KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
12th May 2017
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 International News
Products Abode's new Pronteau 3 in 1 steaming hot water tap come in two designs and five finishes
As with all new products from Abode, the technical and design side is hard to beat. The new mixertaps offer all the benefits of a standard kitchen mixer but with the addition of steaming hot filtered water available instantly at 98 degrees C. Exotic meets Tranquil with Blanco's new nutmeg shade
Nutmeg, the new CombiColours' hue, is a true feast for the eyes. Now available: 'Affordable Luxury' from Xey UK
LDL launches unique new 3D drawer solution
Daval launches 'Langham Kitchen Furniture Collection' in new Slate stone finish
New subscription model for ArtiCAD-Pro launched
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The focus in recent years has been so much on ensuring we’re not bringing anything into the country which (or who) shouldn’t be here, that it appears we’ve lost focus on the awareness that others might want to take stuff out! Vehicle leasing specialist Arval (www.services.arval.co.uk) has timely advice for fleet operators in the light of reports that thefts from vans are rising rapidly… New figures obtained by the BBC from 30 police forces show that these thefts have increased from 14,063 in 2014/15 to 22,749 in 2016/17. A van is broken into every 23 minutes. “These figures are consistent with what we’re hearing from fleets at the moment,” says Arval’s Simon Cook. “In our experience, van crime tends to occur in cycles and our feeling is that we are on an upswing. “What tends to happen is that thieves devise a new method of breaking in, operators adopt ways of preventing it, and there follows a decrease in the crime. Then, new techniques appear, and the whole thing happens again.” Simon says manufacturers are trying to increase payload – sometimes by reducing the van’s weight by using lighter steel. This means it’s easier to use tools to cut through or to bend door frames. Commercially available transponder keys can also offer easy entry. He says getting the right advice is paramount, since you can easily add up to £1,000 to the vehicle’s cost in locks and other security-related items. Other suggestions include fitting the right security equipment (options include slam locks and trackers); indeed, anything that will protect the vehicle and make it difficult, noisy, or time-consuming for thieves to get in and to ensure that keys are kept secure at all times. Parking close to an occupied building or in a conspicuous, well-lit location is also sensible, although with long-distance drivers wanting a few hours rest at night, this isn’t always something that’s considered. He also warns that while a heavily liveried vehicle is a good advertisement for your business, it’s also an indication of what’s inside as criminals can target certain industries or even companies. As a teenager, I was working at a manufacturing company when a colleague had his lorry hijacked. Held prisoner as the thieves stole everything, he was frightened for his life and although physically unscathed, he never drove a delivery lorry again. Vehicle security might be expensive, but when you consider what’s at stake… Yours,
 This Week's News
Judging line-up announced for KBSA awards
New judges this year include Andrea Hillier, national retail services manager Blum UK (pictured); James Herriot, director, Callerton, and Dave Hewitt, managing director, Oakwood Bespoke. They join returning judges Martin Thomas, director, Denmore Kitchen & Bathroom Studio and Renee Mascari, director, Mascari Design Solutions and CEO of KBBNTG, who is also head judge.
The ultimate all singing, all dancing cabinet, Groove features innovative Bluetooth technology with integrated speakers, so users can instantly jazz up their bathroom routine by wirelessly linking the cabinet to their smart device of choice. 'Catch a Wave' with new Surf contemporary radiator by Aestus
Designed to reflect the simplistic form of a modern surfboard, the new Surf contemporary radiator is manufactured from high quality mild steel and is available in either a matt white or matt black finish. Bertazzoni to cook up a storm in the UK
Known for design and cutting-edge engineering, Bertazzoni's product portfolio includes range cookers, hobs, ovens, extractor hoods, dishwashers and refrigerators. Founded in 1882, the business, based in Guastalla between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Parma, is ran by fifth and sixth generation family members. Kaldewei is recognised as one of Germany's most valuable brands
The jury said that, based on the consistent introduction of innovative products and true design icons, as a provider of high-end bathroom solutions, Kaldewei has clearly positioned itself in the luxury segment. Celebrating 150 years in style!
As well as the factory tour, the event included a showroom visit. These showcased how the beautiful Burbidge products are made, and revealed how the bespoke colours can be created. There were also short presentations from Ben Burbidge and his father David. World's largest dishwasher unveiled
Using 2,000 litres of recycled water falling at a rate of 44 litres per minute, a cascade of water was created. However, as visitors tentatively walked towards the curtain of continuously flowing water, state-of-the art motion sensors responded to their presence and movement, automatically stopping the flow of water as they stepped under it. BMA representatives visit The Imperial Bathroom Company, Aldridge
Jonathan and Christian enjoyed a personal guided tour of the ceramics manufacturing facility by export & marketing director James Stevenson and experienced first-hand the dedicated team of time-served craftsmen at the manufacturer's Aldridge facility. Abode's Matthew Pitt takes up the challenge of a long distance walk
The 84-mile walk starts on 14th May from Windermere in the Lake District to Matthew's home town and birthplace Ilkley, which is in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire. As well as fatigue, bad weather and blisters, he'll be trying to avoid the ill effects of over-indulging during the evenings in the excellent hostelries along the way.
The children were enthralled with everything - from learning new English words to playing games on Adam's iphone. Zip Water UK's Hannah Sherwin raises more than £3800 for charity in London Marathon
Hannah ran the gruelling 26.2mile race in aid of King's College Hospital, where her mum received a kidney and liver transplant back in September 2015. 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
Checkatrade adds a touch of Hollywood glamour
 Maurice Lay Distributors celebrates 40th anniversary
Set to become available to retailers later this year, the new-look Sense range will combine sleek, stainless steel and black glass with the latest technology to provide consumers with innovative appliances across all categories from cooking and cooling to laundry and dishwashers. 'Improve not move' as home improvement figures continue to grow
House builders' views on their supply chain: from the Jablite round table debate
When resignations in trades don't have to mean the end
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Kitchen experts to promote industry at Grand Designs
National Tile Week gets retailers on board to celebrate best of British design and manufacture
BMA boasts trio of new members In just a few weeks three UK companies have joined the increasingly influential Bathroom Manufacturers Association. Easa Group, Heatrae Sadia, and Wallgate have become full members and all are committed to contributing to the aims and objectives of the association.
Stoves reopens Community Kitchens Competition
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