KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
3rd October 2014
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International News
Products The BlancoAttika sink... perfect for the design-focused kitchen
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... New striking 'shower temple' from Belle epoque brand, Arcade
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.
 A great retailer opportunity to display great value Abode designer taps
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. |
You may recall me questioning the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ which saw people donating to charity for the privilege of being doused with icy water – it was meant to be a bucket-load but some used dustbins and industrial tippers instead, in an attempt to outdo everyone else. My concerns were about the waste of water, bearing in mind that people living on vast swathes of our planet don’t have enough to drink, while industries everywhere are striving to reduce the water used in their products and processes – the KBB industry being a fine example of the difference that can be made by those that care enough. On Monday, the US-based DigDeep charity is launching the second annual ‘4Liters Challenge’ – similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge but superior in every way. This month-long social media campaign, challenges participants to raise $40 in donations and use just four litres of water for an entire 24 hours-worth of drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing, while sharing their funny, difficult or inspiring moments on their social networks. Once done, they earn the right to challenge four friends. The money raised, funds water projects globally. The goal of 4Liters is to give people new insight into the value of water and the hardships faced by those without… Considering that the average person with access to running water, uses almost 100 times that every day, the challenge will be a difficult one. One previous participant said: "The simplest things like shaving or washing dishes suddenly become so hard. It's amazing how the experience sticks with you after it's over." Last October, 604 people lived on four litres of water and raised $17,437 to fund clear water projects. I’ve not been able to find out how much the Ice Bucket Challenge raised but I do know that it went viral and that participants were nominating their own pet charities rather than the one the challenge was initially designed to benefit. Let’s make the 4Liters challenge go viral too and if you’d prefer to donate to WaterAid I’m sure the money would be just as welcome! I’m doing my challenge on Monday and will let you know how I get on. If you care to join me, visit: www.4liters.org
Yours,
 This Week's News
New Design Britain Awards 2015 open for entries
New Design Britain is a respected initiative bringing talented young graduates to the forefront of the international design industry with a new focus on growing the programme to include mentoring, online resources as a source of info for business advice, fully-fledged progression initiative and campaigns raising awareness and support for issues in the design education community. There is a dedicated hub within the May Design Series website where entrants can find out more about Refinery Showcases the Future of DIY Retail
The result of in-depth research designed help to future-proof the DIY shopping experience at Homebase, the new DIY zone includes new interactive screens to deliver more help and guidance for customers. Toasty taste in towel warmers and radiators from Ben De Lisi
World famous American fashion and interior designer, Ben de Lisi, has designed a portfolio of towel warmers and radiators for the ultimate in bathroom chic. Exclusively available from Abacus Manufacturing Group via www.ben-de-lisi.com, the beautiful products feature sharp lines that reflect contemporary design and style. Maytag's premium tumble dryers surpass consumer expectations
Proud and protective of its American heritage and reputation as a top quality manufacturer, the company's consistent aim is to surpass the expectations of its consumers, with the latest profile of tumble dryers a perfect example. The models don't come in fives or tens, but in the form of three top class aces of the finest craftsmanship and quality. InSinkErator launches new WRAS-approved 3N1 kitchen tap with filtered, steaming hot water
Encased within a stylish but affordable one-piece Italian design, the new 3N1 affords the finest in function and fashion to more homes than ever before, extending to homeowners the savings on valuable resources that a steaming hot water tap delivers. Laufen bathroom solutions help create luxury bohemia in the heart of Copenhagen
Hotel SP34, part of the Brøchner Hotels chain, has been designed to reflect the physical environment and atmosphere of Copenhagen's Latin Quarter, with an air of luxury and quality throughout. Franchise makes concessions to High Street trading conditions
One of the major retail trends is toward Researching Online, Purchasing Offline (ROPO) - and, according to Google, 38% of all buyers browse online before actually buying in-store, with home improvements (up 29%) and home electronics (up 25%) the biggest growth areas. Luxury, bespoke utility rooms with Woodstock Furniture
Generous cabinet and drawer space in a beautiful sage green makes the area perfect for storing away household necessities such as boot polish and shopping bags as well as washing powder and cleaning products. Abode unveils inspirational new website
Its clean, contemporary design, enables site visitors to find exactly what they want without difficulty, whether they have a specific range or product in mind - or simply wish to explore. Gruelling three-day charity challenge beats target T During June, 14 members of staff, including managing director Tim Pearson and event organiser Robin Myers, took part in a gruelling 300 miles-in-3-days charity cycle ride from London to Paris. Celebration marks quarter of a century
As Portway celebrates 25 years this month, supplying the electrical trade, the company is unveiling a range of promotions to mark this significant anniversary. 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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clicking the link above. Recent News
KBSA AGM and National Meeting breaks records The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has said that this year's AGM, National Meeting and Networking Dinner were their most successful since the start of the recession. Attended by over 40 retailers and almost 30 corporates, the event attracted almost 120 delegates. KBSA announces 'Excellence Award' winners
Diane Berry Kitchens wins 2014 KBSA Designer Awards
Kitchen Concept winner announced in 2014 KBSA Designer Awards
Denby Kitchens wins 2014 KBSA Designer Awards
Young designer stars in KBSA Designer Awards
Supplier Awards winners anncounced The now traditional Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association Supplier Awards were announced at the 2014 KBB Review Kitchen Conference this week, and again, KBSA members voted for those suppliers that they thought had excelled in their service to them in 2013/14. New research conducted by an online bathroom retailer in the UK has revealed the top desirable wish list bathroom features which create the most luxurious bathroom environments. LDL Components scoops Entrepreneur Award
Triton questions revised consumer rights bill
Ceramic tiles market strengthens in 2014
Marketing
One in four UK businesses think their marketing isn't performing Almost a quarter (24%) of UK based businesses believe that their marketing isn't performing as it should be, with a third of these (33%) complaining that the difficulty of making an impact with the advertising they do, is the biggest barrier to success. |
