KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
3rd May 2013
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International News
Products The death of an industry: late payment is killing specialist contracting businesses Barry Ashmore, construction industry veteran and founder of StreetwiseSubbie.com, was invited to an evidence session in Parliament this week to speak to a cross party group of MPs regarding the state of the construction industry owing to late payments and unfair payment terms. The Showering Collection by Glass has expanded
Bespoke bedrooms from established manufacturer
Storage solutions for modern bathrooms
Match 1950's-inspired retro pastel switched sockets and light switches to your decor!
Highly desirable: the luxurious Fresssh Diamond collection from F & P Wholesale
Franke adds three new tap designs to its popular Minerva boiling water tap offer
New Sinos sink range from Franke is ahead of the curve
Coram Showers advances its portfolio with new Premier range
Reframing modern bathroom design with Lardo by Pelipal
A new hero: Whirlpool's ADG 8410 FD built-in dishwasher
Steel expands its collection with compact combi-steam range cooker
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I don’t have time to watch TV but one thing I make a point of seeing (generally on the netbook in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep!) is Masterchef. Consequently I’m still at the semi-final stages so haven’t yet seen the episode that may have sparked the viewers’ complaints about “sweat dripping into sauces” and “hair being stirred into the lamb tagine”. Manufacturers go to such great lengths to ensure that we’re able to have (if we can afford it!) the very best technology in our kitchens… appliances that are beautiful to look at, efficient and functional, which are now designed to use less energy and thus save us money and which are also either treated with an antibacterial coating or made in a way to facilitate easy cleaning. The fact that those who make it to the final stages of Masterchef are allegedly dripping sweat and dropping hair all over them seems almost sacrilegious, doesn’t it? They’re clearly so wrapped up in impressing the judges that they probably don’t stop to think about how lucky they are to be using some of the best equipment money can buy. Yours,
This Week's News
EEF and ENER-G launch hunt for Britain's greenest manufacturers The hunt is on once again for Britain's most efficient and sustainable manufacturers. EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, and ENER-G have launched the Environment award category as part of the fifth annual Future Manufacturing Awards with companies eligible to win two prestigious awards at regional and national level. Responding to the use of colour as a trend in the bathroom, Croydex has introduced two new shades to its already popular range of fashion colourway accessories, bringing the collection bang up to date for 2013. 'Greenness' - a way to prove your products' claims! The European Commission has proposed EU-wide methods for companies to measure and communicate their 'greenness' and the environmental footprint of their products. The voluntary scheme, called Building the Single Market for Green Products, will make use of the EU Joint Research Centre's controversial 'lifecycle assessment' method (LCA) for calculating the environmental performance of a product. AEG shortlisted for Which? Awards 2013 Consumer champion Which? has included AEG in the shortlist for the 'Best Home Appliance Brand' category for this year's awards. The annual Which? Awards publicly recognise businesses that have achieved positive change and deliver excellent products and services that score highly in Which? testing. Eco-friendly comfort from ClearGreen Eco-friendly credentials and comfort-focused design combine in baths from ClearGreen. The range, another in the Bathroom Brands portfolio, includes contemporary freestanding designs, shower baths and single and double ended baths. Mark Wilkinson - Ambassador for Helen Arkell Centre At the annual graduation ceremony, furniture designer Mark Wilkinson OBE became the first Ambassador for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. Mark shares profound dyslexia with the charity's newly designated patron Princess Beatrice, who spoke at the ceremony. Cutting-edge kitchen design with Woodstock Furniture Luxury, bespoke, British furniture maker Woodstock Furniture has created a stunning workspace in this new, modern, open-plan, basement kitchen, which is located in Chelsea. A combination of traditional techniques and pure innovation led to the design expertise in this minimalist, handcrafted kitchen project, which features 3m-high ceilings for dramatic impact. Reminding us that KBB LDN opens its doors in a little over a couple of weeks is this gorgeous and easy to operate Bliss range of bathroom brassware, which Abode tells us will be launched at the show. It was designed and created especially for the UK market. Tile Choice lays out the opposition for the second time at industry awards Midlands-based independent tile retail chain, Tile Choice, is celebrating after winning an award for the second year in a row in an industry awards programme. These Phoenix single and double door aluminium cabinets incorporate European shaver socket, two led downlights, three safety glass shelves, a non flicker ambience light and double sided mirrored doors. Expanded management team working in Symphony across the country Symphony is strengthening its sales team with the appointment of business managers, Gary Gordon, Dave Thorn, Martin Barker and Andy Thomas (pictured L-R), to grow and maintain its client portfolio across the country. Hotpoint Active Oxygen fridge freezer wages war on waste Consumers can step up the war on wasted food with the innovative new freestanding Active Oxygen fridge freezer from Hotpoint. Gas fitter may face prison after illegal work An unregistered gas fitter has received a suspended prison sentence for illegally carrying out sub-standard gas work at a property in Essex. Steven Arnold, 51, trading as Thermostat Plumbing & Heating Services of Hackney, north east London, installed a boiler, pipework and a new cooker fitting at a property in Leigh on Sea. However, neither he nor the person he paid to help him carry out the work were registered with Gas Safe Register as qualified and competent to carry out gas work. 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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Support Independent Retailer month 2013 July sees the beginning once more of Independent Retailer Month - a campaign that has been supported since its launch by The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association. Ellis Furniture holds design competition in conjunction with William Wilson
Van users: life is going to get tougher Van users have been reminded by The Fuelcard People of ever-tighter emissions controls. Steve Clarke, group marketing manager, said: "Life is already tough for anyone running vans or other LCVs, but those who fail to address emissions reduction will find it getting harder. As restrictions spread, the worst polluters will soon find themselves running out of road. Electrolux hosts CookIt! competition for children in its fully kitted HO training kitchens Electrolux says it is delighted to be hosting the fabulous CookIt! competition for children in its fully kitted training kitchens at the company's Luton Head Office. HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, opens new Belling hospitality training centre
Silverdale wins 'Exporter of the Year' Award
Electrolux Group appliances awarded 22 Red Dot awards for product design
Marketing
The Kronoswiss Showbus is coming to an IDS branch near you!
Literature
New brochures from Franke offer definitive guide to choosing sinks, taps and accessories
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