KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
26th October 2012
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International News
Products F & P Wholesale launches luxurious Diamond Collection and Refressshed brochure
Meeting the increasing demands to deliver luxurious bathroom solutions, F & P Wholesale has launched the new Fresssh Diamond Collection, which judging by its looks, is set to become one of the most desirable bathroom ranges available in the UK. US home remodelling spending set to accelerate An improving housing market and record low interest rates are driving projections of strong gains in home improvement activity through the end of the year and into the first half of 2013, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released yesterday by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
Volante sliding door system - new from ECF
Amica to introduce @micaSmart - at the heart of the kitchen
Hettich has introduced what it believes is the most comprehensive furniture fittings App to be offered in the UK. White open-zone induction hob joins intelligent cooking from Amica
Axor Starck Organic: Harmony of head and heart
Amica set to bring Red Dot winning oven to UK... if market wants it!
Business leader warns companies about investing outside established markets The head of Europe's leading employers' body has called for companies that have their principal markets in Europe to reassess the risks and opportunities of concentrating their production and service centres at locations far removed from their customers. Metropolis... just as the name suggests
Exclusive to Hafele UK, Metropolis hosts a selection of bar, bow, pull handles as well as square, classic mushroom and tapered knobs. A self sustaining solution for electronically controlled taps
Another success in the kitchen for Hi-Macs
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There's been a surprising upturn for this time of year at my weekend job/hobby selling houses. Generally, come mid-October, the market dies down as people start to gear up for Christmas, but it's got really busy lately and it's taken everyone by surprise. Speaking to my counterparts in other agencies, it's something that's being reciprocated around much of the country too - and because there are more buyers about, we're finding it easier to persuade householders that phone to enquire about the state of the market, to put their properties up for sale. I'm wondering whether it's down to the fact that much of the year has been taken up either anticipating, watching or even taking part in the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Games or the Paralympics, or perhaps it's just because we've finally got used to being in recession (just as the figures say we're out of it!) and are feeling a bit gung ho about the whole thing... I just don't know. But it appears that it's not just the housing market that's been affected, for if the latest newsletter from the UK Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is anything to go by, house refurbishment projects are on the increase too with lots of new kitchens and bathrooms being sold by Association members. Bearing in mind that generally the first thing new occupants want to change when they move into a new property is the bathroom and then the kitchen, this has to be good news all round, as what appears to be a brief upturn for the KBB market will surely continue into the Christmas period and beyond as sales of the houses now coming to market complete over the coming months and the new occupants start to put their stamp on them. Good luck everyone! Yours,
This Week's News
Soapbox: One swallow does not make a Summer Robin Chater, the Secretary-General of the Federation of European Employers, comments on the latest UK GDP figures... The UK's Office for National Statistics has just published GDP figures for Q3 2012. Although these show the UK economy to have officially grown by 1% since Q2 2012 little can be assumed from a single statistic and the continued decline of the construction sector indicates that the underlying economic condition of the UK remains very weak. Lawcris opens new doors with Hettich
 Charnwood Period Style bedroom doors look the business but don't break the budget!
 Azea launches 2013 behavioural safety training campaign for construction and utilities sectors Behavioural safety training and accident reduction specialist Azea has announced the launch of a new campaign to promote its safety training programmes aimed at improving workplace safety and reducing workplace accidents in the construction and utilities sectors throughout 2013. Abode introduces Euphoria shower pack
Ellis Furniture creates bright kitchens with the new Solar range
FIRA strengthens its testing team FIRA International has announced an investment in both staff and equipment within its world-renowned furniture testing centre.
The improvements are the result of a strategic review by new Chief Operating Office, Phil Reynolds, and are part of an ongoing programme to ensure the highest quality of service. 10 new high gloss colours from Renolit
High Gloss remains a strong market trend and the introduction of these new items provides the market with attractive, high performing products in a range of commercial colours.
The charities set to receive funds from the team includes; Help for Heroes, NSPCC, Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Tree of Hope. Carron Phoenix launches Autumn Winter retail promotion
Carron has strategically selected some key products to offer a sink option in all materials, delivering choice, quality and excellent value. IDS announces winner of its national design competition for the company's new HQ
KitchenAid teams up with baker
New appointment puts emphasis on export opportunities
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Cutting a greener deal for consumers Huge improvements in appliance performance now mean that replacing an old fridge freezer can bring the same environmental benefit as installing double-glazing according to AMDEA (The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances). The industry is calling on Government to work with it to encourage consumers to replace their old appliances and use energy saving features - to cut their electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions.  Record month for Schuller sees new record set for September
 Furniture retail quality Group publishes new guide for glass in furniture FIRA has announced the publication of a new industry Standard for glass in furniture: FIRA-FRQG G001 Glass in furniture - requirements. The document has been produced by FIRA in conjunction with the Furniture Retail Quality Group (FRQG), comprising technologists from the major retailers of furniture in the UK. It has been introduced to ensure that basic safety levels relating to glass in furniture and mirrors are maintained. Companies north of the border to get lifesaving advice Construction companies in Dumfries & Galloway are to receive potentially lifesaving advice at a free event aimed at preventing injury and ill health on site. Carron Phoenix announces the sale of its commercial business to Franke UK Carron Phoenix has agreed the sale and transfer of its commercial business to Franke UK, forming a single legal entity for the trading of both brands in the UK and Ireland markets. Symphony adds important green award to its collection
Tradesmen need to take online reputation management seriously... Negative mentions about a business or its products on the Internet could hit a company in the balance sheet, and once a company has a poor online reputation, it could spread like a virus. Companies need to take ownership of their online reputation to avoid potential disaster. |
