KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th October 2015
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International News
Products Cosentino launches 25th anniversary colour for Silestone: Acqua Fraccaroli
Lakes Bathrooms launches in USA
coBuilder UK helping companies create and distribute accurate data across construction industry
Keep clients mindful of home water use with Smart, wall-mounted device
Sottini's new design-led collection defined by craft and creativity
First class surfaces for student halls
Hi-Macs brings a splash of colour to the bathroom
To furnish a bathroom, you need to take all possible aspects into consideration, including both the design and the functionality as well as the material used, since this will have a big impact on the final result. The American Hardwood Export Council to present four projects at 100% Design
Latest LED lighting innovation from LDL
Available now, the sleek 5mm light features chip-on-board (COB) technology and is both remarkably powerful and extremely efficient. |
As many businesses are turning their attentions to Christmas bonuses, new research reveals that 75% of employees working within the ‘trade’ industry would not be motivated to work significantly harder in exchange for a bonus equivalent to 10% of their annual salary. Even incentives equivalent to 25% of annual salaries would not motivate over half of employees! A bonus linked directly to an individual's work performance would however, result in an increase in output for more than one in three. While I can understand that we all have different motivations, I can’t get my head around that fact that some of use aren’t doing our best. Surely, as well as letting our employers/employees and colleagues down, we’re letting ourselves down by not performing as well as we can, all of the time. You can read the survey below and I’d love to know what you think about the results. Perhaps I’m odd in thinking that if I want to feel satisfied at the end of my working day, I’ll have had to put my whole self into whatever I’ve done. Or perhaps I’m not so odd… either way, your comments will be welcome. Also in this week’s issue is a letter from Barry Ashmore of StreetwiseSubbie, which you may find a little controversial. John Austen and I have always felt that one of the benefits of the Internet is that it provides a great platform for discussion, so again, whether you agree with Barry’s sentiments or not, it would be great to learn of your reaction to his comments. Yours,
This Week's News
Money isn't everything for 75% of tradespeople
One4all Rewards' Push the Button Report questioned 1,000 UK workers about what motivates them in the workplace. Granite Transformations franchise conference previews brand transformation
The event provided the launch pad for the UK element of a major global rebranding programme, which will see the small yet significant brand transition from 'Granite Transformations' to 'Trend Transformations' - first through a year-long pilot project, then a subsequent national rollout. Dear Jan, The 1st September 2015 saw the launch of Build UK, the organisation formed as a result of the merger between the National Specialist Contractors Council and the UK Contractors Group. Build UK's claim is to provide, "for the first time, a single voice for the whole of the contracting supply chain and offers a real opportunity to transform construction". IFA success for AmicaIn and new double ovens
The company, which also markets the Gram and Hansa brands alongside Amica across the different European regions, dedicated a substantial part of this year's stand to the formal unveiling of the intelligent interactive new range which will be launched in the UK during 2016. Porcelanosa bites into the Big Apple
The glittering launch party was attended by more than 700 guests including Sarah Jessica Parker, Richard Gere, Irina Shayk, Isabel Preysler, Spanish model Nieves Alvarez and the doctors Valent'n Fuster and Jose Baselga. New acrylic bath range is big on user comfort
Made from high-quality acrylic for durability and ease of cleaning the standard version has a total capacity of 160 litres, while an Eco option holds up to 131 litres, to encourage water-saving without compromising on user comfort. Both baths measure 1700mm x 700mm and feature an integrated headrest. Abode's best sellers get even better... exclusive Autumn promotion
This fantastic value-for-money promotion runs across two of Abode's best selling products. The classic polished stainless steel Matrix R50 1.5 undermount sink, available in both left and right hand designs, complete with the Abode Orbit waste and plumbing kit, as standard. The Matrix sink is teamed up with the architecturally tall, solid geometric form, Atlas monobloc mixer tap in chrome finish. Utopia refreshes You and i-Line modular ranges
Burbidge bolsters Bathroom Division with new recruit
Derek Toogood joins the new bathroom arm bringing with him a vast experience in the sector, having started his career as a bathroom designer for Simply Bathrooms back in 1995 where he was heavily involved in research and new product development. Most recently, Derek occupied the role of area sales manager for brassware manufacturer Hansgrohe, where he managed accounts in the South of England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Lec launches new chest freezers
British Ceramic Tile donates tiles to BBC One's DIY SOS veterans' village
The Colour Compendium tiles were used in the transformation of eight existing houses into two larger adapted residential homes for veterans and their families, along with one further home and a specialist veteran support and advice centre. 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:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
New Year membership restructure for iKBBI
Trustmark assures advice to its firms through partnership with Bucks and Surrey Trading Standards As the new consumer legislation comes into force yesterday, TrustMark, the only Government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home, announced a new 'primary authority' partnership with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards to provide assured advice for its Scheme Operators and TrustMark registered firms. EWL pushes for incentives to replace old bathrooms with the latest water/ energy efficient products
Quooker dealers to cook with John Torode
KBSA proud to report another successful AGM & National Meeting
People
Dream Doors appoints new director of franchising
Paul Pickering promoted to channel manager
Gorenje promotes national sales manager
Indesit makes changes at the top
Marketing
Duo of promotions on Roca wall-hung installation systems
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