KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th October 2014
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 International News
Products The BlancoAttika sink... perfect for the design-focused kitchen
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Life’s getting interesting, isn’t it? The inflation rate in the UK and the Eurozone is at its lowest level for five years and in the UK, we’ve just recorded the largest annual fall in unemployment on record, since such records began in 1972. A survey just published by the British Retail Consortium reports that sales are at their weakest level in six years, yet a new study by the Federation of Master Builders claims that almost a third of UK homeowners are set to spend £6 billion between them on property upgrades over the next three years. I wonder, perhaps, whether we’re staying away from the shops because we’re saving so hard to pay for these forthcoming upgrades? With almost 40% of those planning to improve their homes, saying they will be major refurbishments such as new kitchens, bathrooms and extensions, this bodes very well for the KBB industry indeed, so I hope that everyone sticks to their plans. The study, which you can learn more about below, also shows that when it comes to choosing a builder, one in four homeowners feel out of their depth. Don’t I just know about that! I now go through several websites making a shortlist - and whatever industry associations those on it are members of, if they’ve not got a good number of excellent reviews on CheckaTrade and the like, with a score of almost a perfect 10 and the price charged the same as the estimate given, I don’t bother to contact them. I’ve come unstuck too many times to be slaphappy in my choice. Apparently, most people choose their builder on personal recommendations. I’ve come unstuck this way too, as of course a builder performing well on just one job, isn’t necessarily going to come up trumps every time, is he (or she)? And of course we all have different expectations (in my case, builders knowing what they’re doing is one of them!) ‘Safety in numbers’ has become my mantra and it’s paying off, although it does mean I have to wait longer to have the work done, as those I want to do it, seem to take more holidays than most! I suppose that figures though…
Yours,
 This Week's News
Homeowners set to spend £6BN on property upgrades Nearly a third of UK home owners are looking to carry out work on their home in the next three years, with up to £6BN in projected works planned annually, according to a new study from the Federation of Master Builders.
Encouragingly, almost 40% of these are set to be major refurbishments, including new kitchens, new bathrooms and home extensions, while smaller works such as loft conversions and conservatories account for 38%. More than one in five home owners (22%) cited that the primary reason for their home improvements is being unable to buy a new home, and thus feeling compelled to upgrade their current space. Retro's back! Indulge in the elegance of yesteryear with Retro Nouveau
With an olde worlde charm and sophisticated elegance, Retro Nouveau inspires creativity in the classically styled bathroom, with a range of washbasin and sanitaryware options, co-ordinating brassware in a depth of finishes, luxurious bath tubs and stylish accessories. Screwfix insight backs up FMB's research
"Our insight from tradesmen echoes today's research by the Federation of Master Builders into the amount of work homeowners are planning to carry out on their home over the next three years. Let there be light whatever the hour, with Geberit Monolith Plus
Available in a choice of white or black glass, the elegant sanitary module has a discreet and indirect ComfortLight, providing a warm glow behind the module, which is automatically activated as the user approaches. This makes it perfect for when using the bathroom at night, or for creating a calming ambience at bath-time. Ben de Lisi for beautiful bathing
Encompassing a complete bathroom portfolio including sanitaryware, baths, bath and shower screens, towel warmers and accessories, Ben de Lisi's organically-designed collection will allow the designer to create the perfect room; while liaising with only one supplier. BMA announces new logo and visual brand identity
"The release of the new logo and visual brand is a significant milestone and marks the start of a new era for the BMA, as it demonstrates our vision and ambition for the future," says Yvonne Orgill, chief executive. 'Furniture design is our forte', says Utopia
"We are proud to be a British manufacturer investing heavily in new product development, new equipment and also recruiting additional staff," says Ian Hall, joint managing director. "This latest launch demonstrates yet again that furniture design is our forte and we look forward to driving the sector with these exciting new products." Geberit announces offer to acquire bathroom ceramics giant, Sanitec
Sanitec enjoyed net sales of EUR 702 million in 2013 with an earnings before interest and taxes margin of 9.7%. The company has 6,200 employees worldwide, 18 production facilities and 24 sales units in Europe. Best known in the UK for Twyford, it practices a multi-brand strategy with 14 leading brands operating in Europe on a local basis. Original and best - the T80Z Fast-Fit shower from Triton
Triton's T80 range was first launched in 1978 and has been developed ever since to remain the number one for shower replacements.
Franke introduces two new Maris tap styles to complement its Maris sinks
The Maris offers the popular U-shaped spout design that works with so many kitchen styles, and features a striking cylindrical body with upright paddle levers. Finished in sparkling chrome or sleek silksteel, the tap measures 319mm in height, has a spout reach of 197mm, and a slim overall width of 120mm. 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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