KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
27th February 2015
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 International News
Products Five-star cleanliness, comfort and luxury from Geberit at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel
Keep kitchen drawers tidy with Leicht's new Q-box
Britannia expands portfolio with splashbacks
Catergorised by stainless steel, glass and decorative steel, the new splashbacks are available in a variety of configurations from 90 - 120cm, complementary of Britannia's range cooker specifications. The European Water Label: a force for good
Abode Verla receives award nomination
Verla is an innovative new take on kitchen mixer tap styling with a 'V' shaped body design. The smooth curved radii of the tap come together perfectly from the architecturally tall spout design, to the easy-to-operate style handles. Choose a kitchen in any colour with new RAL options from Alno
The German manufacturer now offers six different kitchen ranges that can be ordered in any RAL or NCS colour. With thousands of options available, this colour matching service provides guaranteed colour accuracy. T: 0113 3315 100 Gone grey - Burbidge's contemporary classic Malmo in the shade of the decade
Systemline S7 installed at prestigious showroom in London Design Centre - Victoria + Albert Baths
Bespoke screens designed by SWA members are gracing the best bathrooms
A little Kitchen Magic will help spread some cheer...
Abode welcomes a further sink model to the successful Connekt family
ProApp delivers Geberit know-how straight to your Smartphone
Kilrock combats household damp with launch of new Damp Clear moisture range
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It’s coming up to six years since John and I took over the reins of KBzine from our late friends Richard and Debbie Schwarz, who launched it 13 years ago. I believe over my time here I’ve probably soundly established myself as a bit of a hippy (John says ‘aging’!) in as much as I hate unnecessary waste and am a recycling and energy/water-saving fanatic. You’re probably also aware that I have a way of attracting dodgy tradespeople. You’ll no doubt be as surprised as I am then at the fact that last week, I treated my family to our first ever household laundry drying appliance and even booked the delivery man to install it for me! I’ll readily whinge about the issues I’ve faced so it’s with pleasure that I can sing the praises of the people at Indesit who supplied my Hotpoint washer dryer and employees Anthony Green and Gary McPhail who delivered and installed it for me and removed my old Servis washer that was over 15 years old and struggling to fill (and very heavy according to the lads). From placing my order to booking a delivery date, the text I received a day prior to delivery informing me of my 3-hr timeslot (so I didn’t have to wait in all day) and a further text telling me the van was 15 minutes away, to the installation itself – well – it was an absolute joy. If that’s what the service is always like then I’ll be back (and no, I didn’t play the ‘don’t you know who I am’ card – they had no idea I’m in the industry)! We’ll still be drying outside whenever possible but with three ladies back in the household, drying washing on radiators in wet weather and having misted windows isn’t a good look and it isn’t healthy either. I reckon I’ll be able to turn the heating down and may end up with lower energy bills too. I must admit I’m a little daunted by the new technology though – it feels a bit like when I was left at home alone with my newborn twins for the first time: “How am I going to get my head around this?” I’ll let you know how I get on…
Yours,
 This Week's News
AEG supports KBSA consumer push The Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that AEG has joined the KBSA's consumer push by uploading its consumer brochure into the Association's 'brochure warehouse' on the website. This innovative feature allows KBSA corporate members to have consumer literature in this 'warehouse' to help consumers in the initial research phase of a room project, and now includes brochures from Bosch, Siemens, Neff, Rangemaster and other leading brands, as well as furniture from the Omega PLC group, Mereway Group, sinks and taps from Franke and Blanco and worksurfaces from Silestone and Dekton. Royal Arcade over-bath shower is truly stunning
Like every Arcade piece, the Royal freestanding over-bath shower is hand finished with exceptional care using the finest materials and manufacturing processes. The hardwearing nickel finish is also used throughout all complementing brassware, fittings and accessories. Sanitaryware durability: new test process launched for secure areas
In a new initiative The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, in association with the UK Government's Ministry of Justice, leading independent test houses and bathroom product manufacturers, has launched an all-new standard test process for 'The Robustness of Sanitaryware.' On-site assessments (OSAT) now available for installers
"This has many advantages," says assessor Rob Mascari. "Most importantly, the installer does not need to take time out from work."
A total of 15 different countries will be represented in the kitchen and bathroom sector alone, with exhibitors joining from Austria to Cyprus; Portugal to Estonia. Whirlpool dishwasher awarded 9/10 by TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews commended the cleaning power of the rear mounted jets for cleaning really mucky pots and pans, while the PowerDry option, which actively draws moist air and steam out of the appliance, leaves plates and plastics cupboard, bone dry in just one hour. Also noted were the exceptional wash performance, the lush design and finish, and the self-cleaning filter. Cosentino Group expands its presence in Canada
The group's increasing commitment to the region was evident at its annual summit, which brought together its most important customers and business partners in the North American region. With the title 'Cosentino 100 Strategic Summit', this year's convention in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), brought together more than 300 participants from 115 fabricators, as well as major supplier companies and Cosentino North America staff. Educational toolbox talks will help firms spread onsite dust awareness
Following a recent surge in dust awareness enquiries, Dustcontrol UK, has launched 'Toolbox Talks', during which the Dustcontrol team can instruct attendees on dust-related best practice and operational procedure. Franke's Uridan waterless urinals provide solution to water leakage
"We wanted a waterless solution to reduce water use and maintenance costs," explains Adrian Bailey, facilities manager at Winchmore School. "There are other water-free products available for this type of installation but we wanted assurance it would stand the wear and tear of secondary school pupils and be completely odour free." New look and strategy for F & P simply delivers more
F & P was established in the 1960s and has since been committed to supporting independent merchants and retailers to grow their businesses profitably by offering much more than just a comprehensive range products through its nine dedicated distribution centres across the UK. LDL appoints product & supply partner manager
Phil, who has been working for LDL since the beginning of the year, has over 25 years' experience in the kitchen industry. His most recent role was in kitchen retailing but he has also worked for leading companies such as Spring Ram and Scotwood. BAL strengthens specifier support with new business development manager
Matthew's role includes working with architects, designers and specifiers to support them on M40/M20 specifications, deliver project support and provide RIBA-accredited CPDs. 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. News in Brief Blum rejoins KBSA, bringing the number of new brands joining since September’s AGM, to six… Look out for Beko’s new cash-back promotion launching in next Friday’s KBzine… Get InSinkErator’s smart new 3N1 steaming hot water tap brochure at www.insinkerator.co.uk... Roca extends its popular Debba collection for even greater design flexibility – T: 01530 830080… See Masterclass’s new Ashbourne Shaker range at www.masterclasskitchens.co.uk How to contact us at The KBzine:
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Amica opens first strategic showroom in UK
Do it right and you can build the perfect wetroom
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