KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th October 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 Way forward for forests and woodland is announced At an event in the House of Lords on Tuesday, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson received the first report from Grown in Britain, an initiative created six months ago with a mission to kick start a sustainable future for the UKs forests and woodland. Sheer style and Elegance from Abacus Direct
Zapper launches Scan-to-Pay to help SMEs who suffer from late payments
Bushboard ups the design ante with the relaunch its Nuance bathroom surfaces
New Whirlpool fridge freezer prolongs life of fruit and vegetables
Minimum projection, maximum storage opportunities with new Debba furniture range
Distinctly affordable kitchen taps from Abode
Latest release of Building Regulations now cites Eurocodes design standards The October 2013 release of Approved Document A of the Building Regulations now includes reference to the Eurocodes. The old British Standards are no longer being maintained and will become increasingly out of date, so engineers need to be using the new Eurocodes. |
I know I'm always moaning in these leaders about cowboy tradesmen but I've come to the conclusion that they must see me coming! I employed someone, who came highly recommended, to redo the dodgy kitchen ceiling replastering job another supposed professional had done and repair the walls the first plasterer had damaged during the course of his work. I also asked him to repair the loo - replacing the cistern if necessary and making good the dodgy cistern boxing-in job - again bodged by the first tradesman. The kitchen ceiling and walls appear to have been done quite well but I can't quite work out why he's painted all the walls (bar a dinner plate size gap on an exposed wall near the bottom of the fridge freezer and the area behind/beside the fridge freezer) bright yellow! Nor can I understand why he's used the same colour to produce a feature wall in the living room/diner! I'd had the entire flat painted 'Moonlight' just three months ago and it looked very smart... The cistern has been boxed in and tiled well, so well in fact that I can no longer remove the shelf above it as the whole lot has been joined together... A shame really, as he's neglected the loo repair/cistern replacement part of the work, which means that to get a working loo, I have to break open the boxing-in and tiling for access!I'd like to instal a new bathroom before Christmas, but I think it will be safer to stick with the old one. I do wonder whether some manufacturers have ceased trading because people like me, who want to spend our money on home refurbishment, are too afraid to do so because we're plagued by cowboy tradesmen... Yours,
This Week's News
The Society of British Interior Design tells us that there are only a few places now available at the SBID International Design Awards 2013 ceremony, taking place on 29th November at 'The Dorchester' Hotel in Park Lane, London. 2014 snapshot - a year of design inspiration where there are no rules, says Uber's Bob Gonzalez Here, Bob Gonzalez, of Uber, reveals the trends that will be emerging in our nation's kitchens next year: Colours 2014 will herald more colour while still respecting the grey, earthy tones which have proved so popular in 2013. Exciting vibrant colours, such as petrol blues and ruby reds, will bring personality into the kitchen. Used alone or mixed with neutral cream or grey tones for islands or a one-wall line, colourful units will be seen everywhere, for every budget. GDHA Chief Exec becomes Export Champion: Denver Hewlett Appointed UKTI Representative The Chief Executive of cooking appliance manufacturer Glen Dimplex Home Appliances is set to help North West entrepreneurs take their first steps into overseas trade. Ellis Furniture launches curved worktop In response to growing demand for hotel-style bathrooms, Ellis Furniture has launched a new, one-piece 50mm Hi-Macs curved worktop as part of this season's ongoing product launch.
Available in Alpine White, the stunning, curvaceous worktop is a piece of furniture itself. Solid and sleek, its simple design is the perfect statement piece for the most contemporary of bathrooms. Hand crafted using a double layer of Alpine White Hi-Macs material, it is polished all round to create a beautiful smooth touch finish. Fitting kitchens, bathrooms & bedrooms? What could possibly go wrong? An unforeseen problem occurs with the installation of your customer's new kitchen... your customer is without their cooking facilities - should you buy them a three-course meal in a restaurant or a take-away pizza? ...This might seem like an obvious decision, but your customer might think otherwise. UK shower manufacturer and designer, Roman, has expanded its newly launched Decem collection, with the addition of a Bespoke version of the brochure, which allows you the freedom to create an enclosure to perfectly fill your available space. Abacus offers ultimate in cutting edge design in linear drains for superb wet rooms Building on the success of Elements' original linear drain comes the recently-launched 600mm linear drain offering the ultimate in cutting edge design. In two cover options - brushed stainless steel or tileable to match the wet room floor - they have been designed and developed specifically for the UK market. Leisure Sinks goes with the Aquaflow! The Aquanomic Aquaflow (TAF1CM/-AN) kitchen mixer tap from Leisure Sinks has been designed as an economical way of complying with the latest Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Homes. Manufactured from robustly engineered chrome brass, the tap is 175mm high and capable of operating at pressures up to 4.0 bar. A new Modern Classic Collection from Mereway Kitchens Mereway Kitchens is celebrating the very essence of being British with an impressive launch of its new English Revival modern classic collection; a range which features unique iconic furniture pieces, distinctive colour palettes and the very finest in quality British craftsmanship. Methven appoints new Group CEO Premium international shower and tapware supplier Methven, has this week announced the appointment of David Banfield as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2014. Canadian manufacturer celebrates 10th anniversary Montreal, Canada-based Kastella is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The manufacturer and distributor of high-end contemporary wood furniture has carved out a name in a very competitive sector. Through word of mouth, Kastella has been able to share its passion for wood and highlight its philosophy, which includes ecologically responsible production and customized service to its clientele. PWS offers popular Milbourne range in 24-strong colour palette The popular Milbourne Shaker kitchen from PWS is now available in a 24-strong colour palette. Initially launched in alabaster, sage, chalk and almond, the colour choice now extends to a wide range of tones, from new neutrals such as stone and suede through to deeper hues of damson and moleskin. 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
Soapbox: What impact are large capacity models having on the washing machine market?
Ladder Exchange focuses on training; number trained jumps 40%
Axiom by Formica Group proud to support the Made in Britain campaign
'BIM' impact on contract and kitchen furniture sectors to be explained at industry event
Trustmark welcomes tougher sentencing for rogue traders
Major milestone reached by BMA
Housing construction activity increases at fastest pace for almost a decade
Better Bathrooms announces competition to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2013
New website and extra manufacturing capacity for Brayer Design
|