KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th January 2013
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International News
Products US remodelling recovery underway and picking up steam All signs point to a strong rebound for home improvement activity in 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.
Out of the Woods: Adventures of 12 Hardwood Chairs The American Hardwood Export Council will showcase Out of the Woods: Adventures of 12 Hardwood Chairs at the Stockholm Furniture Fair from 5th - 9th February 2013. The project is a collaboration between Product Design students from the Royal College of Art in London, British Furniture maker Benchmark and the American Hardwood Export Council that began over 12 months ago, culminating in an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum for the London Design Festival 2012. Bluetooth in the bathroom - the latest 'Smart Mirrors' from HiB
Methven's new 'Aroha' tapware collection boasts distinctive exotic design
Can't see the wood for the trees? On 3rd March 2013, a new EU Timber Regulation, which will affect the entire furniture supply chain, comes into force. Imperial Bathrooms unveils stunning new range of floor tiles
In 2003, the General Accounting Office in the United States issued a report warning that the US was entering a new era of water scarcity. The report projected that by 2013 at least 36 states could face water shortages. However, the report was incorrect. By 2008, five years earlier than projected, at least 36 states were already dealing with periodic, if not chronic, water shortages with California, New Mexico, and Arizona at the top of the list. Rearo expands top selling Selkie Range into the kitchen for 2013
Whirlpool right on trend for the Spring with its new Max microwave colours
New innovative extractor hoods from Blanco by Gutmann are show stoppers
Show-stopping cooker hoods are increasingly in demand, featuring the ever-developing technology in this area. All Blanco by Gutmann hoods are handcrafted to the highest standards and all offer the highest levels of air movement and a host of innovative but practical features. The bathroom cabinet - much more than storage
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British Prime Minister David Cameron has finally made his long-awaited speech about Britain's position in the EU and - perhaps surprisingly, he seems to have won a lot of people over. Reading the comments made by those working for the EU machine prior to the speech, it was clearly felt that we Brits had joined a 'club' and were asking for the rules to be changed, or saying we only wanted to observe some of them whilst ignoring others. We were thought to be ridiculous in our demands (and no doubt still are, by some!) Many of us believe though that what we signed up to has now changed beyond all recognition and it's not just the Brits I'm talking about either - it's millions of citizens from other parts of the EU who feel we've been duped by our politicians who are no longer listening to us. We all want free trade; we want to work together to improve everyone's lot and to look after the planet; we want to take part in joint projects, to pool our resources, to learn from and teach one another and we want peace. Also, we want to be able to eat, have shelter, to heat our homes when it's cold and be in a position to pay our bills. Most of us want to be able to work for a living. Speaking to friends and colleagues in the EU, I can see we all feel that the project isn't working properly and that it's detrimental to our way of life. Our freedoms are being eroded, there's the continuous tremendous and shameful waste of money (it just isn't being spent wisely in far too many cases) and we seem to have lost any control of the situation we're in and the direction in which we're travelling. And many of us are not in a position to eat, have shelter, to heat our homes when it's cold, to work and to be in a position to pay our bills - and it's not all down to the global recession either! We Brits were accused by many of the EU elite of being 'Little Englanders'. This sentiment was echoed by a handful of non-British Europeans commenting on some of the industry forums I've read, but generally, there was solid support from people all over the EU who also feel that the EU needs to make some profound changes if it is to succeed - and by succeed I also mean making all the citizens of the EU delighted to be a part of it. It was often a case of "Good luck. Pave the way for us." Many EU citizens are hoping that David Cameron finally doing something about the concerns of the British public will lead others to question the way the EU is going about things and in turn call for those essential changes. We've never been Little Englanders looking after ourselves and nothing has changed - we're doing this for the good of Europeans everywhere. The global KBB industry works very well together and KBzine, with what has become global readership, is in an ideal position to share people's views on the EU question. We'd be delighted to receive any comments on what I've said here or on our Facebook page (even if you disagree!), whether you are part of the EU or are on the outside looking in and considering the impact David Cameron's speech will eventually have on you. Do please let us know how you feel because this is something that affects us all.
Yours,
This Week's News
New figures released by the Home Builders Federation reveal a significant increase in the number of reservations being made through the Government backed NewBuy scheme. The reservation rate in the first three weeks of 2013 is running at the highest levels since the scheme was launched last March. Well over 100 people have reserved a new home each week, continuing the upward trajectory in the take up of the schemes. In total 3000 people have now reserved a new home using the scheme. Ellis Furniture wins award for supporting youngsters
I-Radium becomes part of the Glass wellness portfolio
Atag appliances installed in new luxury cookery school
Distinctly Abode: new taps and brochure for 2013
It's all going on at Trend Interiors!
Big fine hits care home after disabled man scalded
John Lewis signs up for Bathroom Academy Design Course
John Lewis confirmed in May 2011 that it was to start selling fitted bathrooms for the first time. The roll-out began at its Milton Keynes branch and further stores are due to launch in 2013. Lee Robinson joins Care in Bathing
Staff and members from both FIRA and the Furniture Makers' Charity have committed to take part in this exciting experience, with the aim of raising as much money as possible for the only charity supporting the furnishing industry - the Furniture Makers (incorporating the Furnishing Industry Trust). British Ceramic Tile lands nationwide contract with Bathstore
Anti-Fog Mirror leaves a clear reflection
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. News in Brief Grahyam Hayden has announced that the WEBS training centre in Nottingham will be hosting his one day Sales & Customer Care course for the KBB industry on Tuesday 26th March. This one day course has been attended by 1,100 delegates from the industry and has helped them understand the sales process, successfully put it into practise, and convert more leads into profitable sales. There is a special delegate offer of £100 if you book your place by Friday 22nd February. Bookings received after this date, subject to availability, will be £150. Full details of the course are available and bookings can be made via: How to contact us at The KBzine:
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UK business needs smarter spending strategies for growth Industry report finds lack of awareness at board level of spending habits and inefficient supply chains holding back businesses. Transform a home kitchen into a chef's paradise
Lewisham merchant has a 'Year of Beer' on Inta
 KBSA welcomes more new members
Burbidge kitchens expands business by taking on the Woodfit brand UK kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge, has announced that it has taken on the name and product range of Woodfit - a distributor of hardware components for the furniture industry - after the business went into administration.
Marketing
A retailer opportunity to receive a free display thermostatic valve!
Literature
New brochure details stunning 'Creative Bathroom Solutions'
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