KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
2nd November 2012
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International News
Products Lawcris opens new doors with Hettich
Charnwood Period Style bedroom doors look the business but don't break the budget!
Abode introduces Euphoria shower pack
Ellis Furniture creates bright kitchens with the new Solar range
10 new high gloss colours from Renolit
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
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Bearing in mind that I can't actually recall ever having bought a kitchen appliance from anywhere other than Comet, it was a bit of a personal shock to learn this week that the company is about to go into administration - despite all the warnings there have been and the closure last year of a number of stores and service centres. Of course I'll be able to source my next appliance from another store but I'm not quite sure where I'll go to see the vast choice of products my nearest Comet superstore currently offers. But at least I'm not looking for a new job... I gather also that Homebase is planning to close some stores over the coming year - which is where lots of my friends go to look for new kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. I have to admit that I refused to shop in my local out-of-town Homebase superstore for many years after it opened because I felt it was taking away business from the town centre - and of course we all know how much our local High Streets are suffering, don't we? Admittedly the out of town retail parks are only one cause of the problem and I'm glad that the move to revitalise our ailing High Streets is gaining momentum (see more below). As someone whose first Saturday job was in a hardware store weighing out nails, manually cutting keys and dispensing bottles of paraffin, etc, one of the objections I had to these superstores was that they would eventually cut down our choice. I believe I was right when it comes to the big DIY stores but I'll admit that I was wrong about the large retailers of electrical goods, such as Comet, which gave shoppers a vast choice to examine. One appliance I've never entertained but which I'm now warming to the idea of, is the tumble dryer. I'm a bit of a fanatic when it comes to looking after the environment so have steered clear of them in favour of the old-fashioned washing line in the back garden when the weather permits. However, the rain we've had for much of the year means that mine has become one of the 87% of households that often dries washing inside, in the living areas and the study by the Mackintosh School of Architecture which hit the news today, has made me think twice! The researchers found that many homes have health-threatening amounts of moisture and up to a third of this is attributed to drying laundry. The fact that one load of washing can emit two litres of water explains why my house can sometimes feel a little less than comfortable...The researchers have called on architects and housebuilders to design dedicated drying areas with heating and ventilating into new housing, but in the meantime - and for those of use that don't wish to move house, I can see a run on retailers' stocks of tumble dryers!
Yours,
This Week's News
Construction weakness continues in October amid further fall in new work
Bushboard unleashes potential of quartz worksurfaces with pioneering M-Stone range
With market-leading laminate and solid surface brands under its belt, Bushboard is extending its offer with a man-made quartz worksurface brand, titled M-Stone, enabling it compete in the granite sector for the first time.  More than a year after the introduction of the government's ambitious Work Programme, the CIPD warns today that it needs to build on the scheme's early progress by increasing awareness and understanding of the scheme amongst employers. FIRA and UK Trade & Investment successfully launch Furniture Export Hub The Furniture Industry Research Association and UK Trade & Investment UKTI have successfully recently launched the FIRA Furniture Export Hub, an online reference hub for those within the furniture industry looking to export products or expertise to overseas markets. Lakes Bathrooms reintroduces stone resin trays
Mereway Kitchens launches Premium Partners programme
CRL launches 6K Hydrophobic Surface Protection System - it isn't like other glass coatings!
Whirlpool's Eco Monitor guarantees energy optimisation
Hepplewhite launches retailer days Bedroom manufacturer Hepplewhite has announced a series of retailer days to launch its new brochure and price list. Four events will take place across the UK in December providing an opportunity for retailers to receive details of the latest updates and improvements to the extensive product ranges. Tim Gent, Hepplewhite national sales manager, says: "We are proud of our reputation of providing unrivalled customer service to our retailers. Bringing retailers together in this fashion gives us a unique opportunity to engage and receive feedback. It also allows them to meet with like-minded retailers and this makes this type of event well attended and enjoyable.
Featuring waterfall-effect flow technology, the contemporary Rio brassware range is sure to make a statement in any bathroom. An ultra slim cube-like handle combined with distinctive regal spout, shouts of cutting-edge design with high consumer appeal. Franke welcomes new Northern Regional Sales Manager
Plumbline stores to become Plumbase Leading plumbing and heating merchant Plumbase is rebranding its Plumbline stores across Scotland to 'Plumbase' during a national rollout of its new brand identity. A total of 19 Plumbline stores will be rebranded as part of the business initiative. BTCC season closes with success for Gorenje-sponsored driver
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
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. |
