closer links with local educational institutions and improving pay and employment conditions where possible. Interestingly, the Outlook also asked employers that employ EU nationals how they would respond to potential migration restrictions. A quarter (26%) said they would ‘pay the difference’ and absorb the extra cost of recruiting EU nationals, whilst others said they would seek to retain older workers (19%), invest more in training and up-skilling (17%) and recruit more apprentices (17%). Good news then for the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, which has been working with the Government on the development of a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship for Fitted Interiors! Its success, about which you can read more below, means that in one part of our industry at least, it’s likely to be, ‘business as usual’. Yours,
 This Week's News
65% of SME businesses not ready for tax digitalisation
They will be forced to adapt significantly in order to use software to comply with HMRC's 'Making Tax Digital' project, which aims to see businesses reporting tax digitally by 2018. Methven UK launches new bath shower mixer: thermostatic offering extends Kiri range
Featuring new easy to operate lever handles and ceramic disc valves, it is ideal to operate even for those with limited dexterity, whilst a 38°C default safety setting prevents scalding, making the new Kiri Lever Thermostatic Pillar Mounted Bath Shower Mixer safe for the whole family to use. New marble-effect quartz for PWS Worksurfaces' Strata brand
Anticipated to be a strong design favourite, the new Strata Statuario draws inspiration from Statuario marble, one of Italy's most desirable and iconic marbles. Its cool, light tone, coupled with the bold grey vein that runs throughout the entire material, is relevant to both contemporary and classic kitchen schemes. Utopia launches new online lead generation tool for retailers
Hoover launches supersized 16 place setting dishwasher
The A++ 'Dynamic Mega' model is claimed to be the largest on the market in standard dimensions and is available in either white or black and has an adjustable upper basket ideal for loading glasses, cups and utensils. Knit wall murals - perfect for that cosy night in when it's cold outside
Paired with scandi furniture and a neutral palette, these murals make a super snug statement. BSH Home Appliances certified as Top Employer for the second year
Nick Hall and Michael Sammon celebrate 25 collective years at Frontline Bathrooms
The ethos and attitude of the senior management and their longevity of tenure ensures that both suppliers and customers receive the very best attention. Nick Hall and Michael Sammon celebrate 25 collective years at Frontline Bathrooms Masterclass donates kitchen to injured Welsh rugby international
The Masterclass donation was made in support of the #StayStrongForOws fundraising and awareness campaign in support of the injured player. With funds being raised to aid the 24-year-old's rehabilitation, Masterclass Kitchens was keen to get involved. 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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Date announced for KBSA AGM & National Meeting 2017
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Abode introduces new bathroom brochure for 2017
Lustrolite - the easy way to create beautiful kitchen splashbacks and shower walls
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