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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
1st August 2014

 

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International News
Products

Elegant new Athena from Just Taps Plus offers so many options

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As well as a choice of 15 different fittings, the new Athena brassware range from Just Taps Plus offers the option of either a solid or a cut out lever handle.  Athena has well defined geometric edges and with so many options available it is easy to find a combination of fittings to suit any contemporary bathroom.
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KBSA announces Designer Awards shortlists

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Following a meeting of the judges for the 2014 KBSA Designer Awards, the finalists have been named for all categories. 
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Successful year for Amica

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In 2013, Amica Group grew its sales revenue to PLN 1.656 billion representing an increase of 6% on year-to-year sales. The main increase in revenue was recorded in the home market of Poland, here in the UK, in Germany and in the markets of southern Europe.
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Max-Top set to revolutionise UK kitchen worktops

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Kitchen worktop specialist Max-Top is thrilled to announce that it is launching the revolutionary Max-Top Quartz work surface - one of Europe's leading modular quartz products - to the UK market.
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A very modern brassware range, steeped in 160 years of history

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Today, brassware plays an integral part of a bathroom's design, but for one Swiss manufacturer, producing taps that combine form with function has been integral to its business for 160 years.
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Soapbox: Wall-hung sanitaryware offers perfect solution to bathroom condensation, says Abacus

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A lack of understanding by the bathroom industry of what causes condensation is leading to mould growth and rot in bathrooms.
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How to go from toddler to teenager in online marketing

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Elliot Adams, communications manager at Yelp, explains the best way small businesses can use their online profile to attract and maintain customers.
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British Ceramic Tile enhances its portfolio with a stunning new capsule collection of Mosaics

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This Summer sees the launch of British Ceramic Tile's new Mosaics collection. Designed to complement the company's existing portfolio of wall and floor tiles, this new capsule collection of Mosaics sees British Ceramic Tile continue on its journey to become a one-stop shop for all tiling needs.
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Roman upgrades to ultimate 3D interactive CAD design software for retailers

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Roman has significantly upgraded its presence on Computer Aided Design, ensuring its entire range is accessible on the latest, 3D interactive platform - Virtual Worlds Professional from Logicom.
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Britton Bathrooms makes life easier

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Sometimes just a simple, thoughtful touch can make all the difference. This is certainly the case with Britton Tall, a clever design to make life easier for taller people, the elderly, less able or anyone with back or knee problems.
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Wall-hung sanitaryware "to grow six fold in the next two years"

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Good design and ingenuity are increasingly sought in the UK bathroom market and designers and consumers are now turning to solutions that have long been commonplace in European countries such as Germany and Austria.
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Welcome to the

KBzine

I had to chuckle when I received a press release about how much more quickly a vehicle will depreciate in value if it's not looked after properly - and that includes cleaning and polishing, which apparently helps preserve the bodywork!

* Wash-Me.jpgI've always believed that a car, van or lorry with the owner's company details emblazoned on it is a 'shop window' for the company every bit as much as a real shop frontage is, be it on the high street, side street or industrial park, in as much as it reflects the company's image.

Likewise, the way a company car or van driver conducts him or herself on the road will give other road users and pedestrians a perception of what your company is like.

Is your vehicle reflecting the image you wish it to? And how about your colleagues and employees? And what about the driving itself? Are you aware of the impression you and your employees are giving, as you go about your business?

With the press release mentioned at the start of this leader, was an image of a car with the words 'wash me' written in the dirt. How often have you seen something similar on the road? When you see it on a signwritten vehicle, does it inspire trust and make you think the company concerned is a good one or does it shout, 'cowboy'?

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Yours,

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Jan Hobbs

 



This Week's News

Franke adds hi-tech entry-level Orion Tectonite sinks to its Pro-Value range

Franke-Orion-Tectonite.jpgFranke's new Orion Tectonite synthetic inset sinks are the latest contemporary designs to be introduced into the best-selling Pro-Value range, designed to offer exceptional quality and style at prices within most budgets.

Utilising state-of-the-art synthetics technology, Orion Tectonite sinks are tough and durable, being resistant to heat, shock and impact, and the material's design freedom makes Orion sinks an excellent choice when creating a hard-working, stylish kitchen to a budget.
more


New Space Tower larder kit exclusively from LDL

Space-Tower_LDL.jpgThe latest product innovation from LDL, Space Tower is a unique, easy to install Blum drawer kit for larder units. The first such product on the market, Space Tower can now be ordered and installed quickly and easily without the need for specialist tools.

Each Space Tower kit is delivered complete with five fully assembled Blum Tandembox pull-outs and contains a zero protrusion hinge pack together with a simple to follow installation guide. Available in various sizes to suit all popular cabinet dimensions, Space Tower can be adapted to individual personal requirements, depending upon the type of storage that is required.
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Create a clutter-free kitchen with Caple's new WMI2003 integrated washing machine

* capleWMI2003-integrated.jpgCaple's new fully integrated WMI2003 A++ energy-rated washing machine helps create a streamlined, clutter-free look in the kitchen since it is hidden away behind a cupboard door.

A rated for washing and B rated for spin efficiency and with a 1200rpm spin speed, a maximum sound level of 57dB for washing and 75db for spinning, it features a 15 minutes fast wash plus a wool, delicate and underwear wash and seven further programmes.

T: 0117 938 1900
W: www.caple.co.uk


Whirlpool's funky Max microwaves add real zing!

MAX Collection by Whirlpool_142.jpgWhirlpool Max cool and funky microwave ovens are stylish, highly practical and functional and are available in stunning sunny, summer colours, Zesty Orange and Vivacious Green. The latest addition to the range is a refreshing and shining Full White.

Behind the colour there is much creativity in these imaginative models. Their curved-back design makes them genuinely unique in terms of their ability to be sited virtually in any corner of the kitchen worktop.
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Blooming great response to Franke's Marie Curie 'Blooming Great Tea Parties'!

* Franke-bake-off1.jpgAs part of its 'More in Store' campaign to improve consumer understanding of the benefits of buying from a specialist kitchen retailer, Franke supported a series of charity events at retailer showrooms recently, as part of Marie Curie's national 'Blooming Great Tea Party' campaign.

Franke provided retailers with free cupcakes and marketing POS to help them host in-store tea parties.
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European Water Label wins major award for its commitment to education

Key to the success of the development of the European Water Label has been its unshakable commitment to educating and informing the public of the advantages of choosing bathroom products listed in its online database.

In recognition of its campaign to help both industry professionals and consumers reduce their water and energy consumption the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, which administers The Water Label Company, has won a major award in the Environment Agency and Waterwise Water Efficiency Awards 2014.
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Bushboard to host Open Day on 7th August for installers and retailers

* BB-worktop-installation.jpgWorktop specialist Bushboard is holding an Open Day on 7th August at its Wellingborough HQ.

The day is a drop-in event between 09.00 and 16.00 and invitations have been sent throughout the UK to more than 2,000 retailers and installers to call in and enjoy the hospitality, product demos and training on offer.
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Flagship showroom gets new life with BAL

* BAL-Rapid-installation.jpgWhen the December flooding hit Lowestoft, one of its first victims was the major car and motorcycle showroom of Lings Honda. The premises disappeared under three feet of water and Lings had to scrap more than 150 vehicles.

Once the floodwaters subsided, it became clear that some parts of the premises themselves would need extensive work and BAL products - renowned throughout the KBB industry - once again came into their own.
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Join the iKBBI social scene...

It's a proven fact that many consumers now turn to the Internet, not only to source the right tradesmen, but to also find out more about them - including reviews, social feedback and recommendations.

The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers tells us it is using social media more and more to communicate its message for a variety of commercially savvy reasons... it’s easy to do, free and is a modern way to communicate on a number of devices including smart phones, laptops and tablets.
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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.

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How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Recent News

KBSA members grow in confidence


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Recent research with The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association retailers has shown that almost half of them improved their turnover in 2013 (47%) which almost mirrors to the same% the figure for 2012, and a similar number (46%) said that they had improved their profitability.
more


Why less will always mean more for the successful independent kitchen specialist

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Bill Miller, Managing Director of The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, is urging independent kitchen specialists to appreciate the value of the adage, 'less means more' when updating their kitchen displays.
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Small business of the year award for Modern Homes

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Leamington Spa based Modern Homes has won a local business award - the Small Business of the Year - in the Touch FM's Pride of Warwick Awards.
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People

British Ceramic Tile reveals its new global sales director

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British Ceramic Tile, has named Neil Anderton as its new global sales director. Formerly UK sales director, Neil will assume a strategic global sales role, driving forward the company's ambitious growth strategy domestically and overseas.
more


Recruitment news at Holloways of Ludlow

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Award-winning kitchen designer and cabinet makers, Holloways of Ludlow have announced the appointment of David Barnsdale as Workshop CAD Technician.
more



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