KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
21st June 2013
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
  International News
Products Pebel Fragranite sink from Franke wins the Red Dot Design Award
Kirby Sebastian makes a big splash with bath collection
ECF introduces the elegant Devon and Cornwall in-frame doors
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
|
Some 15-odd years ago I got sucked into the American dream… no not the American dream you’re thinking of, but that very American idea of Network Marketing and the dream that it will reward recruits with enormous wealth (and, in this case, excellent health). Well the various tablets didn’t cure my father’s cancer, give me boundless energy or improve the strength of my family’s nails and the shampoo and conditioner left our hair in knots – and when you consider it’s 21.30 and I’m still hard at work, it’s clear that I didn’t end up with enormously wealthy either, so all-in-all I reckon I was sold a bit of a bum steer (am I allowed to say that? Oh well...). The only thing I can say I took away with me was the resolve never to do it again and the mantra that we are more likely to buy from people that we know, like and trust -which had been drummed into me from the beginning to encourage me to sell to my family, friends and neighbours. I’m not in the type of business that needs a machine which wraps toilet rolls in plastic, but if I were, I know where I’d go for one! I’ve just had the pleasure of dealing with two employees from the US-based Paper Converting Machine Company, and their prompt and cheerful turnaround of my request for some words and an image in a format I could easily use for Cleanzine (the other e-zine John and I produce), left me with a smile on my face and the thought that if the rest of the staff are as friendly and efficient as they are, the products must be exceptional. Although I don’t know them that well, I like and trust them already and they reminded me that however good the product may be, without the right people on board there will always be something missing and customers may find somewhere else to spend their money…
Yours,
 This Week's News
Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and Chris Taylor Hamlin, Technical Director, ask: "Are you ready for changes to CE marking?" Major changes in the labelling of bathroom products marketed throughout Europe take place on 1st July 2013 and some manufacturers and importers are likely to be caught napping. The changes are mandatory and non-compliance can ultimately lead to imprisonment for up to three months and/or a fine of up to £5,000 per incident. Carron Phoenix launches its first boiling water tap with the Seraphina
Electrolux Design Lab 20 semi-finalists revealed A breathing wall that cleans the air, a hologram cooking appliance that prevents loneliness and a robotic cleaning appliance that runs on kinetic energy are just some of the innovative concepts chosen as semi-finalists of the Electrolux Design Lab 2013 competition. Showerwall offer is enhanced with new tongue and groove option
The T&G option means that the Showerwall panels can be installed now with a simple v joint and sealed with silicone, as an alternative to using the standard extrusions with its square cut panel offer.  Whirlpool launches new range of chest freezers
Ellis Furniture awards apprentices
What to consider when choosing a lifting and handling aid There are a great number of factors to consider when choosing a lifting or handling aid, whether choosing to invest in it or simply selecting it to fulfil a certain job within a workplace. Choosing the right lifting and transportation aid for the job cannot only increase productivity and the volume of work which can be carried out, but it also fulfils an employer's safety obligations to the workforce. Employees have a higher level of protection from accident and injury when they select the right equipment, so ensuring everyone is informed enough to make these decisions is crucial. F & P Wholesale Pro-fressshionals get their kit on for charity Staff at F & P Wholesale, the UK distributor of heating, plumbing and bathroom products to the independent merchant sector, recently went head-to-head with plumbing and heating merchant, Williams and Co., in a charity football match. Claim your free tickets to lively local show
This year's show will be packed to the rafters with specialist suppliers, impartial experts and plenty of fresh ideas and practical guidance to help you turn your plans for your dream house - or those of your clients - into reality. From foundation to finish - and everything in between - you'll find it all at the show! Work begins on BRE Refurbished House Scottish building contractor Cruden Building & Renewals has started work last week on Refurbished House, one of 10 demonstration homes being built on the BRE Innovation Park @ Ravenscraig that will be used to shape future housing in the country. Using historical design information and traditional materials, the builders will recreate a full-scale 'four-in-a-block' typical Scottish apartment dwelling, of which there 265 thousand in the country and three million of a similar design in England. Keyline pumps up the volume for prostate cancer UK with European Jukebox Rally
Second day of strike action at VIP Polymers Huntingdon next week VIP Polymers, which makes the rubber seals used in the waste and drainage industries, is facing mutiny at its St Peter's Road, Huntingdon facility, where some 50 GMB Union members are determined to take a second day of strike action next Wednesday in a dispute over cuts to pay and conditions of employment. This will take the form of a 24 hour stoppage, just like the first day on 3rd June. Fresh - elegant new range from Schmidt
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:
|
REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
FIRA awards at the House of Lords
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. People
Iain McKinlay leaves Hansgrohe UK
Marketing
|
