KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
11th September 2015
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
 International News
Products Quadra from MHS Radiators provides practical perfection
An opulent combination of form and function, Quadra encompasses a rigid structure to provide practical storage space and shelves for towels, as well as impressive levels of heat for the bathroom. Abode Marino: a striking contemporary design
The Marino family has a striking contemporary design suitable for all bathroom styles with its distinctive long lever handle making one-handed operation effortless. The tall, square shaped design of Marino products with radiused edges will give all bathrooms an interior design look and feel. Introducing BAL Tank-it - the ultimate waterproofing system for all applications
Microwave oven market expected to reach $25.4 Billion by 2020
Amica appoints Origo as distributor for Ireland
Into the fold - new showerwall from Merlyn
New Combi-Steam oven combines microwave speed with conventional heat and steam
Phoenix Bathrooms added to EQ software package
Joint venture for design experts
Abode launches the very cool and contemporary Cyclo Collection
WC additions maximise on style, comfort and hygiene in the bathroom
Smeg reveals new Burghley range cooker specifically for independents
Leisure Sinks spa filter tap keeps water crystal clear
Turning bathroom design inside out
"Contemporary and cool, we absolutely love it!" Limited mobility graphics now available in ArtiCad
BAL Level Max - the new maximum performance, all-in-one leveller that's easy on the pocket!
|
I still haven’t quite got my head around the EU Court Judgment, which has decreed that the time taken by those who have to leave from home, to travel to the first client of the day and the time taken travelling home after leaving the final client of the day, should be taken into consideration when calculating the number of hours worked each day. I suppose that for a salesperson who often has to drive for several hours to get to that 09:00 appointment, or finishes his or her final appointment at gone 18:00 and is a couple of hundred miles from home, it will make an enormous difference to the ‘working’ day, but with mortgages to pay, sales figures to achieve and jobs to worry about, who in their right mind is going to rock the boat by, perhaps, insisting on taking time off in lieu because they’re really doing a 90 hour week rather than the contracted 40 hours? Then of course there are the delivery drivers and service engineers, who are already under the cosh in terms of meeting deadlines. Does the new ruling mean that we as customers will have to wait longer for goods we’ve ordered or for repairs to be carried out? And will we end up paying extra for goods and services to cover the fact that less time will be spent delivering them or for the extra hours those involved will now effectively be working? Will companies have to take on extra staff to cover? www.curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2015-09/cp150099en.pdf has the details and if you have any views on how this will affect our industry of your business, I’d love to hear them. Finally, our congratulations go to the three teams from our industry who’ve all completed mammoth feats of endurance to raise money for charity recently. With two of the teams taking on the Three Peaks challenge, John quipped that it won’t be long before someone will install traffic lights up there! You can read all about their efforts below and please donate if you can. Yours,
 This Week's News
Whirlpool's 'Kitchen of the Future' wows IFA fair visitors
Thanks to the group's enormous stand which took in 3,200sq.m, visitors - including the media and trade partners - experienced the vast offering and very distinctive complementary brands; KitchenAid, Bauknecht, Whirlpool, Hotpoint and Indesit. Glasgow to build its future on sustainable foundations
Much of this sustained growth has been led by the rise in residential construction across the UK, something which is receiving significant support from government initiatives across the country.  Bespoke bathroom screens designed by SWA members
Especially prevalent in high-end commercial and residential projects, steel is the favourite today due to the visual, innate solidity of the material; without being overpowering, steel creates a look no other material can replicate due to the slenderness and robustness of the steel sections. Cabuchon Bathforms launches 5th generation deep soaking tub - the Yasahiro
Since the 1991 launch of its first contemporary, Japanese-style deep soaking tub - the Imersa, the company has been steadily introducing new and improved designs. New Lustrolite colours at 100% Design - for stunning bathroom panelling and kitchen splashbacks
Lustrolite acrylic high gloss wall panelling is proving exceptionally popular with designers and retailers who want to add pizzazz to kitchens and bathrooms - or, indeed, any room. Hayley McQueen to challenge Glasgow's trade skills
David Hibbert, joint managing director at Stax Trade Centres, says: "We've had our sights set on a Glasgow store for some time and along with our existing Edinburgh offering we're confident the new store will allow us to cater for the whole of the Scottish market. We've invested heavily in the area and its local people to provide a wide range of quality and affordable products and services to trade customers." Miele introduces 'Taste for Design' consultations
Saniflo appoints sales manager for Scotland
Scotland represents a great opportunity for Saniflo thanks to the high level of construction, refurbishment and renovation activity. With years of retail, manufacturing and distribution experience under his belt, latterly working as branch manager for Plumbase, Tom is well placed to capitalise on the opportunity. He says: ABCD group members net £4000 for children's charity with endurance challenge
Stefan Firth, chief Executive of Yorkshire Tile Co, Nick Braybrooke, managing director of Ceramic Tiles, Julian Hase, managing director at Hampshire Tile Warehouse and David Brown, sales director at Tileflair, competed in the Race the Sun - Lake District 2015 for Action Medical Research for Children. Kitchens International director retires
After spending four years working for small independents, in 1989 Sandy set up Elegant Homes, which in 2007, merged with Kitchens International. As administration and strategic projects director, Sandy was tasked with creating an infrastructure that would allow the company to grow over the ensuing years. His influence is apparent throughout every department of the company.
Team members have to cope with changing clothes, eating, drinking and sleeping as they travel to their next destination by road. It is a physically and mentally demanding team event that tests everyone at different stages - but it can be done. HiB takes charity commitment to new heights in Three Peaks challenge
The gruelling Three Peaks Challenge sees participants summit three of the highest peaks in the UK; Snowdon (1085m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Ben Nevis (1344m) in just 24 hours. Create instant memories with EcoDomo leathers and belt panels
The aptly-named Phoenix Collection is made from re-purposed belts. Each belt is carefully selected, cleaned and artfully laid-up to create a unique piece.TRIMTO] 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. How to contact us at The KBzine:
|
 REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. People
Barwick appoints new managing director Gary Campbell
 Kitchens International appoints two new showroom managers
A new communications role at the iKBBI
PWS appoints new sales manager for East Anglia
National training manger focuses on Laufen brand
Marketing
Victoria + Albert Baths launches International Design Awards competition
Showroom sales incentive offers chance to bag an all-expenses-paid trip to New York
|
