KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
27th April 2012
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International News
Products Brussels is to push for EU-wide minimum wage Yesterday, the European Commission proposed the introduction of a minimum wage in countries such as Germany - which doesn't at present have one - and raise wages where they are considered too low, according to a draft seen by EurActiv. Intelligent building technology from Hafele
This clever system consists of receivers and wireless transmitters allowing it to be retro-fitted into existing buildings with minimum fuss. Signals are transmitted via radio to each individual receiver, perfect for installing onto glass, furniture or where a lack of cabling would normally prevent the fitting of controls - such as a kitchen island for example. Gira Radio Bus is the perfect solution for any renovation and modernisation project. T: 01788 548811 Franke inspires customers with a new app
Ecobuild unites global sustainable built environment community with over 57,000 attendees
Ecobuild, the world's leading event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, brought together more than 57,000 industry professionals last month at London's ExCeL. NKBA announces the 2011/2012 Student Design Competition winners The US National Kitchen & Bath Association has this week announced the 10 winners of the 2011/2012 NKBA Student Design Competition, which offers more than $10,000 in scholarships and prizes. The winners will be awarded at the NKBA Design Competition Awards event nextTuesday, April 24th at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held at Chicago's McCormick Place This prominent industry event will also recognise the professional designers who created the best kitchens and baths of the past year. The event is an exclusive event available only to the press, top designers, and select industry insiders. Mike Campbell writes about the opening of Sally UK Shower Equipment's UK Office
After five years at its headquarters in Canary Wharf, London, The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers is moving to new offices east of the capital. Inta lobbies on behalf of the Water Label
kbb Birmingham exceeded expectations and really delivered A press release issued by the organisers of KBB Birmingham echoes what we've been saying ourselves; that the show was a great success, there was a real air of optimism from exhibitors and visitors alike and those that decided not to support it this year, definitely missed out.
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Welcome to the
With figures released this week showing that our economy is not doing that well and local elections taking place in some areas next week, many of us have been paying closer attention to the various parties' manifestos - although as we know from past experience, the promises and subsequent delivery are often somewhat different! Following the inclusion of UKIP's Nick Farage on this week's Question Time and the realisation that the party is finally being taken seriously by the establishment, I felt it was time to visit the party's website. There was lots of interest to read but three items in the manifesto warrant mention here: the undertaking to cut council waiting lists by filling empty properties, a promise to cut VAT on the refurbishment of existing buildings and a commitment to reduce the red tape that is so damaging to our businesses. Add to this the pledge to provide free parking in London all day on Sundays (allowing potential customers the chance to park up virtually anywhere to browse any of the industry's showrooms they might come upon) and this could be good news for the KBB industry. What do you think? Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
New homes figures reveal continuing public/private sector divide Figures released today by NHBC have shown the gap between private and public sector registrations to build new homes in the UK continues to widen, with social housing showing a 54% decrease for March 2012, compared to March last year (2,460 - 5,330). TTA Awards: a night to remember
10 kitchen and bath trends and treatments to inspire The National Kitchen & Bath Association reveals the prevailing trends seen in the 2012 NKBA Design Competition Out of the nearly 500 designs submitted to the 2012 NKBA Design Competition, rose some presiding themes. Fixtures, finishes, materials, colour palettes, technology, shapes, focal points and overall geometry are a few among the complex considerations that talented creative-thinkers factor into their plans when generating a room design. Be inspired and enjoy examples of ten trends and treatments to inspire! Rangemaster and Articad: design online for the world renowned range cookers
FIRA members WCFM Sustainability Award success
LDL launches new, large capacity Wesco waste system
Markey Group unveils £1.1m biomass facility
Maytag launches new tumble dryer with a A-50% energy efficiency
Designed and engineered to perform exceptionally well, every detail of the drying process has been carefully assessed and improved to save our natural resources. Its ultra-efficiency is attained using compressed refrigerant gas, which is circulated around a closed circuit and passed through a heat exchanger where the gas is condensed, releasing the heat rapidly and efficiently. This highly effective system equates to exceptional energy savings, making the Maytag tumble dryer 50% more efficient than an A-energy rated dryer. Luxury bed-maker wins Queen's Award for Excellence
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