KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th July 2015
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 International News
Products Amica forecasts seismic shift to induction
Simon Freear, Country Manager for Amica says: "Induction cooking will be the energy of choice for future generations of appliance buyers now that prices are within easy reach. The high speed, ultra-safe operation, super easy to clean and ultimate energy efficiency all contribute to what is likely to be a seismic shift away from ceramic and electric-plate hobs.
Lustrolite's glass effect acrylic wall panels are the perfect way to breathe life back into a kitchen and bathroom and a great way to incorporate current trends into a home. Lustrolite is available in nine amazing colours - Arctic, Glacier, Blue Atoll, Rouge, Mocha, Safari, Forest, Titan and Carbon - all of which can be used for both kitchen splashbacks and shower and bathroom walls. Methven launches three new tapware ranges with 20-year guarantee
The three ranges each feature a mono basin mixer, a bath filler and a bath shower mixer. All bath shower mixers include a Maku shower handset, which incorporates Methven's patented Satinjet twin jet technology with over 300,000 droplets per second providing an immersive full body showering experience. Let kitchen creativity flourish with the new feature-packed Haier 70 Series fridge-freezers
The 70 Series fridge-freezers all feature an XXL capacity to provide the maximum amount of storage space, while the flexible MyZone compartment and a host of easy-to-use features encourage the creativity of users in their kitchen. New recess shower solution for compact bathrooms
It offers a simple yet practical solution for compact bathrooms, allowing maximum showering space outside the shower area whilst providing ample showering room inside. Aging population needs 'future-proofed' bathrooms
Cascading flows of water are the inspiration behind the Modo range and the spouts have been designed to be non-splash to ensure that water cascades evenly into the basin or bath. The design-led taps feature rectangular lines, contrasted against cylindrical forms and this luxury chrome tap collection looks stunning even when water isn't running. Five modern natural stone baths for stunning Clearwater Portfolio
Natural Stone has proved so successful that the manufacturer has streamlined the range in favour of all natural stone. Natural Stone provides a rigid and strong bath of great elegance, without any need for ledges or surrounds. It is cleverly priced to offer not only great value for money but is also very competitive in this part of the market. Whirlpool launches award-winning Supreme Care laundry range
Hoover Wizard launches at London's Saatchi Gallery
Perfect Fit - a new bespoke kitchen concept from Schmidt, custom made to suit individual space
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I was always taught to look after other peopleís things with as much care as I would my own and I would like to think that my behaviour is the norm. Give someone a company vehicle to drive though and the situation changes. Iím sure Iím not the only one who believes they can spot a company car driver at 50 paces and nor am I the only one whoíd be reluctant to buy a second hand car that has previously seen use as a company car! What is it about company car drivers? My sentiments have been backed up by the release of the results of a new survey, courtesy of Venson Automotive Solutions (www.venson.com). While I can identify with the 58% of company car drivers that think it's their employer's responsibility to get the car serviced at the appropriate times, I'm at odds to understand the thinking behind the general lack of regular maintenance checks that should be a matter of course for all drivers. When asked if they undertake vehicle maintenance, only 52% of company car drivers are likely to top up water coolants and only 53% will check oil levels. Slightly better (but still not good enough) 66% check their tyre pressures and inflate their tyres if necessary. What's really concerning is that 28% will ignore dashboard warning lights! The survey also found that 17.5% wouldn't report minor damage to their employer and I find this the most worrying trait as I feel it's a betrayal of trust not to do so. If you're responsible for someone else's property and it gets damaged, surely you'd report it? If I found that an employee of mine had deliberately withheld this type of information I'd be wondering how far I could trust them and how honest they were being in all other aspects of our working relationship - such as expenses claims! Venson's Gil Kelly, advises that to keep fleet costs down, managers communicate regularly with their drivers about service and maintenance responsibilities and perhaps use daily/weekly/monthly (depending upon vehicle usage) vehicle checks to spot issues early on, using ongoing driver training to ensure employees are driving safely - which in turn will reduce accidental damage - and implementing a fleet policy that recharges fees back to drivers if incidents aren't reported; all of which are good ideas. Yours,
 This Week's News
Aga Rangemaster sold to US kitchen products specialist Middleby for £129.2m
However with Middleby promising to keep production in the UK, hundreds of jobs are likely to be saved at the company, which employs around 2,500 people worldwide. Blanco cooker hood makes a bold statement
iKBBI unveils new major sponsor
The three-year-deal will deliver significant benefit to iKBBI members, including dedicated business advisors in store and on the phone, together with access to a huge range competitively priced white goods. New products bring a design classic bang up to date
UBM has announced the closure of the May Design Series, saying it will instead concentrate its KBB and design sector efforts on the highly popular kbb Birmingham and kbb London, Sleep, Decorex and Ecobuild events. "We've decided to cancel May Design Series and put our efforts into our niche market events as our exhibitors and visitors have informed us they want a more curated experience," said the press statement. Introducing SensioSound: an LED Bluetooth speaker light
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association announces designer awards shortlists Following a meeting of the judges for the 2015 KBSA Designer Awards, the finalists have been named for all categories as follows:
* Kitchen Designer of the Year under £25,000 - sponsored by Omega Comprehensive and affordable shower floors: Kaldewei now offers solutions for every project
Combined with an ultra low Kaldewei waste fitting and installation aid, they are easy to fit and achieve a luxurious, contemporary look either at low level or completely flush with the floor. Designer radiator brand Bisque introduce the elegant and simple Trubi
New Noble by Barwick range a hit with retailers
The introduction of the new product ranges from Uform follows findings of extensive market research, with painted furniture and kitchens in particular proving to be one of the top interior trends as of late as consumer demand soars for smooth painted and flawless matt finishes. Smeg appoints new regional sales manager for the North West & West Midlands
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 Perrin & Rowe’s new classically designed mini taps deliver 99 degrees C water instantly - 01708 526 361 … V-Zug’s latest brochure, featuring new branding, is now available - 0843 289 5759 … VitrA has unveiled a new bathroom furniture range for its Ecora Bathroom Collection - T: 01235 750 990 … SieMatic has new displays at the Nicholas Anthony showroom in Knightsbridge nicholas-anthony.co.uk / www.siematic.co.uk How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Has there ever been a better time to be an independent kitchen specialist? asks Bill Miller, managing director of the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group, the UK arm of Der Kreis buying group ISO 9001 Quality Management System final draft standard published
 KBSA announces further speaker for 2015 National Meeting
It's 'Armitage Thanks' as brand launches new charity initiative to celebrate 200 year anniversary
People
Burbidge recruits experienced industry figure to head up the Bathroom Furniture Co.
Marketing
Introducing Utopia's all new website!
Launched in early July and specifically designed to be user-friendly and very simple to follow, the website has an inviting home page introducing the extensive bathroom and bedroom collections, together with a host of other information, all presented in a logical and accessible format. New website and brochure design for Tom Howley
Distinctly promotional Abode kitchen taps for display
Baumatic teams with Virgin Wines to launch Summer Wine Storage promotion
Literature
The MX Collection: catalogue now available! 'Shower Bible' for specifiers and installers...
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