KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
15th November 2013
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  International News
Products On Wednesday 6th November, FagorBrandt (France) took the decision to place the French part of the Fagor Group under the protection of the French legal system. Consequently, it has filed an application for insolvency in the Nanterre Commercial Court. This decision, which legally separates the activities of FagorBrandt (France) from Fagor Electrodomesticos (Spain) should allow the French business to continue to trade whilst endeavouring to safeguard jobs, together with the interests of its suppliers and partners.  Stunning new extractor hood meets strategic demand for white-glass pack
 Second year for Crosswater at the Sleep Event
Infrarad warms up energy debate
British Ceramic tile makes an impact with its new glass offer
New family of taps are full of plus points
LDL introduces 'Bright, Shiny New Stars' from Furnipart
Ellis Furniture launches Hydra Chocolate Grey
Carron Phoenix's Windsor tap is a classic little number
2014 snapshot - a year of design inspiration where there are no rules, says Uber's Bob Gonzalez
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. Ellis Furniture launches curved worktop
Abacus offers ultimate in cutting edge design in linear drains for superb wet rooms
Leisure Sinks goes with the Aquaflow!
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Although he hasn’t actually started work yet, I have great faith in the latest tradesman to investigate some urgent jobs in my money-pit of a house. It appears that the leaking cistern in my office bathroom can easily be replaced until I’ve saved up for and chosen a new cloakroom suite and furniture and that I don’t need to have the entire floor dug up and drainage altered so that a new loo can be fitted. It’s taken three months and three tradesmen to get to this stage… The first charged for a quick fix that turned out to be unsuccessful, told me to call if it didn’t work and was subsequently busy for the next three months so couldn’t return. The two loos that were left in my porch by the last project manager (no I hadn’t ordered or even chosen them and yes it was the same one that decided in my absence to paint the kitchen walls bright yellow) are now outside awaiting collection. Ken – in whom I hold much faith, was incredulous over the dodgy repair job by the first tradesman and that the second – seeing the job was something of an emergency with a bowl collecting drips from under the cistern, had done nothing to help despite having taken my keys with a view to sorting it out while I was away in August! My description of the subsequent messing around and vacating of the office so various employees could assess the situation and then come and do the work (not to turn up on two occasions without letting me know) - not to mention having to drag two heavy loos up two steps and into my understairs cupboard for storage… well it left him scratching his head in disbelief. Ken said he’s being inundated with requests from homeowners keen to have new kitchens and bathrooms fitted prior to the festive celebrations - and that while this is generally the case, this year is looking exceptionally good. This echoes the opinion of Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association representatives working at the recent Grand Designs Live exhibition, whose Ruth Ward reports that there was a lot of interest in bathroom and bedroom renovations, kitchen extensions, islands and bi-fold doors. She says it’s apparent that people are choosing to improve rather than move. With the latest reports indicating that the UK is finally coming out of the doldrums, things are clearly looking good for the KBB industry!
Yours,
 This Week's News
Hoover has announced that it has acquired Baumatic UK. Baumatic will be joining a successful portfolio of brands which are marketed by Hoover, including Candy and Rosières. GDHA invests in accessories market
Homeowners looking to improve rather than move at this year's Grand Designs Live Specialists from the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association were on hand to dispense expert advice at this year's Grand Designs Live event, enjoying another very busy and very successful exhibition. Dudok brassware in new finishes rom Grange Design by Antonio Frattini
Bathroom Brands scoops two Gold Awards at Design Awards 2013
The Innovation in Marketing Gold Award was presented to the company in recognition of its outstanding commitment to independent bathroom retailers with its groundbreaking £2m Bathroom Sale. Mereway Kitchens strikes gold at House Beautiful Awards
Morpheus appoints Charu Gandhi as Head of Design
Help for Heroes Award for Mark Stephenson, CEO at PWS
Whirlpool's pyrolytic ovens make for an easier and happier festive season
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