KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th June 2017
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 International News
Products Introducing the Metallic Marbles collection by Versital
KBBG welcomes Opticolour as new supplier
'Party On' with new dishwasher Party Setting by V-ZUG
On The Level wet room tile-in system: more tile; less drain
Kitchen islands back to the future
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
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
Utopia targets freestanding bath sector
MHS Radiators partners with Antrax to launch exciting new collection
Franke extends its award-winning Maris Plus hood range
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I made a conscious decision not to mention it in last week's KBzine but I've been thinking a lot about the impact the announcement will have made... Yes - the naming of the brand of fridge freezer purported to have been the cause of the Grenfell Tower fire has to be every manufacturer's worst nightmare, doesn't it? And who'd want to be in the PR company's shoes trying to sort that one out? The reason I've been thinking about it is that Jo Public never really bothers to work out why the appliance may have caught fire. The brand itself automatically gets the blame when in reality it could be any number of things that could have caused the problem. I'm sure we've all seen dodgy wiring jobs... plugs where the protective plastic or rubber cover has come away, exposing wires and innards to damp or damage... damaged leads... broken or loose sockets which can be in themselves, death traps... DIY socket extensions or those plug-in adapters so heavily used that the circuit's dangerously overloaded... bad wiring in the building itself... ancient consumer units no longer fit for purpose... Even in my home I briefly lived with a severed fridge freezer lead that had been badly repaired by a supposed professional (who was meant to replace it) and which left me with a dangerous appliance. It happens almost everywhere. It's just that in most cases - luckily - people don't die. This morning, I was wondering what the answer might be, in terms of ensuring that our appliances don't become dangerous. As landlords, we're responsible for updating our gas safety certificates annually and wo betide anyone whose tenants have come a cropper with an electrical appliance that hasn't been PAT tested. Our own homes though, tend to be less-well cared for in terms of gas or electrical safety. I've never had my own gas supply or boiler tested while my electrics are only examined when something stops working and I have to call in an electrician. I'm sure I'm not unique in that respect... Should we all be testing our homes and appliances regularly, as we do our cars when they're put through the MOT test (and how many of us would MOT test our cars if legislation didn't force us to?) Should the Government perhaps be forcing us to regularly have our homes and appliances safety checked, by introducing legislation to that effect? Yours,
 This Week's News
Wonky walls, long lead times and heavy materials are UK kitchen installers' biggest bugbears
The team at Maxtop aims to provide products that combat common installation problems, offering lightweight, durable worktops that are supplied straight from stock to site. However, the company wanted to highlight these frustrations to those working across the trade, in hope that the industry can work together to provide solutions. Ceramic sanitaryware market worth $59.17 Billion USD by 2022
Growth in the real estate sector, increase in demand for ceramic sanitaryware from Southeast Asian countries, change in consumer preferences and a shift of manufacturing facilities to emerging economies are factors driving the growth. Wholesale Domestic set to 'go national' after breakthrough award
The family-owned company, which earlier this year opened a £3.5million new premises to support its burgeoning sales operation, fought off tough competition to win Best UK Independent Bathroom Retailer at last week's BKU Awards. Wholesale Domestic is the first Scottish company ever to win the award. Schmidt kitchens bring out natural beauty of wood, with contemporary and classic designs
French furniture specialist Schmidt has been working with this natural material for more than 80 years and its benefits are easy to appreciate. It's warm, versatile and full of heritage and artisan appeal. Tradespeople are the healthiest workers in the UK, according to new research.
Due to the nature of their job, a tradesperson is active for up to seven hours per day, burning up to 2,500 calories - more than any other type of worker. KBSA Awards finalists to be announced soon
"It is fantastic to see a great response from our members once again," says acting KBSA CEO and consultant Uwe Hanneck. "Excellence in design is an important part of the ethos for KBSA retailers and it is important that we recognise and reward it in this way." 'Creating Opportunity out of Change': embracing the conference theme
The conference, on Tuesday 17th October 2017 at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, will host its biggest line up of speakers in its 11-year history. No fewer than 13 experts have been engaged to discuss the important changes which the industry is facing. Abode's Pronteau 3 in 1 video has landed
The video gives a short summary of the Pronteau 3 in 1 video range and its benefits, so both retailers and customers can see precisely what the tap has to offer - one single, stylish monobloc tap in a variety of styles and finishes accompanied by a compact boiler, perfect for any home or small office. As the advertising strap line points out - Cold, Hot, 98º - Water the way you want it! Falmec's Noise Reduction System extractors recognised as amongst quietest on market
Quiet Mark is an international approval award programme associated with the Noise Abatement Society charity. Quiet Mark actively works to encourage brands to offer products with quiet acoustics and noise reductions solutions that positively impact our aural environment. 'Pure and Simple' with Studio Towel Warmer by Vogue (UK)
Designed to efficiently hang and dry essential bath linen, Studio is made from high quality brass which is chromed to a mirror-finish. Zip Water UK gets muddy in memory of former colleague
Completing the course in three and a half hours, the team ran the demanding, and exceptionally muddy, 10.5-mile obstacle race in aid of St Catherine's Hospice, where John was cared for. Ridgeons employees celebrate over 800 years of service
Accumulating an impressive 815 years' combined service between them, employees from 16 of the group's 26 branches, came together and joined Ridgeons' directors and family members for a dedicated celebratory lunch at the Green Light Centre in Pampisford, Cambridge. 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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