KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd November 2012
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International News
Products 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. EQ Software develops TradeZone Ordering Link for PWS
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. 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
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When I learned of the proposed changes to employment legislation, which will offer all employees the chance to work flexible hours, I shook my head in disbelief. Running a business is hard enough as it is and ensuring workplace continuity when employees are on holiday is tough at the best of times... attempting to cover for what may be longish-term, short-notice breaks is likely to induce a real headache and for some small businesses... well... it could actually break them. And what will happen to workplace camaraderie when several people want to be off at the same time? I'm pleased that the Forum of Private Business is highlighting some of the potential pitfalls of this idea, (which I believe is actually another EU edict rather than Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's baby - despite him being blamed for it in the press) in its plea to the Chancellor to do more to support small businesses in his upcoming Autumn Statement (see more below). The Forum is making some good suggestions, such as stabilising fuel duty and capping business rates. I know the Government needs to find some money from somewhere, but escalating costs are preventing people from driving and are sending businesses to the wall - and if we're not working, we're not helping to top up the coffers, so where's the sense in that?
Now something I do see a lot of sense in - particularly when looking to buy or specify a big ticket item such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or large appliance - is getting the advice of a real expert before making any decisions. The response I received from Philip Procter, of Clerkenwell-based West One Bathrooms, to my query in last week's leader about antimicrobial coatings, showed me that this is just the type of person I'd want to talk to before deciding how I'd part with my money. Not only did he give me the information I required, but he furnished me with links to the companies concerned so I could find out more (you can see his email, below). Well done Philip - you're doing the industry proud! Comments of your own? Email us, or post on our FaceBook page. Yours,
This Week's News
KBSA retailers offer vital protection in volatile market The collapse of Comet is yet another stark reminder that the High Street remains a volatile place and that consumers should take all necessary precautions when making a major home purchase... so says the national trade association for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association. The warning comes just a month after the bathroom brands, bathrooms4all and Victorian Bathrooms; part of bathroom retailer Traditional Contemporary Bathrooms, went into administration. Geberit Monolith - new colourway, same innovative method of converting to wall-hung
 New Fervour bath/shower mixer from Abode
Hoover Candy backs up latest research on consumers' energy efficiency views Backing up the latest research on the purchasing power of consumers, Hoover Candy is reporting a surge in customers who say energy efficiency is crucial when it comes to buying kitchen appliances. The Mintel Washers and Dryers Report 2012, published earlier this year, highlights an influx in the number of buyers concerned with the energy ratings of appliances, with 74% now saying an appliance with an energy rating of A+ is essential. This research strongly correlates with the experience Steve Macdonald, trade marketing director of Hoover Candy, has had of the market over the last 12 months. Ellis Furniture expands bathroom range
The modern Cube range has also now been married with the character and warmth of real timber in the form of Dominica American Walnut (pictured) featuring a solid timber frame and veneered centre panel. With a wide selection of unit sizes and combinations available - including base units, tall cabinets, countertop units and wall units - it is possible to create an individual look in any size and shape of bathroom. Kitchen Magic now offers free fitting on all kitchen refurbishments Kitchen Magic, one of the UK's first kitchen refurbishment specialists, has announced the launch of its free fitting service. The new offer reinforces the company's commitment to providing a great selection of high quality finishes for built-in kitchens whilst saving customers' time, money and effort. Kitchen trends for 2013 veer towards splashes of bold colour and textures
We have Mail: antibacterial and other coatings
Hi KBzine,
In response to your question in last week's leader about who does what for antibacterial problems – the bathroom industry has done coatings for years, Duravit do Wonderglis and Villeroy & Boch do Ceramic plus – Bette have always done an extra polymer glaze – all this is designed to fill in the micropores and allow water/dirt etc to run off its surface and make it less susceptible to holding the water and grime that bacteria lives in. Forum announces five-point plan for jobs and growth The Forum of Private Business has written to the Chancellor ahead of next month's Autumn Statement to outline a five-point plan to help deliver jobs and growth for the UK economy. The Forum is urging Mr Osborne to concentrate on measures that will help the small business sector flourish by reducing business costs, boosting employment in the private sector and laying the foundations for sustainable positive economic growth. Soapbox: Why we should all ignore GDP statistics
Northern European regions the most innovative, reveals new study Northern European regions are in the lead when it comes to innovation in Europe, reports EurActiv. But there is a considerable diversity in regional innovation performance - not only across European countries, but also within the member states, according to the newly published European Commission's Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2012. Unsurprisingly, the most innovative regions come from the most innovative countries in Europe. £4.8 billion of unpaid work completed by British tradespeople every year According to new research from Direct Line for Business (DL4B), seven in 10 British tradespeople work extra unpaid hours each week, which equates to around £4.8 billion in unpaid overtime every year. Just one in four (26%) of workers claim they don't work any unpaid overtime in a typical week. On average, each tradesperson completes 5.29 hours of unpaid work a week, totalling 275 hours a year and equivalent to around £1,702 in wages (based on the minimum wage). Further funding for employer ownership of training will help burst skills bubble As the Skills Minister, Mathew Hancock, announces pledges a further £150m pot of funding to enable employers to create the training schemes they need to grow their companies, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's chief executive highlights the need for skills and training to form an integral part of discussions about long term business planning. 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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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.  Construction weakness continues in October amid further fall in new work
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Essential Value range from Carron Phoenix is outstandingly good value
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