KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
11th November 2011
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International News
Products
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
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. Methven Tahi twin-lever tapware wins Design Award Gold Certificate
Kompact solution to single and double panel radiators from MHS
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
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Welcome to the
Since becoming Editor of KBZine almost three years ago I've marvelled at some of the slick marketing campaigns those in the KBB industry have come up with, together with the beautifully written press releases that inspire us to seek out new furniture, fittings and appliances for our homes and workplaces. I can recall in the early days, sending a snippet of eloquence across to John Austen, with a note saying something like, "I love this!" His reply that we were going to like this industry echoed my feelings and I have to say, we have not been disappointed. When a reader sent me this article from the Daily Mail I took one look at the picture and thought, "Yes - you've done it again!" but on closer look see that you've missed a trick! 'Who left the taps running?' is not a marketing play by one of the clued-up manufacturers or PR outfits, but a huge fibreglass tap making up a collection of artworks in the 'Sculpture of the Sea' exhibition by Simon McGrath along Bondai Beach in Sydney, Australia, which is designed to highlight the environmental impact of humans on the planet. I'm glad that this is something the KBB industry has already committed to, with its determination to reduce our consumption of both energy and water and I really hope that today and all its ceremonies and gatherings will help to bring peace to this world and more care from all of us, for Mother Earth and all its riches. Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Latest ONS construction industry output figures released today
The bulletin reveals that: NKBA Market Report : "Although optimism is faded, revenues continue to rise" The National Kitchen & Bath Association released the results of the US Kitchen & Bath Market Report for the third quarter, reflecting a rise in showroom traffic and an increase in kitchen remodels from one year ago. Although the number of bathroom remodels declined from the second quarter, results show a significant increase over the bathroom sales of a year ago. Atag launches 2012 range at annual House Show
FIRA - CMA achieves renowned testing accreditation The Furniture Industry Research Association's Hong Kong furniture testing facility, FIRA-CMA Testing Services, is celebrating after achieving accreditation to the International Standard ISO 17025 from the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme for Physical and Mechanical Testing. New brochure and new collection from Lakes Bathrooms
AEG Neue Kollektion picks up nine iF Design Awards The iF Product Design Awards are amongst the most prestigious design awards in the world. This year, Electrolux has won a total of nine of the iF awards for its AEG Neue Kollektion products. The winning appliances were selected by an international jury who sifted through 2,923 entries from 48 countries. The winning appliances were assessed on the level of innovation, functionality, quality and ecological compatibility. The Hanover International Forum Design quality seal went to AEG appliances across all product categories.
The width range starts at 450mm and goes through 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm to 1300mm (which is a double basin). The 800mm is an asymmetrical basin. Birmingham tradesman fined over asbestos release A Birmingham handyman has been prosecuted after releasing asbestos fibres while refurbishing a kitchen at a flat in Solihull. Inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive found William Rogers, a carpenter and general handyman, had removed partition walls containing asbestos insulating board at the premises in Masons Way, Olton, in January 2011. Women cook better living with a partner
FIRA leads the way on cutting carbon footprint of furniture industry The Furniture Industry Research Association will be sharing the findings of a key furniture industry research project that has assessed the feasibility of providing the UK furniture industry with product carbon footprint benchmarks. The event, which is open to those within the furniture industry, will be held on Tuesday 6th December, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, between 10.00 and 16.00. Carron Phoenix broadens appeal of Sapphira sink range with classic white
Kenmore introduces hybrid water softener and whole-home water filter With recent conversations and news highlighting water conditions, it's natural that Americans seek the highest in water quality in their homes. Today, the Kenmore brand is offering a comprehensive, household approach to water solutions that together, make water at home cleaner and better tasting while extending the life of the home's appliances. Leisure Sinks' new Spa Filter tap offers ultimate convenience
CornerTape SiliconePro marks introduction of sealant to CORGIdirect The latest products from the award-winning sealant-taming brand, CornerTape, are now available from CORGIdirect - the trusted supplier of essential gas-related product and services. The recently-launched SiliconeKit bundles together a range of CornerTape products as a complete toolbox for the removal, preparation and replacement of silicone joints in bathrooms and kitchens and contains a Silicone Remover Tool for sensitive surfaces along with a Silicone & Grout Remover Tool, a Residue Remover Brush, four dedicated Preparation Wipes, a roll of CornerTape for joints 6mm wide and a Silicone Forming Kit as well as an instruction DVD. 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 Congratulations to Zehnder whose new Fina radiator has achieved 'Best Product of 2011' in the Plus X Awards. T: 01252 531207 The KBSA has welcomed Perrin & Rowe as corporate member E: [email protected] / www.kbsa.org.uk Whirlpool's latest washing machine offers a new low temperature colours programme to care for your laundry colours even better than before T: 0208 649 5000 Steel has introduced a powerful six-zone induction hob to its range cookers - the Genesi G10FF-61. E [email protected] How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent 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. 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. Amica's Platinum collection joins the set of Hollyoaks
Leisure Sinks reaches new heights in Dorset
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. People
AMDEA celebrates the accomplishments of Uwe Hanneck
Marketing
The Baumatic Autumn collection of promotions is here
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