KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd December 2020
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 International News
Products Verona releases new statement tiles to bring new design potential to walls and floors
VitrA launches V-Care Prime: the latest innovation in smart WC technology designed by Arik Levy
Pronorm maximises space to provide 10% more storage with new Proline128+ range
Sleek new Sarenna is Marbled with style
Russell Hobbs launches stylish Midnight Collection
Boiler and service upgrade makes this the best Pronteau yet
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I finished my last Leader saying I was hoping to share good news with you and although I have some, it’s not quite what I’d planned. With Brexit and Covid threatening food supplies I knew I’d be foolish to risk going without a fridge freezer any longer than the two months I’d already suffered, so set about finding the highest capacity, affordable appliance, that fitted the space, which could be delivered quickly - still determined to deal with the companies that had let me down. Because of time constraints, I used an online supplier serving many manufacturers and found an appliance advertised at 402 litres. After an online chat to check specifications – including capacity, I ordered it. Knowing how tough it is for couriers at the moment, I told mine I’d unpack the appliance. Once finished, I realised it had far less capacity than advertised. I don’t know how long the call to customer services took but it was part of the two-hours plus I’ve been on the phone to them over the past 11 days. A complaint form instructed that I upload pictures of me measuring the interior of both compartments. The form wouldn’t allow me to upload, but while I was once again on the phone to them, I checked the manufacturer’s website and discovered that the advertisement was incorrect by 106 litres! Being in a hurry, I incurred my family’s wrath by buying a more expensive appliance whilst complaining about the wrongly advertised one, arranging simultaneous collection/delivery. The couriers couldn’t collect though because of Covid regulations and complained that the supplier had known this for a long time - and that it was booking them in to install washing machines – also against regulations. I sent them away with my new appliance and told the supplier to remove the other one pronto, whilst refunding me in full. The shenanigans didn’t stop there and I haven’t shared the half of it! What I will say is that despite many conversations and emails highlighting the issue, the appliance is STILL on the website advertised as being 402 rather than 296 litres, 11 days after I first pointed out the error! My good news is that I ordered from the manufacturer instead and have nothing but praise for appliance and service received. You can read how I’ve mastered the new technology in January as well as how my complaints with the other suppliers/repairer have been handled. Meanwhile, I hope your Christmas is good and that you get to spend time with those who are important to you. Yours,
 This Week's News
Buildbase and The Range have become the latest high profile retailers to adopt the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk platform for their retail kitchen and bathroom operations - an installation service with a number of unique features to protect both installers and their customers.
Futurebuild postponed to March 2022
“Futurebuild 2022 will elevate innovation, showcasing the products, solutions and ideas that will deliver the transformational change needed to address climate change,” says Martin Hurn, event director. Bespoke kitchen maker is Northern Design Awards finalist
The awards honour the most highly regarded designers, architects and retailers in the North of England, with a strong judging panel, including Linda Barker and Wayne Hemingway. Tim Spann from Keller Kitchens rounds up 2020 - and looks forward to 2021
“2020 has been a challenging year for Keller and the kitchen industry in general in the UK; yet we have been delighted with the huge levels of business - in particular, since the mid-point of the year. The second half of 2020 exceeded all expectations by a considerable margin. Europe-wide campaign launched to promote The Unified Water Label #dontforgettheplug
The campaign entitled 'PLUG' is based around a slogan of #dontforgettheplug and includes key messages to promote the benefits of supporting the Unified Water Label - as seen here: Ergonomic appliances that don't compromise looks are essential for aging population
However, the evolution of our lifestyle means we will be more active than ever before. Here, Mark Elmore, Vice President Design and Brand at Fisher & Paykel, explores the need for functional and practical products for those reaching retirement and beyond. Lakes goes above and beyond to achieve Carbon Neutral Plus status
Lakes was awarded the Carbon Footprint Standard in March 2019. Since then, the company has gone above and beyond to reduce its carbon emissions even further, offsetting more CO2 emissions in 2019 than its UK operations generated. HiB goes extra mile to raise money as part of Around the World fundraising challenge
Since January, staff from across HiB have been running, walking and cycling in their local areas to keep the miles rolling in and increase the total distance travelled. Contemporary bathroom solutions by Britton
The complete collection is exceptionally crafted with clever features to suit a variety of design preferences and bathroom sizes.
SanigreaseT24 is designed for mobile use. This small, lightweight (4kg) unit can be installed under one sink and is ideal for food trucks. Intelligent cooking leads the way with Caple's new C990i induction hob
Product manager Luke Shipway explains: "Our new induction hob is so intuitive it will detect the pan size area and continue the timer if it is set. We've also added an incredible TFT touch screen, which uses a clever combination of TFT, LCD display and touch technology to allow you to easily select cooking options on a beautiful, full colour display." European Promotion for VitrA's Margaret Talbot
Haier launches a new 49-bottle Wine Cooler
A humidity control system that keeps the unit within the 50-70% threshold thanks to a natural air flow, protection from external vibrations, the use of 3D LED lights to save energy and an anti-UV door to ensure the correct level of lighting, are just some of the technologies introduced within this new product.
Foyne Jones appoints Paul Da Silva, as its new KBB development consultant
Bringing unrivalled experience and already established connections for the company to draw upon, Paul will be responsible for acquiring and maintaining key accounts across the North of England, Midlands and Scotland. 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
The Used Kitchen Company launches lockdown initiative with KBSA
Unified Water Label features in energy Saving Trust's Top 10 Campaign
BiKBBI welcomes Anthill as latest sponsor
Insinkerator sees sales spike due to increased demand for kitchen hygiene
This has led to consumers re-evaluating their homes to ensure they meet a wider range of needs, including enhancing the kitchen to support the increase in home cooking and being more hygienic. As a result, InSinkErator has witnessed a spike in sales of its range of food waste disposers. BiKBBI and BMA cement international relationships
Vast majority of Brits have no idea how much water they use each day
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