KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
1st August 2014
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 Elegant new Athena from Just Taps Plus offers so many options
KBSA announces Designer Awards shortlists
Max-Top set to revolutionise UK kitchen worktops
A very modern brassware range, steeped in 160 years of history
Soapbox: Wall-hung sanitaryware offers perfect solution to bathroom condensation, says Abacus
How to go from toddler to teenager in online marketing
British Ceramic Tile enhances its portfolio with a stunning new capsule collection of Mosaics
Roman upgrades to ultimate 3D interactive CAD design software for retailers
Britton Bathrooms makes life easier
Wall-hung sanitaryware "to grow six fold in the next two years" 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. |
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! I'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'? Yours,
This Week's News
Franke adds hi-tech entry-level Orion Tectonite sinks to its Pro-Value range Franke'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. New Space Tower larder kit exclusively from LDL The 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. Create a clutter-free kitchen with Caple's new WMI2003 integrated washing machine Caple'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 Whirlpool's funky Max microwaves add real zing! Whirlpool 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. Blooming great response to Franke's Marie Curie 'Blooming Great Tea Parties'! As 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. 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. Bushboard to host Open Day on 7th August for installers and retailers Worktop 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. Flagship showroom gets new life with BAL When 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. 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. 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
KBSA members grow in confidence
Why less will always mean more for the successful independent kitchen specialist
Small business of the year award for Modern Homes
People
British Ceramic Tile reveals its new global sales director
Recruitment news at Holloways of Ludlow
|