KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th March 2012
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International News
Products Award winning quality and design
NKBA reveals top kitchen & bath trends for 2012 More than 350 National Kitchen & Bath Association member designers took part in the 2012 NKBA Design Trends Survey in the US to cite the materials, product types and styles that they've incorporated into their kitchen and bath designs over the final three months of 2011. While broad trends won't be evident in every local market, the following are 10 overall trends for kitchens and baths across the United States and Canada.
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Welcome to the
Wow! What a show! What a lovely industry! Yes, John and I are back from KBB Birmingham 2012, which we're delighted to say was a real success. All the exhibitors to whom we spoke were very enthusiastic about the numbers and quality of visitors (we always know they've been really busy when they start the conversation with, "I've not been to the loo/sat down/had anything to eat or drink since I the show opened this morning" and there was plenty of that) and it was clear that there have been a lot of new business start ups recently, with the business owners flocking to the show to see what's available, what's new and to get advice on how the go about building their businesses. There was so much on show that inspired and amazed that it's been hard to know what to include in our show review. We've decided that rather than skim over everything and perhaps as a result not do it justice, we'd split our review to run over the next three weeks, so if we spoke to you and took your picture but you can't see our report here, don't despair as it will be included either next week or the one after. And if you're on the retail, architectural, specification or consultancy side, watch this space as we have some truly wonderful innovation to share with you! Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Winners of the KBB Review Awards 2012 announced at dazzling ceremony
The annual awards, now in their 18th year, were held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham, with a 'magic' theme, and were hosted by Rory Bremner, the renowned TV impressionist and comedian. Drawers, doors and lifting systems - a study into the real usage of kitchens FIRA Project Manager, Sue Calver, presented the findings of a study into the real usage of kitchens at kbb 2012 on Monday.
The FIRA funded study for Blum, has looked into how real-life kitchens are used and the impact this has on the design, manufacture and installation of furniture fittings. The project aimed to review data relating to the usage of drawers, doors and lifting systems within real kitchens. The study compared how kitchens within the UK are used in comparison to kitchen usage in Europe - particularly Austria.
Sensio offers clever power solutions as well as lighting
BMA and B&Q team up at Show to help industry 'talk clearly' to consumers The Bathroom Manufacturers Association and DIY retailer B&Q have announced following KBB Birmingham that they are to collaborate on a new piece of research into how the industry should communicate with consumers about saving water.
The Genesi range showcases bright and bold statement colours that I loved - but there was something for every taste as the Ascot range features deep and natural colours. Certain models of the new built-in ovens feature Steel's new and innovative combi-steam function, for flexible and healthy cooking.
The Mosaic Bath Company specialises in creating beautiful, hand crafted, individually designed mosaic roll top baths and the small selection Andy Wood and the team had brought to the show was stopping visitors in their tracks - wow!
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Growth of construction sector activity accelerates to 11-month high
* Stronger expansion of new business supports rise in output * Employment falls, but only marginally * Business confidence reaches a nine-month high February data signalled a solid rise in the UK construction sector output, extending the current sequence of growth to 14 months. The stronger expansion in activity was supported by a sharp rise in new work intakes. However, accelerated growth of both new business and output were insufficient to prevent a fall in employment. Meanwhile, a fourth successive improvement in confidence was indicated. Management buyout for Waterfront Bathrooms
 Kitchen Retailer Exchange at Blum
 InstallerLive and the HHIC join forces
Major new TV series seeks Britain's most colourful and unconventional workplaces BAFTA award winning documentary company Dragonfly Film and Television, maker of super hit shows The Hotel and One Born Every Minute is looking to produce a feel-good documentary series that profiles remarkable businesses to find out what working life is like in a 21st century British workplace. Protection vital in volatile market, warns KBSA The news that the Homeform Group will not pay out on any customer warranties or guarantees has prompted the national trade association for the kitchen bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, to warn consumers that it is still vital to buy from retailers that offer financial protection. New standard for furniture hardware The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced the publication of a new standard for furniture hardware: 'BS EN 15939: 2011 Hardware for furniture. Strength and loading capacity of wall attachment devices'. BMA's delight in welcoming new member - Dietsche Roman Dietsche Gmbh, the well-respected German bathroom products manufacturer, has become the latest recruit to the expanding Bathroom Manufacturers Association. Ecobuild is just four weeks away Ecobuild, the world's biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, opens in exactly a month and the organisers are promising: KBSA welcomes back three members Highlighting the value of belonging to a professional association, especially in a tough economic climate, the Kitchen Bathroom Specialists Association has announced the return of three previous members. New qualification created for domestic refrigeration engineers
Amica, Liebherr and the Whitegoods Trade Association are lending support and financial sponsorship to the process of creating A Qualification Route for Domestic Refrigeration Service Engineers. New courses cover kitchen & bathroom design principles and project management The NTG has announced two new design courses for 2012. They will be delivered in a collaboration between EQ Software, the NTG (National Training Group) and the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Bathroom Academy. These two day courses are aimed at professional kitchen or bathroom designers as well as new entrants into the kbb market. Anthony Nolan named Belling's centenary year charity
British kitchen manufacturer Belling is hoping to raise at least £10,000 for pioneering stem cell charity, Anthony Nolan, after naming it Charity of the Year as part of its centenary celebrations. People
Tyldesley tiler named as leading professional
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