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Latest: Bathroom Manufacturers Association strengthens team... Crosswater Cucina gets dedicated team... Andy Vaughan moves on from kbb Birmingham... A fond farewell to John Brunton, Hansgrohe's Pioneering Project Manager... Wirquin sales team expands to meet customer demand across UK and Ireland... Insinkerator appoints new Marketing Manager, Europe... Promotion and appointment at Lakes Bathrooms... Whirlpool appoints new head of marketing... New Chief Executive sets sights on growth at TrustMark...
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New striking 'shower temple' from Belle epoque brand, Arcade

Launched Sept 1st, this striking new freestanding shower temple is Arcade Bathrooms' most timeless product.

Arcade includes beautiful ceramic sanitary ware, free-standing baths and stunning showering masterpieces. Every piece is hand finished with exceptional care using the finest materials and manufacturing process. A nickel finish is used throughout all brassware, fittings and accessories within the Arcade range, completing the luxury concept and setting the range apart, as the most acclaimed in bathroom styling.
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Franke Minerva boiling water taps are hot topic in BBC Good Food Magazine with exclusive sponsorship of 52 page cookery booklet

As part of its ongoing support of retailers through its More in Store initiative, Franke is exclusively sponsoring a 30 Minute Meals booklet which is included with the October edition of BBC Good Food Magazine, on sale from early September.
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A great retailer opportunity to display great value Abode designer taps

Abode, one of the UK's largest kitchen sink, tap, bathroom brassware and shower manufacturers, is offering retailers a unique opportunity to display five of its latest kitchen designer taps at a special discounted price.

This promotion runs for a three month period from 1st October through to the end of December 2014 and is outlined on a promotional flyer as well as through the Abode e-marketing campaign.
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See Amica at IFA from today until 10th September

Berlin's IFA, kicking off its 90th year today, is one of the world's top trade shows for consumer electronics and appliances and exhibiting for the 5th year in succession is Amica, Poland's leading and Europe's fastest growing built-in and freestanding appliance manufacturer.
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Orion; Sensio's new rechargeable LED under bed light

Lighting specialist Sensio is pleased to further extend its bedroom lighting collection with another pioneering solution, the Orion rechargeable LED under bed light.

Enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of any bedroom, Orion fits seamlessly beneath the bed, illuminating the area, whilst also transforming the bed into a focal point in the room. The discreet fitting can also be positioned inside cabinets, or under cabinets to create a floating effect and illuminate the floor in a kitchen or a bedroom.
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Innovation at the lightest of touches with Geberit Sigma70

Setting itself apart from other WC flush plates in terms of looks and performance, Geberit has launched its most revolutionary flush system yet, the Geberit Sigma70 featuring new Dual Hydraulic Servo technology.

Making activation of the flush almost effortless for the user, the new Geberit Sigma70 flush plate is the latest innovation in the best-selling Geberit Sigma range, which includes an extensive range of flush plates and the Duofix range of framing systems and concealed cisterns for wall-hung WCs, with 8cm, 12cm and corner options to suit any situation.
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Smeg collaborates with innovative pop-up 'London in the Sky'

Smeg is known for its collaborations with top architects and designers, but its latest venture, teaming up with open-air, pop-up restaurant London in the Sky, has reached new heights of style... 100 feet to be exact!
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Inclusive bathroom design looks set to grow

Due to the increasingly ageing society, accessibility is no longer a minority topic; the demand for inclusively designed bathroom products looks set to grow. You can have good design with product that ultimately serves a purpose rather than just 'looking good' to create a great space for all ages.

Well-designed, accessible concepts are becoming increasingly important as a result of this demographic change.
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Tantalising tiles from Abacus

Stunning aesthetics coupled with technical excellence is Abacus Manufacturing Group's hallmark. And the exciting, comprehensive range of Designer tiles allows the designer or installer to complete the perfect bathroom.
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Shower in classic style with Belgravia

The new Belgravia exposed shower valve collection from Crosswater faithfully reproduces the style one might find in a luxury Victorian bathroom.
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Abode's Estimo... a tap of perfect proportions

Abode previewed a number of new designs of contemporary style kitchen mixer taps at KBB earlier this year which are now out in the marketplace nationwide.
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UK water saving plumbing products market growing rapidly

The UK water saving plumbing products market is estimated at £164 million at Manufacturers Selling Prices (MSP) in 2013, according to a new report by AMA Research.
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Triton questions revised consumer rights bill

The Government's 'one solution fits all' approach to its new Consumer Rights Bill has been criticised by a spokesperson for a leading UK shower manufacturer.

Lorna Fellowes, Managing Director at Triton Showers, believes the decision to introduce a 30 day short term right to reject goods deemed substandard by the consumer could see plumbing and heating appliance manufacturers faced with a surge in the return of used products.
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Accessorise with Ben De Lisi beauty

Iconic American fashion and interiors designer, Ben de Lisi's new bathroom Accessories range is now available at Abacus Manufacturing Group.

Ben De Lisi has designed a new range of stylish, stainless steel accessories for beautiful bathrooms. For that luxury designer finishing touch, there is a choice of nine pieces - soap dish, dual tumbler, soap dispenser, toilet roll holder, robe hook, single towel bar, triple towel bar, towel ring and shelf towel bar.
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Ceramic tiles market strengthens in 2014

Findings from a new report on the ceramic tiles market by MTW Research indicates that the market is now experiencing above inflation growth for the first time since 2007, with tile sales set to grow by more than £15 million in 2014.

Boosted by rising domestic sales coupled with a strengthening of demand in several key commercial sectors, prospects for the UK tiles market appear increasingly positive in 2014 according to MTW. The recent rise in the number of domestic property transactions coupled with a buoyant housebuilding market is underpinning volume growth, with a number of key consumer trends now offering added value growth.
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Twelve more dealers opt for Leicht Kitchens

Leicht Kitchens is seeing an above average growth in the UK this year with an increased turnover of 15.5% in the first eight months alone. With 12 new dealers now selling Leicht kitchens it is clear it is becoming the German kitchen of choice for contemporary kitchens, also in the large multiple contract market.

As the market becomes dominated by handleless kitchens, Leicht is the only German kitchen manufacturer able to offer four handleless ranges, in over 3000 RAL colours at the entry level price range.
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Soapbox: "Beggar Brussels!"

writes Robin Chater, Secretary-General of the Federation of International Employers

"Europe is failing its next generation because neither the European Union, nor national governments are able to tackle over-regulation and the grey economy.

As delegates gather next week at a Brussels conference convened by the European Commission to consider 'Labour economics after the crisis', Manuel will still be sitting with his unemployed friends making a coffee last all morning in a crowded McDonald's in Zaragoza. He is just one of the 56% of 15-24 year olds in Spain who are still without work... The victim of a downturn that never went away and a system of employment laws that discourage employers from generating permanent job opportunities.
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Methven UK becomes preferred supplier to Wainhomes

Global designer and manufacturer of premium showers and tapware, Methven UK, has become the preferred supplier of bathroom brassware and showering solutions to housebuilder, Wainhomes.

Wainhomes, which has developments across the north and south west of England, was looking to upgrade the specification of its new build bathrooms and installed basin and bath taps from Deva by Methven's Insignia range of brassware. Following a successful trial, Insignia has now become the standard specification for all Wainhomes' future sites.
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Hafele extends helping hand to Channel 4 renovation project

Premium home solutions specialist, Hafele UK, donated products free of charge to a renovation project which featured on last week's Channel 4 programme, 'Double Your House for Half the Money', fronted by celebrity property expert Sarah Beeny.
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Mereway shortlisted for four awards

Mereway tells us it is proud to have been shortlisted in two categories for The Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2014, and two categories for the Family Business Awards 2014.

Mereway has been shortlisted in both the Employer of the Year, and the Business Innovation Category of the Family Business Awards 2014. Shortlisted companies will now go through an interview process for each category, before the judging panel will decide on a winner and two runners-up, to be announced at the awards ceremony on 13th November in Nottingham.
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Major companies opt for a bit of TLC (Training Linked to Charity)

A number of major industry suppliers are taking advantage of an opportunity to train their staff and, at the same time, make contributions to their chosen charities.

In a new initiative to be rolled out throughout 2015, Graham Hayden Training will run one day Sales and Customer Care courses for members of staff and, instead of paying a course fee, the companies will make a donation to charity.
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In-Toto Kitchens invests in market research

In-toto has recently invested heavily in market research with a view to delivering the best franchise package with the biggest opportunities for success.
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BAL expert heads TTA Committee

Dave Rowley, training manager for Building Adhesives Limited, has become Chair of The Tile Association's Supply Chain Training Committee.

This committee is responsible for working with various external organisations, such as the Association for Ceramic Training & Development, on matters relating to training for the supply chain. Dave replaces Ian Kershaw, who has stepped down to concentrate on his role as overall TTA Chairman.
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Leisure Sinks added to rooms with a view in Kent

Over 200 Linear sinks, as well as an array of Aquaflux and Aquaverve taps from Leisure Sinks, have been installed throughout the new Panorama development in Ashford, Kent. The refurbishment project has seen the offices in the iconic, nine-storey Charter House building converted into 232 one and two-bedroom 'Skyline' apartments and penthouses.
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University addresses construction industry skills shortage

A shortage of problem-solving skills in the construction industry is preventing professionals from advancing within their careers, prompting a new initiative between Birmingham City University and Mott MacDonald.
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iKBBI co-develops industry training for life-saving asbestos awarenes

The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers has announced a new training initiative for its members relating to life saving asbestos awareness specifically for kitchen, bedroom & bathroom installers.
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Abode invests in apprenticeships

Having been an employer of local people in and around the Barnsley area for many years, Abode is committed to giving something back to the community by working with the National Apprentice Service and First for Apprenticeships Barnsley.
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