KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th November 2012
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International News
Products Bushboard unleashes potential of quartz worksurfaces with pioneering M-Stone range
Lakes Bathrooms reintroduces stone resin trays
CRL launches 6K Hydrophobic Surface Protection System - it isn't like other glass coatings!
Whirlpool's Eco Monitor guarantees energy optimisation
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
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A press release I received last week for use in KBzine's sister publication, The Cleanzine, quoted research which showed that one in 10 bank cards and one in seven bank notes are contaminated with faecal matter. Other well-used plastic items, such as computer keyboards, telephones, door handles, etc, are also often similarly contaminated and this is nearly always from the human hand... indeed the researchers reported faecal contamination on an incredible 26% of the hands they tested! Anti-bacterial plastic is relatively inexpensive and easy to produce and there is a real case for it to be introduced as widely as possible, in areas where bacterial contamination can spread from one person to another. For although the thought of touching faeces deposited by someone else is enough to put anyone off their lunch, we mustn't forget that picking up someone else's germs can actually kill us. I'm aware that some companies in the KBB industry are using anti-microbial coatings on surfaces such as kitchen worktops, but I'd love to know whether any work has been done on incorporating this type of technology into other areas of our kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, or whether I'm trying to look too far into the future... Do please let me know!
Yours,
This Week's News
Industry taskforce pushes forward on key Portas recommendation The newly-formed, industry led, cross-sector taskforce has agreed to undertake a review of UK towns and cities to identify through empirical research the property-related barriers to the vitality and performance of town centres. Soapbox: World Toilet Day - what can you do?
Although it's unthinkable for those of us living in the more wealthy parts of the world, it is a harsh reality that one in three people on our tiny planet don't have access to either a toilet or drinkable water.  Imperial Bathrooms unveils stunning new trade showroom
Energy efficiency projects in construction successful despite economic crisis A change in strategy can result in project success in tough economic times, as a conference on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the construction industry has shown. Twenty-two coordinators for Concerto projects subsidised by the EU went to the Brussels conference to share their experiences. The Irish Republic has been one of the countries most hard-hit by the financial crisis; "This has been a success during the deepest crisis Ireland has ever experienced," said Seamus Hoyne from the Limerick Institute of Technology in summarising his project experiences, and the results do indeed speak for themselves - 400 buildings renovated and 50 energy-efficient buildings built from scratch. KBSA welcomes two new retail members
KBSA welcomes new kitchen design foundation degree The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has welcomed the news that a degree aimed specifically at the kitchen design industry is to be launched next year. The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom, National Training Group, which is supported by the KBSA, has been working alongside Buckinghamshire New University to shape the degree which will be open to students in September 2013. "This is great news for our industry and a landmark development in the provision of relevant and recognisable training standards for KBB professionals," says KBSA CEO Graham Ball. Essential Value range from Carron Phoenix is outstandingly good value
The interview was broadcast on BBC News Live as well as BBC World Radio, with a third interview being filmed for the local BBC Look North programme.
Hi there, Just a note from over here in the States: I really enjoy reading your online newsletter! Great work--you really push the boundaries in research, developing issues, and general information about Kitchen and Bath and business. Thanks so much! I just wish I could access some of the similar products offered there, here in the US. Thanks again for the good work! Scott Haig, CKD
Bay Area Kitchens NKBA Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Treasurer EQ Software develops TradeZone Ordering Link for PWS
The kitchen components and worksurfaces supplier turned to EQ Software to develop the 'live' link between the two systems and provide the fastest, most efficient and informative way for customers to place orders. Larger waterproof TVs for lucky bathers...
The competitively priced range was designed after consultation with developers, architects and specifiers and can be installed directly over the bath or within a shower enclosure. Crosswater announce key national sales drivers
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Construction weakness continues in October amid further fall in new work
 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
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