KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th May 2012
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International News
Products Hafele's new Kato handle range is fast and easy to fit
Hettich opens the way to better sliding doors
Vado sponsors World Cycle Tour
Daring Dynamos are planning to visit some of Vado's international customers during the tour, which is expected to last approximately two years. Karonia launches new Mistral brochure
Leisure Sinks range installed in Stratford Halo Project
Gorenje sponsors BTCC Pro racing driver
BMA's WEPLS 'Water Label' is adopted in Europe
A single Water Label for taps, shower valves and shower heads moves a step closer. Trade Associations from a number of European countries representing the tap, shower valves and handsets industry, together with major European manufacturers, have completed the first phase in the development of a single Water Label for bathroom products. CCS passes £60 million in Q1 2012 Consumer Credit Solutions the home improvement market credit broker, achieved over £60 million of approved loans during the first quarter of 2012. The spectacular figure puts the business on track to achieve a quarter of a billion pounds of approved loans in 2012. |
Regular readers of KBZine may recall my leader last November in which I discussed an exhibition taking place along Sydney's Bondai Beach (sadly not one I'd visited!) which featured a giant fibreglass tap. I said I'd initially thought it was part of a slick marketing campaign by someone in the KBB industry but it turned out that 'Who left the taps running?' was simply part of an exhibition designed to highlight the environmental impact humans have on our planet. Well here's a thought... As a story in this week's news explains, an opportunity has arisen for the industry to get involved with transforming a neglected London dock into a'creative hub'. My mind is racing and I hope yours is too! The link between bringing one of London's waterways back into public use and the urgent need to conserve water is a highly pertinent one. I rekon this could be one opportunity that is too good to miss... Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
EU Policymakers weigh options for water pricing Putting a price on water is essential to encourage savings but EU policymakers are cautious not to spark a social backlash with a one-size-fits-all solution. "Pay more if you use more" is, however, a model which could work, the MEP in charge of water issues told EurActiv. Figures show public sector house building still low, but private sector making progress Figures released today by NHBC have shown public sector registrations to build new homes in the UK are still below last year's figures. New home registration figures for the public sector during the rolling quarter February to April 2012 were 49% down, compared to the same time last year (5,867 - 11,521).  Thames Water has donated 2.5 acres of property in a bid to help a new property-focused crowdfunding website raise thousands of pounds to transform a neglected London dock into a creative hub ahead of the Olympics. An east London charity is aiming to open the dock, located between Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park, before the games start this Summer. Annual Bathroom Conference: booking now Bookings are now being taken for the Annual Bathroom Conference, which is taking place on 9th October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire and is open to everyone in the KBB Industry. The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Yvonne Orgill tells us that places are filling up - so do book soon to make sure you don't miss on this popular event, which promises to be even better than last year
This variety of contemporary designs incorporates elements of soft curves and straight lines bringing natural and man-made materials into the home. Dimplex launches online guide to green energy We knew Dimplex was an expert in electric heating, but what we didn't know is that it is also a market leader in renewable energy solutions, with what the company says is the widest range of heat pumps available in the UK. Now the company is sharing its expertise with the launch of a handy new website to guide everyone through all the green heating and hot water options that are available.
Running until 15th June 2012, the promotion includes substantial discounts on key Peka products such as the pull-out larder, Magic Corner unit and 150mm interior pull-out. Also on special offer are showroom display packs featuring kMix small appliances, Wesco kitchen bins and accessories, and the new Circulon professional pan sets. All four packs represent considerable savings individually and can also be bought together at an additional discount. Ultero - the new professional tap from Abode
With its cutting edge, up-to-the-minute creative styling, this tall, slim tap is designed to complement a contemporary kitchen without dominating the space. Beauty above and below the surface as Okite showcases Italian style and quality
New built-under fridge and freezer complete cooling line-up
UC150.3 Built-Under Larder Fridge (pictured below) features: British Ceramic Tile launches The Colour Compendium
Designed and made right here in the UK, this new collection is a complete range of coloured ceramic wall tiles in gloss, satin and textured finishes. Available in a versatile 148 x 148mm size, in over 60 on trend colours, these high quality tiles have premium glazes and a durable white body, with a shade to suit every tiling project. Andrew Bentley joins Ambiance Bain as UK National Sales Manager
New Advantage 400 dishwasher joins catering equipment range
"Space is almost always an issue in cafes but clever design solutions can increase food display areas, storage capacity and refrigeration whilst still making room for some extra cooking equipment - and all without reducing customer seating," advises the company's John Nelson. Caple's Saraya Chestnut & Hazelnut kitchen brings the outside in
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Apollo continues to drive safety message home As one of the UK's largest retailers of made-to-measure blinds and shutters, Apollo Blinds is at the forefront of the industry's efforts to raise awareness of dangers relating to looped blind cords and is launching a campaign to drive the message home. Smart Systems' free online sales enquiry, quoting & ordering facility is seriously faster! Due to the increasing uptake by retailers creating the need for larger storage facilities, KBBConnect, by Smart Systems, has now upgraded to a more advanced Cloud hosting service provider. In addition to significantly increasing individual storage capacity, add yet further layers of security and give even greater reliability, it can also provide Internet connection speeds up to 50 times faster.  Scotland welcomes KBSA at successful regional meeting
Are you ready for an inspection? Following recent news that the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is launching a series of surprise inspections on high risk work environments, workplace equipment provider Slingsby has compiled a checklist to help businesses stay on the right side of the law. The Kitchen & Bedroom Showroom, Bournemouth, 'very responsible' The Furniture Ombudsman has highlighted The Kitchen & Bedroom Showroom as a kitchen retailer that is acting as a very responsible retailer within the Bournemouth area. Ian Kershaw appointed TTA Chairman
Building contractor fined after carpenter's fingers severed A Tower Hamlets-based building contractor has been fined after a worker's hand was severely injured by an unguarded power tool. Applications for ‘2012 Architect in the House’ initiative, now open Property owners across the UK are being invited to sign up for the 2012 Architect in the House initiative, devised by housing charity Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and sponsored by insulation specialist Rockwool. Leading UK bathroom supplier enters Forum’s late payment Hall of Shame
A leading UK producer of bathroom products has been entered in to the Forum of Private Business’s late payment ‘Hall of Shame’ after it increased its payment times from 30 to 60 days. Tile Depot has been confirmed as the newest member of The Tile Association. With TTA's membership rapidly expanding, companies operating within the wall and floor tile industry continue to see the importance of being a member of an organisation which promotes professionalism and technical standards in the tiling industry, as well as providing technical support to both members and their customers. People
ECF strengthens sales & marketing teams
Literature
Innovative price pledge coincides with new product book
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