KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
4th November 2011
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International News
Products US home remodelling activity to remain weak through first half of 2012
CRL's new Serenity sliding frameless shower door appears to float into place
New technology cabinets from HiB
Hi-Macs is key to superb wetroom design
Whirlpool wins International Design & Architecture Award
Whirlpool has won an International Design & Architecture Award for its stunning Nova American-style, side-by-side fridge freezer. KitchenAid's Vacuum Machine has the 'Chef Touch'
Proper food preservation has not only become an increasingly important issue but also an essential science. With its built-in Vacuum Machine, premium manufacturer KitchenAid has produced a remarkably versatile product that preserves food up to three times longer than traditional methods to maintain organoleptic properties, nutrients, taste and colour.
At the recent Cersaie show, Glass Idromassaggio, the dynamic wellbeing producer from Italy, presented Naked, a highly original collection of baths designed by Giopato & Coombes. 50 grassroots rugby teams given new kits & chance to train with England
A total of 50 schools and junior rugby clubs throughout the UK are being given the chance to win the prize of a lifetime - a training day with the England rugby team. The teams, which have already won themselves an Ultimate Kit & Laundry Package, which includes 22 bespoke Samurai kits and a top-of-the range AEG 9 series washing machine and tumble dryer, will compete against each other to gain the most votes for a chance to learn to kick like Wilkinson, lead a team like Moody or cross the try line like Ashton. |
Welcome to the
The Confederation of British Industry's latest Monthly Distributive Trades Survey, reports that retail sales are down on year ago, falling at a similar pace to August and September's sales. The decline has stabilised, however, with retailers expecting there to be some very modest growth this month in the build-up to Christmas. They'd better make their sales quickly! Only two weeks ago I was working from my laptop in my garden but now the sound of my keyboard contact is being drowned out by the tapping of rain that doesn't seem to have stopped for two days. The east coast of the US has seen severe early snowfall and all forecasts point to similar weather hitting us in the UK before the end of the month and keep plaguing us for much of the Winter. The past two Winters have seen Arctic weather cause havoc for British businesses due to the disruption. Heavy snow means we're unable to get to the shops and staff can't get to work. It can trigger power and heating failures. Yes we can buy on-line but goods won't be delivered. That in itself is going to damage our industry but of course it may get far worse than that... According to data from YouGov's Omnibus SME survey, 13% of small businesses said they were 'seriously' impacted by last winter's bad weather and 37% said they experienced weather-related problems of some sort. The Forum of Private Business says SMEs can be particularly vulnerable to the impact of freak weather and should start planning ahead by checking their premises are winter-proof, insurance is up to date and contingency plans are well-thought-out in case staff can't get in to work. Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
UK construction: Activity growth at five-month high despite deteriorating housing sector The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index registered a five-month high of 53.9 in October, up from 50.1 in September. The study showed that despite business confidence being at its lowest for nearly three years, the growth of new business is supporting a faster rise in output . Input price inflation has also picked up sharply.
Blum UK Marketing Director, David Sanders, says that "functional cabinets" are the way to go: "We buy a refrigerator or an oven for a specific purpose, so why shouldn't every kitchen cabinet have a specific storage purpose," he asks. Livery Company launches new sustainability award for British furniture manufacturers The efforts of British furniture manufacturers to become greener are to be recognised by a new annual award from the industry's Livery company, the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. Aquadi leading way with handleless bathroom doors
A hero product within its brand new Lindo Collection range, the San Marco gloss white 22mm thick door is leading the way in contemporary styling, with its clean lines and sensational finish that is achieved with an integrated handle available in both fitted and modular furniture. NHBC Foundation publication showcases international comparisons of CO2 emissions As a measure of success, the UK is beyond its target to meet the carbon emissions set out in the Kyoto protocol, according to a new publication by the NHBC Foundation. Comparing 20 countries around the world, the 2011 edition of the Zero Carbon Compendium aims to create a better understanding of the issues surrounding the delivery of low and zero carbon housing, which is set to play a crucial part in global emission reductions. Methven Tahi twin-lever tapware wins Design Award Gold Certificate
New design event to showcase cutting edge concepts and materials The launch of the new design show 'W12 - Working with Design', will be an important national event for KBB designers , manufacturers and retailers alike. W12 Working with Design is already a fast booking event scheduled for October 2012 at the NEC. It will run alongside the well established W12 Working with Wood technology exhibition for the furniture industry. Kompact solution to single and double panel radiators from MHS
Backstage battle over energy efficiency directive Targets proposed in the EU's draft energy efficiency directive are being contested by member states, with Britain and the Netherlands pushing for some provisions to be deleted entirely, reports EurActiv. Amica's Platinum collection joins the set of Hollyoaks
AMDEA celebrates the accomplishments of Uwe Hanneck
Simon Bailey joins Lakes Bathrooms
PJH pedal power helps 'Get Jed Mobile'
Leisure Sinks reaches new heights in Dorset
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. News in Brief Hotpoint will launch its premium built-in Luce collection to consumers at Masterchef Live next weekend. www.mastercheflive.com Bosch Small Appliances brings its food mixers and kitchen machines to the BBC's Winter Good food Show (Nov 23rd - 27th) www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com The latest addition to Caple's Classic tap range, Kontro's monobloc features two crosshead handles. T: 0117 938 1900 How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
The Tile Association shows support for 'Cut The VAT' campaign The Tile Association has announced its support for the 'Cut The VAT' campaign, adding its name to an ever growing list of organisations encouraging the UK Government to reduce VAT on all home repair, maintenance and improvement work from 20% to 5%. Intervari signs exclusive UK distribution deal with Mobalco
TTA invites nominations for 2012 Awards The Tile Association has announced that it is now inviting nominations for the 2012 TTA Awards. The event, which will be taking place on Saturday, 21st April 2012 at the Hilton Hotel in Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre complex, rewards the products, people, businesses and projects in the tile industry. Energy Saving Week highlights new 'intelligent' heating control This isn't KBB as such but is very topical right now and offers qualified tradespeople who fit kitchens and bathrooms the opportunity to provide an extra service and earn some extra money too. Plus we're all in the business of saving energy... UK taxman urges employers to ditch 'A N Other' UK Employers are being urged to get their PAYE paperwork in order, after more than 500 returns incorrectly claimed to employ 'A N Other' in 2009/10. New format a success for KBSA AGM
A new format for the The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association's AGM was warmly welcomed by members and judged a great success by those who attended the event on 4th October. Suppliers receive their awards
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association presented the KBSA supplier awards at the recent 2011 kbbr Kitchen Conference. The awards recognise excellence in those companies that supply products to KBSA retailers and are the only awards of their kind that represent the views of retailers and not a panel of judges. New AMA report provides major review of the UK Shower Market
The UK shower equipment market has an estimated value of around £438 million at Manufacturers Selling Prices in 2011. This represents a moderate increase of around 1% when compared to the market size in 2010 and reflects the continuing fragility of the UK economy. Marketing
The Baumatic Autumn collection of promotions is here
Atag extends popular promotions Atag, the Dutch company famous for its technologically advanced built-in kitchen appliances exclusively available to the kitchen specialist, has extended its excellent Summer offers until the end of the year. |
