KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
8th August 2014
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International News
Products Franke adds hi-tech entry-level Orion Tectonite sinks to its Pro-Value range
New Space Tower larder kit exclusively from LDL
Create a clutter-free kitchen with Caple's new WMI2003 integrated washing machine
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!
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
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It's that time of year when John & I pack up our computers and take a couple of weeks off from producing KBzine. Our next issue will be broadcast on 29th August. I for one will be joining millions of people celebrating the warmer months at picnics, festivals and various beaches, where practicalities mean that taking a picnic is often the most enjoyable and easiest option. One of my bugbears about picnicking is having to take home dirty plates, cups and cutlery. However hard I try, I never manage to keep my hands clean or prevent the remains of coleslaw and the like running over everything else in the bag and sometimes dripping down my clothes. But what I really hate, is the remains of other people's picnics, left by those too selfish to take their things home with them and too lazy to put them in a bin. I so wish there were litter police around at times like this! Help is afoot though. A recent Guardian newspaper article talks of the launch of a 'biodegredible' cup - one you can eat once you've finished your drink! And if you don't like the idea of that, you can simply melt the cup by pouring hot water on it (clearly no good for tea or coffee then...) Like me, designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker were fcrustrated with the amount of disposable food packaging that's discarded, but as product designers, they were in a position to provide a solution. The cups - which come in different colours and flavours, are made from a seaweed-based gel. I found out more at biodegradable-edible-cups and it's certainly an interesting concept, although I can't imagine it putting the world's dishwasher manufacturers out of business in the foreseeable future! Yours,
This Week's News
De Dietrich UK to go into liquidation De Dietrich Kitchen Appliances, the Basingstoke based UK distributor of De Dietrich and Fagor premium kitchen appliances, is to be placed into creditors voluntary liquidation.
The company has been facing an uncertain future since late 2013 when its immediate parent company in France and ultimate parent in Spain, part of the Basque-based Mondragon cooperative, entered administration. Add a sparkle to your shower with Dynamo New for August 2014, what could be more relaxing than showering under an invigorating spray of sparkling water with light dancing off the drops as they fall? Crosswater has made the dream come true with Dynamo, an innovative new shower head that incorporates LED lighting to illuminate your shower.
The head is a polished 300mm half dome with LED lights around the edge. The LEDs are powered purely by the force of the water so there is no need for connection to the mains, avoiding the need for compliance with the IP regulations. It is designed for wall or ceiling mounting and can be combined with any Crosswater concealed high pressure shower valve. Economic figures reflect reality, says KBSA The news last week that UK economic growth is now back to pre-recession levels at 0.2% ahead of the pre-recession peak (Q1 2008), along with Q2 2014 increase of 0.8% is good news - and is to be welcomed, says the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association.
Whilst some say that wage inflation is still lagging, figures from the KBSA indicate that this is not holding back its members' businesses - a clear indication that those who are not moving have decided to upgrade their property - and this will continue to drive kbb markets in the short to mid-term. Luxurious Hands and Faces from Ben De Lisi "My bathroom is a place where you just want to languish for ages" - Ben De Lisi. Iconic American fashion and interiors designer, Ben de Lisi, has designed a range of 'Hands and Faces' washbasins which are available to buy from Abacus Manufacturing Group via www.ben-de-lisi.com The ceramic models comprise contemporary washbasins which are designed with functionality in mind. They are available in round, square, flat and rectangular configurations - something for every luxurious bathroom design scheme. Alongside the seven ceramic options, there are four beautiful basins in the Stone collection. Handcrafted from natural stone, these pieces epitomise luxurious bathing. Free training sessions are an essential date for the installer's diary Getting to grips with how the latest sanitary solutions and piping systems work is an essential part of any installer's job which is why the latest round of training dates to be announced by Geberit are an important addition to the diary this Autumn.
Giving installers the Geberit Know How, whether they are new to the brand and want to get to know its market-leading systems, or are old hands looking to brush up on their knowledge, the Installer Training Days are always time well spent away from the work place. Infrared heating display deal for kitchen and bathroom retailers from Infrarad Infrarad offers designer space heating, which consumes half the energy required to run conventional radiators, to leading builders' and plumbers' merchants, and kitchen and bathroom retailers.
The company has announced a display deal. For £650 (£1540 at trade list), the bathroom or kitchen retailer can display two Designer glass infrared towel radiators with and without towel warmer options; a 500W and 800W Contract model; a 250W or 350W Curve; and a 1kw Slimline Power Heater. Pink Training Academy launch hailed a success The opening of a specialised training facility for females in Derby attracted visitors from all round the UK at its official launch in July.
Guests included a host of installers and merchants who wholeheartedly support the idea of encouraging women in to the sector, as well as a number of female plumbers looking to extend their skill base with relevant courses. Tate Britain transformed with BAL A stunning £45-million redevelopment of Tate Britain made extensive use of BAL tile adhesives. The transformation included the Millbank Project, creating new spaces within the national home to 500 years of British art.
Stonework specialists Szerelmey completed two packages in the Grade II listed building's south-eastern quadrant, on staircases and flooring, involving both new build and restoration work. Burger unveils new kitchen styles - available for quick delivery Bauformat has unveiled 32 new door additions to its Burger brand 'modern' kitchen range, which now offers 170 door choices. Competitively priced, Cora and the new Cindy range (pictured) are available as part of the 'Schnell' quick delivery solution within 10 to 15 working days. AEG appliances fitted in new Bellway Homes development AEG has teamed up with Bellway Homes to kit out the prestigious Bellefield development in Liverpool. Bellway Homes' high standard of service and build-quality has been recognised by the National House Builder Federation with the award of a Five Star rating for Customer Satisfaction. Hafele announces new trade partner programme Hafele UK has launched a new Trade Partner Programme, offering exclusive offers, marketing support and lead generation through its network locator to local trade counters across the UK.
This new initiative, which follows the successful roll-out of Hafele's Studio Partner Programme last year, launches as the business looks to build a nationwide network of Trade Partners. VTEQ knows all about efficiency, as its nationwide business is based on helping organisations to achieve the most from their technology systems. Whether assisting with managed cloud computing, penetration testing, visualisation services or more, the Nottingham-based company has built an enviable reputation.
For expertise in fleet automation, it called in the specialists: MileageCount, a service from The Fuel Card Group. 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:
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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
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