KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
6th March 2015
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 International News
Products Royal Arcade over-bath shower is truly stunning
Sanitaryware durability: new test process launched for secure areas
Whirlpool dishwasher awarded 9/10 by TrustedReviews
Cosentino Group expands its presence in Canada
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
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Minister Jo Swinson has taken a lot of flak for her suggestion that consumers should record their dealings with tradespeople to provide evidence under the new Consumer Right Bill which comes into force in October, but I for one think it’s a great idea! So often householders feel their needs haven’t been met by tradespeople and it’s only when conversations are recorded or requests for work put in writing, that there’s a reliable record of the proceedings. Poor memory, misunderstanding or even mishearing can be expensive. I’ve used emails I’ve sent regarding roof-work required, as well as a recording made by a supplier when I requested some electrical repairs, to successfully fight my corner when they tried to rip me off. I’m still scratching my head over why a contractor tasked with repairing my cistern decided to paint my dining room wall yellow instead and I’m not going to be caught out again! And of course, it works both ways, doesn’t it? Some years ago a carpenter friend spent the best part of a year fitting the interior of a very expensive house on Kingston Hill and never got paid for any of the work. The owner changed his mind so often about the colour of the marble, type of wood etc and even had Tony alter the direction of a sweeping staircase in the lobby after the original had been finished, that Tony ended up walking off the job. Nothing had been put in writing initially so Tony couldn’t demand the money as the job hadn’t been finished… nothing to do with his abilities as a carpenter but everything to do with the householder’s inability to make up his mind! If only there had been something in writing, or recordings of their conversations! On the same vein, the Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers is about to introduce a policy that will protect installers should the manufacturer of the product being installed go out of business or be unable to supply for some reason. So often the installers end up taking the flak when it’s not really their fault, so this is another initiative I support. You can read more below.
Yours,
 This Week's News
Good growth forecast for plumbing contractors market in 2015 The plumbing contractors market was estimated to be valued at around £14.7bn in 2014, having seen good levels of growth over the last two years, notes AMA Research in its latest publication: 'Plumbing Contractors Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis.' The plumbing contracting sector weathered the economic downturn fairly well compared with other construction sectors, due to the fact that a large share of work is made up of repair and maintenance, which is generally more resilient than work within the newbuild sector. Methven set to turn showering on its head with launch of Aurajet technology
Methven's latest innovation was developed following extensive research into consumer showering preferences, taking the science of showering to new levels by using water deflection to create fan-shaped sheets of water. The showerhead's hidden nozzles generate single jets of water that hit precisely-engineered surfaces to produce a wide, even shower spray with no gaps and enhanced droplet density. Contemporary Partridge Grey finish for PWS' Milbourne range
Grey is still very much the colour of the moment for kitchens; it's a modern neutral that's easy to live with, but essentially will stand the test of time adapting effortlessly to both contemporary and classic schemes. It's also the perfect colour to use as a base to add personality with other materials and products. For instance teaming it with a pop of colour, such as fresh yellow, adds a vibrant accent and really gives the interior an individual yet co-ordinated look. New Glacier from Mistral - a cooler shade of white...
The move is in response to recent feedback from designers and retailers which identified a preference for a cooler white that more closely mirrors the gloss doors and other white furniture that has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. The new white also provides a more striking contrast when used alongside stronger statement colours in adventurous design schemes. Technology meets tradition with high level WC's from Burlington
The high level flush range offers seven designs, including three with aluminium high level cisterns (brushed aluminium, black and white). There are also plain ceramic pans and cisterns and elegant English Garden, which displays striking yet soft flowers on the WC bowl, the cisterns and the basin. Abode's Edge tap... pushing the boundaries
This striking minimalist planate angular designed monobloc mixer tap is Edge, a low pressure tap with quarter turn action for precise flow control. Edge is architecturally tall - standing at 275mm - and takes its cutting edge design styling from contemporary kitchen design. Requiring a minimum 0.4 bar pressure, this tap is supplied complete with fast fit tails for fast, simple fitting. New iKBBI consumer protection insurance to launch
"We have seen many retailers over recent years, regrettably, fall into financial difficulty and we now believe that that mandatory insurance to protect customers and their installer is needed," explains iKBBI founder Damian Walters. Kitchen fitter prosecuted for endangering homeowners' lives A Tyneside man has been sentenced for putting the lives of homeowners at risk after deceiving a local kitchen fitting company by claiming he was Gas Safe registered. Neil Scott, a self-employed kitchen fitter, was contracted by the company to carry out work at three properties in Newcastle where kitchens were being refurbished between September and December 2012. KBSA announces first judges for Designer Awards
Renee has been on the judging panel since the Awards were relaunched in 2012. Voting open for Magnet Trade's Community Champions Magnet Trade has launched 'Community Champions', a national campaign that will see 10 community causes across the UK rewarded with cash prizes. A total of 169 charities, each representing a local Magnet Trade store, have been challenged to describe what makes them a 'Magnet of the community', with £10,000 split regionally between the 10 most voted for causes, and an additional £1,000 awarded to the public's overall favourite. Saniflo supports National Apprentice competition
This year Saniflo is supporting the National Apprentice of the Year competition run by SNG Publishing, publisher of the HIP! and Sparks magazines and handbooks for Plumbing students. The competition has been running since 2009 and was conceived to offer students the opportunity to be recognised for their skills and hard work. Beko launches new Spring Cashback Promotion Beko launched a new Spring Cashback promotion yesterday, to drive sales during what is a peak sales and planning period for kitchen refurbishments. The promotion will run for two months until 6th May and applies to a selection of Beko’s American Style Fridge-Freezers. Customers can claim their £100 cashback online through the Beko claim page (www.beko.co.uk/cashback), where the full terms and conditions are also listed. 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 Bauformat is making its debut at the Ideal Home ‘show houses’ - www.bauformat.de ... The Ideal Home Show runs 20th March – 6th April at London’s Olympia - www.idealhomeshow.co.uk ... Cosentino’s Silestone surfaces were created 25 years ago in just six colours. How things have changed! www.cosentino.com … The Electrolux Design Lab is open for entries now. Visit www.electroluxdesignlab.com/2014/brief-and-theme-2015/ for details How to contact us at The KBzine:
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