KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
29th May 2015
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 International News
Products New voluntary label offered by European Water Label, includes energy saving and technical icons
Exquisite finishing touches from Belle Epoque Arcade
Each piece is handcrafted with the brand's hardwearing nickel finish, and for the ceramic pieces each is made of the finest china. Sygma launches collection of fully stainless steel Metro tiles, inspired by Paris Metro
Introducing the newest addition to Jetstone's Ceramic collection: Emperador Grigio
International retailers find growth in UK shopping centres The latest British Consortium of Shopping Centres/Local Data Company vacancy monitor has found the number of shops in UK shopping centres trading as 'multiples' has increased in the last year, with the data showing a rise of 1.3% in the number of 'multiples' and a corresponding 1.3% drop in the number of independent shops. Abode launches Vedo - the perfect finishing touch to a bathroom
The indulgent organic forms used to create this very modern Vedo collection will provide bathrooms with a softer, gentler feel and add the perfect finishing touch to any bathroom decor. Appliance retailers' awakening awareness of alternative brands' attributes affirmed at CIH Showcase
New Tech-Drawer from Mark Wilkinson Furniture
"Homeowners these days have a collection of devices to fill their family lives," says the manufacturer. PWS gets smart with Kesseboehmer storage offer
Beautiful basins in natural stone will maintain their good looks for years to come
Clearwater now offers modern and traditional basins to complement its impressive range of baths. Viking finally in safe hands in the UK
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No doubt you’ve seen the news that’s been all over the tabloids, regarding what appears to be a reluctance amongst the French to shower more than once every few days. I’m not sure how old the study on which this story is based, actually is, as I recall having come across it before… Plus the press officers at the companies mentioned in the news aren’t able to shed any light on it. However, it did get me thinking… Talk to anyone over the age of about 50 and they’ll tell you that they very rarely showered as a child/young adult and that other than a weekly bath – generally on a Sunday – a quick wash in the morning before school or college was enough to keep them clean and sweet smelling. I’m told that adults used to follow the same personal hygiene routine and that people generally only washed their hair once a week. I’ve seen on social media that people are signing up to a monthly ‘switch-off’ protest day whereby they pledge not to use any gas or electricity; something that has been done weekly in the past with fuel purchases to protest against prices. I’m now wondering if there’s any mileage in extending this to include not showering (which you can’t really do anyway unless you use some gas or electricity). I know the industry is doing really well at manufacturing products and appliances that use less water without us as consumers being able to tell the difference, and while I wouldn’t recommend doing what the French are purported to be doing, just think how much water could be saved if we promoted the idea of not taking a shower just one day a week – or even one day a month if that’s more bearable! Yours,
 This Week's News
Space and light: key trends for 2015 Modern British living is about embracing space and light, reveals new research commissioned by Direct Line Home Insurance, which identifies the latest building and renovation trends. Researchers surveyed builders and tradesmen directly, to understand the latest trends in property works and redesign to identify the changing face of Britons' homes. Nearly half (47%) of builders reported extensions as being the most popular trend for home improvements. With the average difference in asking price between a two and three bedroom home in London of £157,202, while the average bedroom extension cost is £35,000, it is no wonder people want to expand and add value to their properties. KBSA announces keynote speakers for 2015 National Meeting
Jonathan Winchester, founded Shopper Anonymous UK in 2006 and now runs the UK's largest feedback organisation. Cape Cod brings a touch of nature into the bathroom
With his new Cape Cod bathroom range, the French designer has reinvented the bathroom, removing the barriers between nature and the indoors. Nature becomes a permanent part of the bathroom, a place for rejuvenation and refreshment with aesthetically appealing materials and forms. Major milestone for British manufacturing as Triton turns 40 and appoints new MD
"Consumers are seeking stylish, technologically advanced gadgets in every area of their lives," comments Stuart Benson, national sales manager for Gorenje UK. British Ceramic Tile collaborates with Ted Baker to launch no ordinary designer tile range
A fashion forward selection of wall and floor tiles, the range blends British Ceramic Tile's unique manufacturing heritage with Ted's eye for detail and appreciation for a tile with style. Grohe launches complete cubic brassware range
Included is the Grohtherm Cube thermostat, which features precision-engineered Turbostat technology to deliver a safe and enjoyable showering experience. PWS makes senior operations' appointments
Kevin is responsible for all aspects of IT and logistics. With over 500 orders dispatched from PWS each day, slick operations are critical to the smooth running of the business. Max value for retailers with Max-Top
"Max-Top is completely unique in its offering; it looks fantastic, is incredibly hard-wearing, whilst being so light-weight it only takes one person to install it," says Stephen Moss, managing director of Max-Top. Gaia's Devimat: the perfect finishing touch for wet rooms
Not only does UFH create a warm, comfortable surface to walk on, it is also a more efficient way to heat a room than traditional wall-hung radiators.
Alex Patterson rejoins the company in the newly created position of regional sales manager: Scotland & Ireland. 'Devine' handpainted pantry with custom made, dark oak interiors
The pantry includes beautifully crafted custom made dark oak interiors with multiple dovetailed drawers, while both cupboard doors are fitted out with extensive walnut racks for storing spices and herbs. Aqata appoints new regional sales manager
Nick joins the company as the latest member of an expanding and dedicated sales force; he will continue the strategy of forging strong working relationships within the retail sector and promoting sales of Aqata's luxury shower enclosure portfolio. New channel director for in-toto Kitchens
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 Steel Cucine has partnered with Le Creuset to design a collection of limited edition range cookers - T: 01275 343 000 … The new ‘Bathroom Furniture Co. by Burbidge’ is attracting lots of attention, with 50 specialists already signed up as displaying dealers – E: [email protected] ... Smeg’s freestanding range includes new energy-efficient washing machines and tumble dryers – E: [email protected] … Britannia Living is opening its second UK showroom in six months; this one’s in Chertsey, Surrey - T: 0844 463 9705 How to contact us at The KBzine:
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Literature
Another exciting kitchen tap brochure from Abode
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