KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd March 2013
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International News
Products One-for-all from Britton Bathrooms
Fresh new finish for Cucina Colore
What should we do about plastic waste? New Green Paper opens EU-wide reflection Plastic has become an unavoidable material in our modern world. Plastics are versatile and durable, but this durability can make disposal problematic. A Green Paper published yesterday by the European Commission aims to launch a structured discussion about how to make plastic products more sustainable throughout their life cycle and reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment. Electrolux EKC607601 freestanding cooker: Professional features, designer looks
Multi-function mirrors with HiB
Seven new designs added to Aqua-Step waterproof laminate flooring range
Solutions for every bathroom challenge launched by new AquaCabinets
Take a seat for inclusive bathing
A fresh, modern palette with Caple's new Altino Sand bedroom
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I’m sorry that today’s issue of KBZine has landed in your inbox a little later than normal but John and I have been away at an exhibition at the NEC all week and while you may be aware of how tiring these shows can be, you probably aren’t aware of the extra work involved in producing the ‘Official Show Daily’, which we’ve been doing! I had been feeling all ‘exhibitioned-out’ and hadn’t wanted to look at another exhibition stand in this lifetime but the battle to get this week’s stories in place was interrupted just now by the ‘ping’ of a new email which just happened to be the announcement by KBB London that the exhibitor list is available to view. I’ve had a peak and I now have ‘exhibition excitement’ again!
You can view the full exhibitor list (as it stands now) at: http://www.kbb.co.uk/page.cfm/Action=ExhibList
Yours,
This Week's News
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association CEO Graham Ball has welcomed this week’s budget as one that will help KBB retailers and encourage small businesses to invest.
“We asked for some good news and this time the Chancellor delivered, “says Graham. “The creation of an employer’s allowance which will mean small businesses will not have to pay NICs under£2,000 is surprisingly good news. This measure reflects the fact that SME support is finally being recognised as significant and key part of the economy that needs nurturing if we are to get growth back. KBSA announces new design award
Whirlpool named one of Fortune's World's most admired companies for third time The Whirlpool Corporation has been recognised as one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in the Home Equipment, Furnishings industry sector. The company finished first in this sector for the third year in a row.
Millions won't be celebrating World Water Day Half of humans lack safe drinking water, while competition for water from agriculture and industry could put more people at risk in years to come, says a Portuguese lawyer who is the United Nations' independent advocate for the right to water. Catarina de Albuquerque, speaking ahead of World Water Day earlier today, said the official UN figure - 800 million - doesn't provide a full picture of water poverty, estimating that some 3.5 billion people lack a safe supply. Portway customers 'enjoy it twice a week'!
Make valuable space in the kitchen with InSinkErator
Atlanta Bathrooms launches 'Trade Space', a new 'connecting' service Atlanta bathrooms is launching Trade Space; a free and innovative new service which connects the installer with the homeowner. Trade Space allows approved installers to create their own personalised online profile, where they can upload case studies and showcase an unlimited collection of work and project information, to homeowners searching the Atlanta website for an approved installer. Abode's Matric GR10 sinks offer real flexibility
De Dietrich appliances chosen for new cookery school at Wellbeing Farm
'Talk to your tradesman' app puts spring into home improvements Springtime is the traditional season for home improvements, but if the seasonal urge to tend to our nests is not enough, two thirds of British first-time homeowners admit to be further motivated by the secret embarrassment at the state of their home when friends and family pop over to visit. Lakes Bathrooms opens new factory Shower enclosure specialist, Lakes Bathrooms, has opened a new 100,000 square foot factory in response to growing demand for its products. The manufacturing site is in Ningbo, in the North East of China and it exports all its goods to supply the UK bathroom market and Lakes Bathrooms' growing, worldwide, OEM business. British Ceramic Tile strengthens marketing team with two new appointments
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National Self Build week launches The first ever National Self Build Week will take place in early May 2013 with a wide-ranging programme of events planned to help millions of Britons turn their self build dreams into a reality.  FIRA first as bathroom manufacturer receives inaugural award Aquadi by Symphony is continuing to lead the way in the bathroom furniture market, by becoming the first bathroom furniture supplier to be awarded the FIRA Gold Product Certification. Decline in retail floorspace hits town centres harder than out of town Research undertaken by leading retail property trade body - the British Council of Shopping Centres, in partnership with Geofutures, shows that retail space in UK town centres is declining almost 20% faster than retail space outside town centres. A pilot undertaken in the South West has shown that town centre retail space contracted by 12% between 2005 and 2010. Over the same period the quantum of retail space outside town centres increased by almost 6%.  HSE launches safety clampdown on refurbishment sites Unsafe practices on construction sites are to be targeted as part of a national initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health. During a month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain's most dangerous industries, the Health & Safety Executive will visit sites where refurbishment or repair works are taking place. Three new Which? Best Buys for Electrolux Group hobs
Marketing
Display & training opportunities abound for retailers with Bushboard's M-Stone quartz range
Literature
New graphics catalogues now available in ArtiCAD-Pro CAD software specialist for the KBB sector, ArtiCAD, announces the availability of several new graphics catalogues for designers using the company's ArtiCAD-Pro software. |
Pictured here is one of Abode’s new taps. I can’t wait to see more gorgeous KBB goodies at the event – and of course I won’t have to wait for long as the show opens its doors on 19th May.
