KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
14th June 2013
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  International News
Products New Whirlpool fridge freezer provides extra width and quality
Electrolux headlines Taste of Dublin 2013
Ellis Furniture expands Cambourne kitchen range
Methven extends Kaha Satinjet range with latest award-winning technology
Geberit continues to make a splash to support retail partners
Gorenje once again named Slovenia's most trusted brand Gorenje has received The Reader's Digest Trusted Brand award in the category of home appliances in Slovenia for the seventh year in a row.
Steel introduces new gas hob collection
Dimplex launches compact corner towel rail
Electrolux Hosts 2013 Cannes Film Festival Opening Gala Dinner
Kick back and cool down with the new InSinkErator under-sink chiller
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Like Jo Swinson, the Minister who unveiled the proposed new consumer rights bill this week, I would encourage both consumers and tradespeople striking a deal about the supply of goods and/or services, to record their conversations and confirm everything by email. Having been on the receiving end of what I can only describe as a scam a couple of years ago, it was a recording ‘for customer training purposes’ (which the supplier expected to use to extract money from me for a job not carried out correctly), that won my case without the need to involve the Courts.
What the tape also proved however, was that I’d booked a technician to replace a lead from my fridge freezer – not to repair it (the picture shows the repair, which used a plug taken from another appliance of mine as the technician had arrived without a new lead, nor indeed a plug – and prior to our falling out told me I’d need to buy some electrical tape from a DIY store which I’d need to fit myself, to make the repair safe!). OK so this time the recording came down – quite rightly – on the side of the consumer, but I know also that many contractors’ businesses are folding because consumers and supposed professional organisations are withholding money without cause, often consistently paying late but sometimes finding a lame excuse to not pay at all. Having something recorded or in writing is the perfect way to help solve these issues for both sides, without resorting to legal redress.
Yours,
 This Week's News
Launch of Fair Treatment Charter at sell-out conference could mark turning point for industry Last Friday saw StreetwiseSubbie.com host its sell-out conference and launch its 'Fair Treatment Charter' to close to 100 delegates from the UK construction industry.
The buzz at the conference was felt by all as nine speakers took to the floor to each share their own knowledge, experiences and expertise in a bid to help specialist contractors take control of both their businesses and the future of the industry, which has long since been suffering at the hands of contractors who see it as purely a means to a financial end and pay late, pay less than agreed or don't pay at all. Pebel Fragranite sink from Franke wins the Red Dot Design Award
Red Dot is a coveted international design award, awarded to products recognised for their combination of stand-out design, functionality, quality and innovation. Kirby Sebastian makes a big splash with bath collection
The Palarmo has a rounded, softly curving design, whilst the Sienna is a double ended pool bath. Both baths are supplied without holes, offering the choice of wall mounted or freestanding tap mountings. ECF introduces the elegant Devon and Cornwall in-frame doors
  Free app helping homeowners and tradesmen make most of proposed new consumer rights In the week that the Government has unveiled its draft Consumer Rights Bill with a new right to enforce verbal agreements, TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark to help people find reputable tradesmen, is calling on home owners and tradesmen to have a full and open conversation at the start of every job to ensure a successful working relationship. Take back some TI:ME with the latest Triton smart phone app
Iain McKinlay leaves Hansgrohe UK
FIRA awards at the House of Lords
Bath Fitter's EducationAd advertising funds 26 Fisher House scholarships for military children
We have Mail: Swain retires from Franke 2 Dear Jan, Hope you are well. I know The Connection have contacted you on our behalf, as we'd like you to post a response for us if possible to Dave Hicks' note at page: we_have_mail_swain_retires_from_franke The response is as follows: Dear Mr Hicks. Thank you very much for your post on the KBZine and sharing your knowledge of the history of the Franke brand before Duncan Marr began selling from his garage! 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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Judges selected for KBSA Designer Awards The KBSA has announced a new line-up of judges for the 2013 KBSA Designer Awards. Judges have been selected for their breadth of experience in the industry, covering everything from design skills through to retailing, customer service and understanding of the industry's specific needs. The judges are: And the kbb LDN 2013 Innovation Awards Winners were...
Leisure Sinks to supply specialist plumbing and heating buying group PHG
 Hippo signs three-year sponsorship deal with iKBBI
Vado tells us it has been a proud supplier to National Merchant Buying Society members since 2008 and that visitors to Vado's stand at this year's exhibition were able to take up some fantastic 'spot buy deals' on some of the company's best-selling ranges. Members placing orders on the day were also given a 'golden ticket' which automatically entered them into a draw to win a Nexus 7 tablet. The lucky winner was Kingsley Bathrooms, whose representatives were thrilled at winning the prize. Broadcaster Nina Hossain to host this year's Bathroom Business Conference.
New FIRA Gold scheme launched at kbb LDN At kbb LDN a scheme which signifies excellence in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation services was launched to independent retailers and the name of the first company to be awarded the accreditation was announced. Romex launches new module to manage risk to drivers According to the Health & Safety Executive's 'Driving at Work' publication, the biggest cause of occupational fatality is driving on business. There are more than 20 people killed and a further 250 seriously injured every week. Marketing
Literature
Carron Phoenix launches brand new brochures for 2013
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I’d quibbled that I was being charged double what I’d been quoted and I asked for a copy of the tape, which proved that I’d been quoted the price for half an hour’s, rather than an hour’s work. The fact that the “per half hour” had been quote very quietly and that work was supposed to have taken 10 minutes didn’t come into it; the company thought it had me over a barrel.
