KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
6th November 2015
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 International News
Products Lustrolite helps householders stay calm and collected
Abode launches the ISO bathroom taps collection
Abode adds new thermostatic showers to its stunning portfolio
Hotspot House: the functional app
Blanco Sona Silgranit sinks in classic and contemporary colours suit any kitchen scheme
A cosy bath counteracts Winter chills
Merlyn unveil new Source collection to join installer-friendly Ionic range
Perrin & Rowe innovates with Goddard Littlefair, at hotel design event, Sleep 2015
British luxury kitchen and bathroom brassware manufacturer, Perrin & Rowe, has announced its participation in the hotel design event, Sleep 2015, taking place at the Business Design Centre in London from 24th through 25th November. Two new ranges and a fresh strategy see Coram stride ahead
Bella Bathrooms announces new range of Tavistock Bathrooms
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Having been involved in property for more than 10 years now, enjoying what has become something of a weekend hobby-job at Epsom’s leading estate agent, I was in initially surprised to learn of a new survey which showed that ‘ample storage space’ was top priority for potential buyers, with 26% claiming that this is most important to them. I’ve registered thousands of applicants over the years and only a tiny minority have mentioned storage and it’s not listed on the specialist software estate agents use, which focuses on minimum number of bedrooms, budget and location. The study of 1,000 UK homeowners by Furniture123.co.uk revealed that one in four wouldn’t buy a house with a lack of storage space and that 19% have previously dismissed a property due to its lack of storage. Reading further, it all started to make sense… We estate agents think we’ve matched buyers’ requirements and while they seem excited as they view the property, so often they’ll comment that there’s little space for storage or that the property is simply too small. When, however, there’s an abundance of storage space, it rapidly becomes a stand-out feature, so while criteria such as budget, bedrooms and location may be non-negotiable, lack of storage could be the deal breaker. Cosmetic appeal such as fitted kitchen and bathrooms that suit the buyers’ tastes was the second most important aspect for 23%, while having a second toilet was the biggest priority for 14% - good news for our industry. Mark Kelly of Furniture123.co.uk says: “What’s interesting is that a lack of storage deters buyers. Those selling need to enhance the space they have wherever possible. “There are ways to make the most of limited storage, such as fitted wardrobes, shelving inside the boiler cupboard, furniture that offers both storage and decoration such as an ottoman, making use of alcoves by fitting a dresser, bookshelf or cabinet to make best use of the often unusable space and fitting appliances such as microwaves and fridge/freezers to improve kitchen space.” I would add that sellers should take advantage of some of the clever bathroom storage options available now. And in future, when viewers point out an interesting use of space for storage, I’ll know it’s not just a throwaway comment… Yours,
 This Week's News
Linear kitchens become the design for 2016
For most contemporary homes - and even some traditional ones, a more linear look appears to be the most popular. Matt cabinetry in grey, off-white or taupe are in, while the yellow and creamy colours seem to be less fashionable. New textures, such as Leicht's concrete finish or fine textured wood veneer are offering greater choice in finishes. Brass and copper is beginning to be seen as an accent in the kitchen, either in accessories or for certain finishes. Construction staff remain in high demand The latest 'Report on Jobs', published today by KPMG and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, highlighted slower, but still robust, growth of demand for permanent and temporary staff in the construction sector during October. Adjusted for seasonal factors, the index for permanent workers in the construction sector fell from 64.7 in September to 62.8 in October. The latest reading was indicative of a sharp, although softer, expansion in permanent vacancies and one that was stronger than the UK-wide trend (62.1). Among the nine monitored sub-categories, construction was ranked fourth place in terms of demand for permanent workers in October.  Season: the Exclusive Cookery School
"Season is set to make a fantastic addition to the luxury facilities on offer at Lainston House, and will provide a superb outlet for our multi-award winning chefs across the group to relay their expertise and knowledge.'' Burbidge's commitment to craftsmanship is commended with Manufacturing Guild Mark
To mark the occasion, Burbidge's managing director, Ben Burbidge, was recently presented with the much-coveted award by Paul von der Heyde, past master of The Furniture Makers' Company. Britannia breezes into retro refrigeration
The collection - available now, features three A+ rated models in a variety of configurations: 70/30 fridge freezer split, top mount fridge freezer and standalone fridge, in up to three colours, including Gloss Black, Vanilla and Chilli Red. "The launch of this exciting new range is a significant step forward in the evolution of the Britannia Living brand," says Michael Haigh, marketing manager at Britannia Living. "These bold and stylish appliances will create the wow factor in any kitchen and we are confident that they will provide our network of retailers with a real talking point and great profit margins." Recycled leather creates warm effect
LDL to stock Blum Servo-Drive flex
New Servo-Drive flex can be used with any standard integrated refrigerator, combination fridge/freezer, freezer or dishwasher. Simple to assemble, it is installed in four easy steps and, thanks to plug and play, does not require a qualified electrician. Campaign raises awareness of the dangers of scalding and makes over £5000 for charity as it does so
"Time flies and what now seems a long time ago, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association launched its latest campaign, Hot Water Burns Like Fire," says the BMA's Amy Kirk. "The campaign is aimed at stopping scalding accidents by raising awareness of the dangers of hot water and by promoting the use of simple thermostatic devices to eliminate the risks. The campaign's websitewww.hotwaterburns.org together with its dedicated social media, has been recruited to spread the word. Carpenter in court after trainee's fingers were severed The owner of a Bedfordshire joinery and carpentry business that manufactures - amongst other products - kitchen and bathroom furniture, pleaded guilty to failing to report an accident that had occurred at his workshop, where a person had two fingers amputated. Alex Defeo, a woodworking trainee, was employed at Fabs Designs' workshop in Bedford, Bedfordshire, when the incident occurred in December 2012. SmegZones enhance immersive shopping experience
The displays are designed to be a hub for all things Smeg, featuring signature lines such as Classic, Linea and Victoria, and incorporating built-in and freestanding appliances. Knowing it's right - Trustmark supports National Consumer Week
To help steer and support TrustMark's 13,000 firms through the Act, assured advice has been jointly developed between TrustMark and Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, as part of a dedicated primary authority scheme. Roper Rhodes extends Hampton furniture range with two new units
Hand-built and finished, Hampton features five-piece doors with tongue and groove side panels and comes in a real oak veneer finish or hand-painted in chalk white, mocha or vanilla. Haier appoints Vincent Rotger as general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe
Hayley heads home improvement franchise
Hayley will manage the head office team, oversee business growth across the showroom network and provide franchise owners with effective marketing, technical and operational support. She is one of a growing number of women engaged in senior management and ownership roles within the UK franchise industry, far above the average proportion in other sectors. 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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