KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th November 2017
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 International News
Products Methven extends Aurajet range with new collection: Rua features unique square handset
British Ceramic Tile extends its feature floor collection with the launch of Retro
Roca to showcase the new Armani/Roca Baia collection at Sleep 2017
Add style to any kitchen with the Blanco Envoy tap
The elegant Envoy tap boasts a sweeping swan neck and a tall spout, while the single lever control and high-pressure supply ensures a practical and powerful flow. Its ceramic disc cartridge improves performance and longevity. British Ceramic Tile reinvents the classic metro tile with its latest V&A collaboration
Fall in love with The Amore from Triton
'Sleep Easy' with Springfield Bedroom Furniture by Daval
Primitive kitchen: back to basics with Hi-Macs
Bushboard set to change perception of bathroom wall panelling
Häfele adds the ingenious Schüco Smartcube to its UK portfolio
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Years ago, as assistant editor on Baker's Review, I was given a Dualit 4-slice toaster and a Warburton loaf at a press launch as a 'thank you for coming' gift. The toast was soon gone but the toaster went on for years, having pride of place in my kitchen where it was probably the most expensive and covetable item. It had lots of use and eventually one of the elements burnt out - and although I looked at having it replaced, it would have cost the same as a new Dualit, which I couldn't afford. So I continued using it until all but one of the four heating plates broke and I was forced to recycle the thing. Looking back, it was stupid to keep using an electrical appliance that was clearly broken. However, there was nothing in the instructions telling me what to do if one of the elements stopped working and as Google wasn't around I couldn't ask the masses for advice... If you read these leaders regularly you may be wondering whether this is another case of me making a risk assessment and deciding the appliance was safe to use, or whether it was simply the hippie in me not wanting to discard something that was still usable (or perhaps even a bit of both?). I'm not sure myself! Either way, I was lucky as my toaster didn't end up setting a tower block on fire, as the one in Belfast did this week. Expanding on thoughts in last week's leader, should we be looking at what we put on instructions, so people like me who do actually read them, know they'll only contain important information, rather than silly things such as 'Do not use toaster while in the bath'? Should we be looking at different scenarios in which users might find themselves, and gear the instructions toward those scenarios so users know they won't be wasting their time reading through them? If busy consumers are faced with the silly 'we're covering our backs' type of instruction, such as the fast food restaurant warning that the coffee's hot and may burn, we're less likely to bother taking notice and end up missing something important. Also, should the typeface be bigger, and thus more readable? And should we be telling people to unplug their appliances when not in use? Yours,
 This Week's News
Soapbox: Tribunal system overrun with claims since scrapping of fees
As a result of the changes to fees, cases are once again being brought before an employment tribunal without the need for the applicant to pay any kind of fee - resulting in a significant rise in cases. Thirty-eight stunning apartments pick Nuance for beautiful bathrooms
Darren Smith Homes is a family-run company that has been creating luxury homes for over 50 years. Proud of the company's reputation for quality and service, site agent Tony Hutton explains the thinking behind the decision to attract potential buyers with Nuance-enhanced bathrooms: BSH Home Appliances gains accreditation as a Living Wage Employer
The company is already paying its employees more than the voluntary living wage rate of £8.45 an hour, or £9.75 in London, but in achieving this accreditation has ensured that all regular contractors engaged by the company are also paid The Living Wage. LDL sponsors FDA Kitchen Design student
Currently an Assistant Designer at Room - the Blackpool-based professional bespoke kitchen, bedroom and furniture designer, Joanna has just embarked on the three year course at Bucks New University. The course has been designed in conjunction with key members of the kitchen industry in response to national training needs. Blanco sponsors Kitchen Education Trust's residential weekend
Warm up this winter with Amber Underfloor Heating
Distributed exclusively through wholesalers, retailers and retail showrooms, Amber offers the full electric underfloor heating solution. The easy-to-use products include 100W/sq.m and 150W/sq.m AmberMat heating mats, 140W/sq.m AmberDry thin heating foils for installation directly below timber-based flooring - removing the requirement for latex - and two ranges of electronic, stylish thermostats. New Easy Bathing collection from Bathstore overcomes any obstacle
Bathstore has long recognised that a bathroom is a complex and personal purchase, where the customer's wants and needs are at the heart of the journey, from inspiration to installation. Abode Althia single lever comes in a choice of six trendy finishes
New Fusion Gloss Grey grabs attention
Finished in a striking high gloss, dark grey tone, the new range is available in fitted and combination furniture configurations including full depth, slimline and L-shape designs, making it perfect for compact bathrooms. New brochure from burgbad: brimming with inspirational ideas
Recognised across Europe as a brand leader in bathroom design, burgbad, which was founded in Germany 70 years ago and is market leader in Germany now, started life as a simple woodworking company. Utopia extends and enhances Visualise online planning facility
The number of bathroom layouts available has been increased to nine, including the recent modular additions, Star, Lustre, Opula and Halo. Also available are Roseberry, You, Fitted, Symmetry and Downton. Distribution centre investment sees Roper Rhodes experience record-breaking service speeds
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clicking the link above. Recent News
SBID Awards 2017 winners revealed
 Blanco revisits Kitchen Design student one year after sponsorship
Nominations open for Tile Trader's 'Tiling for a Good Cause' campaign
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Available now: Maurice Lay Distributors new trade price guide
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