KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
14th November 2014
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 International News
Products Manhattan makes heads turn, not just movies!
Finished in a premium quality gloss foil that produces a mirror-like finish (minimising any orange peel effect); Manhattan offers exceptionally high quality and affordability for the handless look that seems like it's here to stay on the market. Crosswater adds 'Glitz' and 'Sparkle' to bathrooms this Christmas
Lixil Water Technology Group: A new global market leader to be born
Whirlpool launches new dishwashers with PowerDry option
A Ben de Lisi bathroom mirror - a reflection of design
New bathroom mirrors from the iconic American fashion and interiors designer, Ben de Lisi, are now available to buy at Abacus Manufacturing Group via www.ben-de-lisi.com The mirrors, with discreet gloss white framing, come in three sizes with lighting on the right, left or both. Top five tips for selecting your worktop
When it comes to choosing materials for a kitchen, worktops are a key consideration. Modern consumers expect high quality surfaces that look great, are hard-wearing and complete the look of their kitchen. Burlington in bloom: decorated sanitaryware is coming back!
Hafele expands Essential architectural ironmongery range
1909 & Metris training is a huge hit with PWS customers
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You may recall my grumbles last week about the shortage of poppy sellers and I’m pleased to say I eventually managed to buy one. Sadly I wasn’t able to make it up to see the display at the Tower of London, but friends who did, tell me it was incredible. That’s partly down to the efforts of Tile Association member Johnson Tiles of Stoke-on-Trent, whose specialist team churned out some 8,000 individually made and decorated ceramic poppies every day, to ensure that the 888,246 target was reached. The company’s specialist projects manager Harry Foster, says: “We were honoured to be asked to contribute. Each poppy is unique; every worker created each poppy differently with complete individuality, which is wonderful because of what each poppy represents.” The labour intensive process involved traditional, skilled methods, beginning with clay processing to produce slabs from which flower templates, with two layers formed into the poppy shape. Poppies were cabinet dried for around six hours, which reduced the moisture content enough for kiln firing. The poppies were ‘biscuit fired’ then hand-dipped and refired to high temperature before being dispatched to project artist Paul Cummins’ studio. Local veterans from the Normandy Veterans Association visited the factory to see the poppy making process, as did children from special educational school Abbey Hill who had a go at making their own poppies. Joanna Dawidowska, who owns a ceramics business, helped lead the team of 12 ceramic makers. She says: “This has been a very emotional project for everyone involved, some of the makers here have relatives who died so for them it’s very special. It’s great to see so many people with different skill levels coming together for this, we’re all very passionate about it.” One of these workers was Paul Turner, employed at Johnson Tiles 25 years ago, who returned to help with the project. He says: “I’ve worked in ceramics all my life, and it was great to return to work on the poppies and see it all coming together.” I know the work will have been stressful at times but what a wonderful thing to be able to tell the grandchildren: “I made some of those poppies”!
Yours,
 This Week's News
Consumer Rights Bill 2015: Open house for rogue consumers?
Whilst improving consumer rights must be a good thing, there is a danger of tipping the scales too far towards that objective - at the expense of the retailer, and the Consumer Rights Bill, currently on its way through the House of Lords, will enshrine into law rights that could cost UK business £millions. British Ceramic Tile announces changes to manufacturing operation British Ceramic Tile announced yesterday that it is proposing a reduction of up to 70 jobs as the business implements changes to its manufacturing operation and support functions.
Over the past two years British Ceramic Tile has repositioned its product offer in response to changing consumer demand, investing heavily in new, efficient inkjet technology to concentrate on premium quality, 'Made in Britain' products such as its high definition (HD) ranges. MX unveils new thermostatic mixer shower ranges
So confident is MX of the quality of its new Thermostatic Mixer Showers, that the company is offering a three or five year guarantee on its Atmos range of valves. All materials used in these products are WRAS approved and Phthalate-free where applicable. Re-thinking sanitation in support of World Toilet Day
Aiming to break the taboo around toilets and draw attention to the global sanitation issue, this free-to-attend event offers an opportunity to meet the architects, designers and engineers working to change the fact that 2.5 billion people don't have access to clean and safe toilets. New Blum lift system available as a complete pack from LDL
Designed to offer all the functionality and quality that characterises Blum products at a keen price point, Aventos HK-XS will open up a new area of the market for the variable lift system.
Roomy cupboards provide useful storage for toiletries, cleaning materials and towels, reducing bathroom clutter. Blanco UK welcomes new marketing manager
Stoves and Belling unveil new 90cm gas range cookers
The new gas models are available across Belling's popular range cooker models, the Classic and DB4, as well as the Stoves Richmond and Sterling collections.
Steve says that some emissions management actions have to be long-term measures, such as vehicle procurement strategies. Others can be carried out in the medium term, such rigorous service scheduling and preventative maintenance. Abode strengthens social media channels
So whether you're a user of Pinterest, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Linkedin or YouTube, you can stay up-to-date with the latest goings on, not forgetting the news section of Abode's website. Saniflo unveils new Kinedo brochure
Inviting the customer to rediscover the pleasure of showering, the brochure clearly explains exactly why Kinedo shower cubicles are such a pleasure to fit and use, with key features including no leaks, no silicone, toughened safety glass, and a comprehensive guarantee. 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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'Hot Water Burns Like Fire' campaign launched at the Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference 2014
 New safety initiative launching next month On 4th November 2014, AMDEA, the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances, will be hosting a reception to introduce stakeholders to 'Register my appliance', the new industry safety initiative aimed at encouraging the public to register their appliances. Big Energy Vision will boost market for energy saving home improvements, says Trustmark A new long-term campaign to empower UK households to take control of rising energy bills was launched yesterday with support from TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark for tradesmen. KBBG launches exclusive membership offers The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, part of DER KREIS, Europe's leading kitchen and bathroom buying group, has secured two major exclusive offers for its members. Britannia Living, supplier of the premium Britannia and Bertazzoni appliance ranges as well as Best cooker hoods - and Jetstone, the Hertfordshire-based specialist in stone worktops, have exclusive offers available to members until 31st December 2014. British Safety Council offers free stress advice to businesses
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KBB NTG's new website is designed to work on mobile devices
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