KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th June 2017
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 International News
Products
MHS Radiators partners with Antrax to launch exciting new collection
Franke extends its award-winning Maris Plus hood range
Howarth At Home has recipe for success at Laura Ashley kitchen collection Stockist Awards
Utopia champions British design
Targeting the top end of the market, Utopia is deliberately competing against European brands to prove inspired British design can not only match but surpass the continental offering. 'Taste the Rainbow' with Pure S2 Kitchen from Urban Interior (London)
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Like everyone else, I've been distressed by the devastating news about Wednesday's fire at London's Grenfell Tower. I know that every day, people are injured or killed in their masses throughout the world and like most of us, I hurt for them all. With my daughter working for the London Fire Brigade though, and seeing her return home late the past two nights - so very distressed at what she'd experienced throughout her long days - a more graphic picture than I might have received, has been painted for me. Early-hours reports that an exploding fridge had caused the fire, weren't, as far as I could see, repeated over the ensuing 24-hours and I'd hoped that this was simply an unfounded rumour, since our industry is already having to deal with the fallout from previous appliance fires - some of which have led to a loss of life. Yesterday afternoon however, once the reporters had been given the chance to speak to survivors, a story emerged that one of the residents on the fourth floor - where it has been said that the fire initially broke out, had called a neighbour into his flat to witness his burning fridge. The spotlight is currently on other areas though... Building services such as sprinklers and alarms apparently weren't functioning properly and cladding installed last year as part of an upgrade, allegedly caused the fire's incredibly rapid spread. Safety advice given to residents in the event of a fire (before this one occurred), is also being called into question. Whatever the outcome of the investigations, one thing this disaster has brought home to me is what a heck of a responsibility we all have for other people's lives. We go about our work, often following instructions that we may or may not agree with, generally oblivious to the effect that what we do, might have on others. Gas and electrical safety are much tighter than they used to be but how many of us can honestly say we work safely all the time? Do we perhaps endanger others by cutting corners to get the job done more quickly? Do we drive safely or do we perhaps make rash decisions if we're running late, which could cause other drivers to swerve or brake suddenly and perhaps have an accident? I won't go on, but it does make you think, doesn't it? At least I hope it does. Yours,
 This Week's News
Success for KBBG Annual Members' Meeting 2017
The theme for this year's event was balance, which was incorporated into KBBG managing director Bill Miller's address. This explained the importance of striking the right balance in any successful business and also included the announcement of additional suppliers and services, which are uniquely available to members. Kitchen islands back to the future
"Our own research and experience highlights an increase in the specification of multi-purpose kitchen islands, something borne out by a recent Houzz report," says Ruby Kiernan, marketing communication manager for Wilsonart UK, part of the world's largest manufacturer of laminate surfaces. If we wash everything with water, why don't we wash everything with water?
In-Wash is an innovative WC with in-built technology for exceptional personal hygiene that provides complete cleaning, care and comfort. Its soft curves and minimalistic design mean In-Wash will adapt perfectly to the interior design of any bathroom space for ultimate well-being. Cosentino work surfaces to be available in ArtiCAD-Pro
Designers using ArtiCAD-Pro and wishing to incorporate Cosentino's innovative and stylish surfaces within their designs will simply be able to search the graphics catalogue, select the items and finishes they require and then insert them into their new room design.
Extra deep with sleek lines for a luxurious bathing or showering experience, there are three freestanding models in both acrylic and solid surface resin along with two double-ended, two single-ended and one inset bath. The Indesit Aria built-in microwave - ideal for the modern busy family
Hectic family lifestyles can result in varied meal times and routines. There is now an increased need for appliances that are easy to use, which also benefit from reheating and last minute defrosting functions. This microwave has seven power levels, a clear digital display with simple, no fuss, button and dial controls.
Stoves will provide built-in cookery appliances for the live cookery theatres at some of the biggest food and drink festivals in the country - from Harrogate to London and Glasgow to Portsmouth. Utopia targets freestanding bath sector
The smart new Dualelle freestanding bath is available unpainted in gleaming white or in three fabulous painted metallic finishes, Copper, Indigo and Lustre, to match the metallic accents on the new Star, Lustre and Opula furniture. Barwick appoints new sales director Steve Hooley
Steve, formerly of Ideal Bathrooms, took up his post in April and brings with him 27 years' experience from within the bathroom industry. He will play a key role in driving the company's growth plans as well as building on Barwick's outstanding reputation for customer service to bathroom retailers. Waters Baths of Ashbourne takes to the road with new show van and POS material
Now visiting retailers throughout the UK, it features beautiful, inspirational photography of just some of the manufacturer's stunning stone and acrylic freestanding baths. Beauty meets performance as Geberit sponsors rugby tour
Geberit and distributor CM Marketing are proud sponsors of the Northern Ireland school's rugby team, which will spend several weeks over the summer practicing its best scrum and tackles against sides from other nations. 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
Expansion plans announced by The BiKBBI
 Creating opportunity out of change: Host and first speaker for B&K Conference 2017 announced
Franke scoops four prestigious design awards
Bathroom inspiration at every turn -BagnoDesign Chelsea
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Ideal Standard announces Bathroom of the Future winners
Dekton chosen for Gaze Burvill Furniture & Outdoor Kitchen at Chelsea Flower Show
Marketing
Abode launches all-new Pronteau website
Literature
New for 2017, kitchen sink & tap brochure from Abode
Maurice Lay Distributors publishes 60th trade price guide
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