KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th April 2015
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 International News
Products Angular and artistic: the new Tratto from MHS Radiators
Striking new thermostatic showering from Burlington
Leisure Sinks meets the university challenge
Utopia extends Qube range with new floorstanding option
More than 160 new products unveiled by Croydex for 2015
Gorenje signs Sirius Buying Group as an official supplier
Manufacturing apprentice talks about learning safety and new skills, in unison
Infrarad - the smart way to heat it up
A colourful future for classic kitchen design
Easy installation and stylish showering with Abacus Manufacturing Group's Vessini range
Vessini brassware embraces manual and thermostatic shower and diverter valves. These include standard fittings and those that work in combination with the Vessini universal Easi-Box system which provides the installer with a simple installation procedure. BAL breaks new ground with launch of high spec training centre
Councillor Pervez opened the Centre alongside the company's managing director Peter Bell at a special launch event last Wednesday. Victoria + Albert Baths launches its first ever collection of bathroom furniture
Seven tips for better bathroom lighting, from 'across the pond' Doug Walter, AIA, Senior Architect at Godden/Sudik Architects in Centennial, Colorado, US, contacted us a couple of weeks back saying: “I’ve been a subscriber to KBzine since the Schwarz's era, and enjoy very much the British take on the industry, so much so that I even flew over to attend Interbuild one year”. Doug has 35 years’ experience in residential remodelling and custom homes and has won more than 120 awards for his kitchens, bathrooms, and other remodelling projects. |
I don’t know what it is about this time of year but as soon as the sun comes out and we’re able to throw open our doors and windows to let in some fresh air, we get that urge to declutter our homes and clean everything in sight. I wonder whether it may be to do with some deep-seated nesting instinct, as the compulsion can be so strong and we also seem to be granted the stamina to keep working hard at it for longer than we’d be able to at other times. Of course what follows all that decluttering and cleaning is the ability to take a fresh look at our surroundings – and that’s when we notice that paint might need refreshing, or our kitchens and bathrooms are looking tired. Time to replace them perhaps? I’ve been wondering whether all the talk of potential deflation is having an impact on our industry and whether people are waiting to see if prices will fall before splashing out. After all, many of us hold off making a purchase until the January sales, so a discount clearly does tempt people. I’m never sure though whether the majority end up deliberately spending less than they would normally have done, or whether they will stretch the budget as far as they can and buy a heavily discounted product or range that wouldn’t normally be affordable to them. Or does it fall somewhere between the two? My family recently ate at a restaurant that was offering half price cocktails. I don’t generally drink cocktails but that night I did and between us we drank more than we normally do, spending more than we normally would. I also left a far larger tip than was necessary. We all had a good time, the restaurant’s turnover increased (as we weren’t the only ones indulging!) and the staff took more money home because I was grateful for the opportunity to try lots of cocktails and wanted to give something back – I hope I wasn’t the only one. Is this how it works for retailers in the KBB sector I wonder? Yours,
 This Week's News
iKBBI & TFO announce strategic collaboration
The initiative will include vital development work around definition of independent installation standards within the KBB sector, a key objective that sits firmly with the iKBBI, supported by its members and key organisations that operate within the industry. Striking new thermostatic showering from Burlington
Aptly named after famous British rivers the Trent, Spey, Tay, Eden, Stour, Severn and Avon; the new Burlington Traditional Showers combine period styling with modern know-how that comes complete with TMV2 approved valves for added safety, an 11mm bore on hoses (the standard is 8mm), internal filters to remove impurities and a non-return valve. SBID International Design Awards 2015 now open
Following the success of previous editions, this year's SBID Awards are designed to surpass the rest. The 2014 edition saw a 15% increase in entries than previous years from over 30 countries around the globe including the UK, Canada, Turkey, China, Russia, USA, Australia, UAE and more. Blanco launches new CombiColour shade for Silgranit sinks
KBSA announces new social media campaign
The campaign is designed to increase awareness of the KBSA and drive traffic to the new KBSA website - which offers a host of helpful tips and hints when considering a new room project - as well as increase the number of followers on social media channels. InSinkErator showcases the most colourful range in the market at the Ideal Home Show
The innovative and unique range of InSinkErator 3N1 steaming hot water taps made an anticipated public appearance on the stand. Whirpool launches new Absolute design built-in and freestanding appliance range
The combination provides a distinctive and matching profile across both product categories.
The company has outlined its key looks; predicting the colours, patterns and surface textures that are set to turn heads in interior design and become the key focus for newly developed ranges over the coming year. Packed full of inspirational design and trend predictions, the new Tile Trend Edit brochure has been created to showcase the latest looks and styles influencing our homes and the tile market. Free installer events in the East of England to support green growth
In the midst of the recession, whilst the rest of the UK economy was virtually flat, the low carbon economy grew by up to 5%1. As this economy continues to recover and grow, development across a range of sectors is gathering pace. Karonia director in 269ft charity abseil
The band has been performing together since 2011 and memorably entertained the crowds at the KBB 2014 exhibitor party at the NEC. Saturday's abseil was the latest in a number of charity events staged by the band. 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 Victoria & Albert baths’ Amiata collection now holds the Red Dot Award for Product Design - www.vandabaths.com … For details of Electrolux’s new range of electric showers E: [email protected] … If you’re a Geordie Shore fan, look out for Gorenje’s iconic Retro fridges in the group’s house. Inspired? – T: 0208 247 3980 … in-toto Kitchens will be launching new colours in celebration of its 35th year of business, at Grand Designs Live at London’s ExCel (2nd – 10th May 2015) - www.intoto.co.uk / www.granddesignslive.com How to contact us at The KBzine:
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New sales & design director for Alno Contracts
Key new senior appointment at ArtiCAD
 Marketing
Dream Doors an eight-time winner at Franchise Marketing Awards
Pick up a free framing system along with your know-how at Geberit installer training days
Literature
Gorenje makes a splash with new 'Colour' brochure
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