KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
13th November 2015
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 International News
Products Linear kitchens become the design for 2016
Burbidge's commitment to craftsmanship is commended with Manufacturing Guild Mark
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. Recycled leather creates warm effect
LDL to stock Blum Servo-Drive flex
Roper Rhodes extends Hampton furniture range with two new units
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
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I chuckled when I received a press release this week, about a survey on the habits of ‘white van man’. Apparently, tradesmen are shaking off their boozy reputation and contrary to common stereotypes, are now more likely to be found in the gym (or even a slimming club!) than the pub. If you’re a regular reader of KBzine you’ll be aware that I watch the many tradespeople who’ve worked at my house in recent years, very closely indeed – but it’s not to check out their builders’ bottoms or ogle their bulging biceps, it’s to see if they’re capable of doing the job I’m paying them to do. The latest fiasco follows the fitting – in two stages, of a new carpet in the attic bedroom. We needed a replacement earlier than we might have done because the first roofer hadn’t replaced the leaking valleys – causing the original carpet to be ruined by a combination of rainwater and falling plaster. We’d had the room replastered and repainted. The carpet fitters (one of whom is the shop manager) met the painter on their way in so I would have thought they’d have taken care getting the carpet roll up to the room, knowing that the paint had only just dried. But no. They badly dirtied three walls which we ended up having to repaint in their entirety, as the scrapes wouldn't clean off and our attempts at patching up were obvious. The second set of fitters scraped two walls so we are having to repaint them a second time. We had mentioned when they arrived that their predecessors had forced us to redecorate so you’d think they'd have been extra careful. They exacerbated things by not confessing and trying to clean up themselves, leaving dinner plate-sized shiny marks with the black scuffs still showing in the centre – I was not happy! Their excuse? The stairs were quite steep! And when I mentioned that the diminutive fitter of the original carpet had managed alone without mishap, they retorted that his carpet was thinner! I’m about to buy a bathroom. I should have had it done 18 months ago but have been put off by potential problems with the fitting. Am I alone I wonder, or are our nation’s tradespeople – however pretty they might now be, stalling KBB sales because of their incompetence? Yours,
 This Week's News
Fixol Universal Drawer Kit available exclusively from LDL
Available exclusively in the UK from LDL Components from this coming Monday, 16th November, the kit can be used to modify any drawer with a 16mm MFC base and back so that obstacles such as soil pipes, sockets, waste disposal units and water purifiers can be accommodated. Arcelik Group gains AA sustainability rating Arcelik Group, one of the leading players in the global home appliances industry and parent company of Beko, has been awarded an AA rating in the MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) Global Sustainability Index Series. This latest accolade reinforces the company's, 'Respects the Globe, Respected Globally' vision which focuses on delivering sustainable efficiency and excellence throughout all its business processes. The company has obtained an 'above average' rating in the environmental categories of 'electronic waste', 'clean technologies' and the social issue of 'Supply Chain Labour Standards'. It has also been rated Green (G) in MSCI's ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Impact Monitor1. 
Yet few would imagine that cork could be used as the material in a range of sanitary ware, but that is exactly what Granorte has done with NuSpa baths and basin units, recognised as a truly innovative concept at three international design awards. HiB marks a new era of super stylish storage with Xenon
Signalling the next generation of sophisticated bathroom storage, Xenon comprises a sleek double-sided mirrored cabinet finished off with a luxury LED lighting trim. The result is an uber modern feel, guaranteed to make a boldly contemporary style statement in even the simplest of bathroom designs. Buff builders bin the booze for burly biceps
A study of 1,000 tradespeople by IronmongeryDirect, the long-established online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, found that a substantial 69% of tradesmen don't go to the pub that often, while 10% never go. Some 17% go once or twice a week but only 2% go most days and 2% every day.
It's now an annual tradition at Utopia to have a fun social media promotion based on The Twelve Days of Christmas in the days running up to the festive season. Previous years have seen the Twelve Daves and the Twelve Dogs of Christmas. 'Manual Handling for Assessors': HSL training course taking place in London next month Taking place near Marble Arch, London, on 2nd December, the Government-run 'Manual Handling for Assessors' course will equip you with the knowledge to recognise, assess and reduce manual handling risks in your organisation.
It is suited to employers and employee representatives who intend to begin the process of manual handling risk assessment and control within their companies. It will also benefit those already involved in manual handling risk reduction who require more formal or in-depth training in this subject, including training in the use of specific manual handling assessment tools. Insinkerator heats things up with the new Anthracite 3N1 steaming hot water tap
Following the launch of the Bright Orange, Natural Stone and Pearl White shades (pictured on story page), the new Anthracite finish is the latest addition to the range. Developed to co-ordinate with contemporary design trends, InSinkErator coloured taps offer a fashionable focal point to any kitchen. Toto Washlet sales top 40 million units globally
To date, the company has sold more than 40 million Washlets worldwide since their 1980 launch in Japan. Uform announces appointment of new managing director
New appointment at KBBG to support KBBG independent kitchen specialists
Louisa joins the company from Barclays Bank, where she was a regional bank manager. Appointed to support KBBG independent kitchen specialist members, Louisa brings a wealth of business knowledge and experience to assist members. British Ceramic Tile expands its marketing team with four new appointments
PWS supports Help For Heroes veterans with Blood, Sweat & Gears
The challenge, aptly named 'Blood, Sweat & Gears', aims to raise £250K to further the fabulous work provided at Phoenix House, the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre at Catterick Garrison. LDL sponsors local football strip
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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. Season: the Exclusive Cookery School
 Campaign raises awareness of the dangers of scalding and makes over £5000 for charity as it does so
Soapbox: Celebrate being truly independent
"Being a truly independent kitchen or bathroom specialist is something to be cherished and celebrated. It is essential that we constantly promote the many advantages we hold over our multiple competitors. We are the true specialists of our industry, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise, as well as a distinctive atmosphere of warmth and intimacy that is so lacking in multiple outlets. People
Haier appoints Vincent Rotger as general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe
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Literature
Burbidge gets a handle on the final touches with new brochure
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