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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
18th December 2015

 

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Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.




International News
Products

Sublimated Trascenda is permanently patterned

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Glass mosaic and decorative solid surfaces specialist, Trend, has launched its new Trascenda agglomerate range, with integrated patterns inspired by the world's finest natural marble, vivid childhood memories and weathered materials at its 19th century Orsoni smalti workshop.
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Aestus presents wintertime heating solutions

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New to Aestus's Designer Italian Collection, by Graziano, is a wintertime collection of contemporary towel rails for the bathroom or kitchen.
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Gaia provides underfloor luxury to prestige river-side apartments

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Gaia's electric underfloor system has been used to bring warmth and comfort to a new apartment development overlooking the river at Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey.
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Fresh shower tray solutions fashioned from innovative new materials

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Duravit has increased its line-up of showering solutions with the introduction of the Stonetto and P3 Comforts shower trays. Fashioned from two new materials, DuraSolid Q and DuraSolid A, they combine performance with aesthetics and offer an attractive alternative to acrylic.
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Miele offers extended warranties on latest range of washing machines and dishwashers

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Miele is offering two extended warranty promotions across selected W1 washing machines and G6000 dishwashers.
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Just in - new photography of Caple's Holton range in stunning Moss & Stone and Storm Grey

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New photography from Caple's Holton range of bedrooms is further proof of just how versatile this range can be with a total of eight colourways to choose from.
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New sealing system is simple to install

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HydroHalt is a new upstand sealing system for sealing perimeter joints around shower trays and baths. Simple to install in both new and existing installations and ideal for regular, slimline and upstand trays and with liquid and mat waterproof tanking systems, it is both flexible and durable.
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Burbidge shows that the difference really is in the detail with landmark Langton

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Award-winning kitchen manufacturer, Burbidge, is continuing to innovate and inspire with the launch of Langton; a truly luxurious new kitchen range designed to take the quintessential English shaker style into a new era of modernity.
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Welcome to the

KBzine

This is the last KBzine prior to our Christmas break as we’re about to enter our season of excess… I realise I sound jaded but I know I’m not the only one to be frustrated at how early what is supposed to be the season of goodwill is foisted upon us, with some stores playing Christmas music from late October, shelves stocked with festive goodies and advertising geared towards making us spend more than we can afford on things our loved ones don’t need and probably won’t appreciate!

Facebook is adorned with images of Christmas trees almost hidden by far too many presents for the recipients to get the most out of, posted in some cases by families that I know ought to be spending the money elsewhere (or working fewer hours so they can at least see their children grow up). The excess is becoming frightening and I’m glad I’m no longer involved, since for at least 20 years now our family has been exchanging token presents and home-made gifts in an attempt to get back to the real spirit of Christmas. Our bank accounts – and stress levels – are far better for it.

With so many UK families now having to use food banks and ever greater numbers of homeless people crammed into hostels and bed & breakfast accommodation – and of course the millions of homeless and displaced people worldwide, the idea of over indulgence at Christmas now feels obscene.

I do hope that if you’re involved in the supply of new kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and appliances, you make a point of encouraging customers to recycle their unwanted items either by arranging for charity shop collection or via a giveaway site such as Gumtree or Freecycle. And of course if you have your own scheme in place, I’d love to give it some publicity! For while some people are in a position to upgrade their household items on a whim, others are not so lucky and are grateful for cast-offs.

Our next issue will broadcast on 8th January. If you have news you’d like to share with KBzine’s readers, please do send it – when it comes to press releases I’m happy to be indulged!

And whether you’re taking a break over the next couple of weeks or are continuing to work, I hope you can stay safe, be happy and share peace and goodwill with all those around you.

www.facebook.com/KBzine 

Yours,

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Jan Hobbs

 

 


This Week's News

TKC completes management buyout to Northedge Capital

* TKC-directors.jpgTKC, one of the KBB industry's leading distributors of kitchen and bedroom doors, accessories and components, has announced that it has completed a management buyout of the company to NorthEdge Capital.

TKC, which was founded in 1989 when managing directorTom Kelly began selling edging tape and MDF profiles from his garage in Hyde, has witnessed continual growth over the last 26 years, with turnover reaching £19m in the year to September 2015.
more


Uwe Hanneck to provide consultancy services to KBSA

* Uwe-Hanneck.jpgThe Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that Uwe Hanneck will be working with the organisation in a consultancy capacity to formulate a long term strategy which will ensure that the KBSA has all the necessary tools to grow as a trade association while continuing to strengthen the competitiveness of its members.
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Combating the problem of leaky showers with Elements Wetroom

* Abacus1.jpgAvoiding the all too familiar problem of call-outs relating to leaking shower trays and wet rooms, the Elements Wetroom range from Abacus Manufacturing Group is an easy-to-install, tileable wet floor and wall board system for domestic and commercial applications. The components are developed and manufactured in the UK and include shower tray kits and seating.

Elements Wetroom comes complete with specialist adhesives and tapes to ensure waterproof joints and is based on a three-layer construction that includes a waterproof structural foam with excellent insulation properties and high compressive strength. This not only prevents water penetration but also minimises condensation so provides peace of mind and significant added value to bathroom and shower areas.
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AHEC to hold its 2016 European conference in Copenhagen

* ahec.jpgThe American Hardwood Export Council is reviving its successful conference formula for an event planned for 20th & 21st October 2016 in the Danish capital Copenhagen.

AHEC will be bringing together leaders from the US hardwood industry and major buyers from European markets to discuss and debate the challenges and opportunities both industries face, by addressing current issues and future developments.
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Unions in redundancy consultations with Aga Rangemaster following news of 188 possible job losses

* aga-rangemaster.jpgThe GMB union has met with Aga Rangemaster management following an announcement that up to 188 jobs will be cut across three of the company's Midlands sites. The union is discussing the reasons for the cuts and says that the priority will be to limit the number of job losses and to avoid compulsory redundancies.

GMB is engaged in consultations on up to 60 redundancies with AGA Rangemaster at its Leamington Spa site in the West Midlands. This is one of the sites covered by the announcement by the company. There will be 109 redundancies at Long Eaton and 19 at Telford. AGA Rangemaster has told the union that the intention is to make the first redundancies by 5th February 2016.
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Abode launches two new 3-exit thermostatic shower valves

* Abode-Harmonie-3way.jpgDue to increasing demands from both retailers and consumers alike, Abode has launched two new 3-exit thermostatic shower valves. These new shower valves team up with two of Abode's existing bathroom brassware ranges - Zeal and Harmonie. All Abode concealed thermostatic shower valves are hand polished brass as standard, which provides that all-important finishing touch to a bathroom, en-suite or shower-room.

These low pressure, chrome finish, 3-exit thermostatic shower valves have the functionality to allow for one independent exit and two diverting exits which can either be used simultaneously or separately. Perfect for use with the Abode 2 exit Storm waterfall showerhead, a hand shower or body jets or a bath spout, they offer endless possible combinations.
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Trustmark's new consumer protection payment service should be a winner for reputable traders too

* trustmark.jpgA new consumer protection service to help homeowners and tradespeople enter into an agreed contractual arrangement when paying for home improvement, repair or maintenance work has been announced this week by TrustMark, the only Government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home.

The Escrow service is a low cost, quick and effective way of helping TrustMark-registered firms and their customers protect each other through a financial contract, with the payment for the works, being placed into an independent, secure account, which protected by a Financial Conduct Authority authorised firm.
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Success for Grohe Work Smarter Tour 2015

* GROHE-Work-Smarter-Tour.jpgGrohe is celebrating the success of its 2015 Work Smarter Tour for installers, which took place in May and July. Over the two months, the company welcomed 800 industry visitors to its mobile showroom - the Cube - in over 21 locations around the UK, including two major trade shows, Installer 2015 and PHEX.

The tour encouraged installers to get hands on with Grohe's products, allowing them to participate in installation and product training under real life conditions, led by qualified trainers.
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First Stoves Community Kitchens winners revealed

* goodman2.jpgThe first beneficiaries of a community projects fund, launched by British cooking appliance brand Stoves, have been revealed.

The £20,000 Stoves Community campaign aims to place the kitchen at the heart of local communities by helping projects to transform their kitchen facilities. The first wave of applications saw 230 nominations flood in from across the country and almost 12,000 votes were cast in a public Facebook vote.
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Wirquin wins once more

* Wirquin1.jpgAt the recent Doncaster Business Awards 2015 ceremony, sanitary specialist Wirquin came first in the category for 'Excellence in Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility' and runner-up for 'Excellence in Customer Service'.

Wirquin, known for its Celmac and Macdee sanitary brands, won the award as a result of the way the company's working practices benefit its customers, the community and the environment, as well as the ongoing sustainability of its efforts.
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Impey unveils new product offerings

* Impey.jpgWetroom specialist Impey has introduced an innovative suite of new products to add to its portfolio of UK designed and produced wetroom solutions - many of which come with a 'Lifetime Watertight Guarantee' and which are packed with impressive technology and installation benefits making them the ideal choice for installers and specifiers.
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Pegler Yorkshire's latest appointment designed to drive growth

* MIke-Johnson.jpgPegler Yorkshire has reinforced its internal marketing and product development team with the appointment of a new market manager to drive forward growth and innovation in the plumbing and heating sector.

Mike Johnson, 30, from Castleford, will manage, market and develop the company's washroom division which encompasses commercial and domestic taps and appliances including the iconic Francis Pegler brand.
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Abode supports the British Red Cross this Christmas

* Abode-Red-Cross.jpgAbode is wishing all of its customers and distributor partners 'Seasons Greetings' with a jolly e-Christmas card this year.

Instead of spending money on designing, printing and posting hundreds of Christmas cards, this year Abode is donating £500 to the British Red Cross 'Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal'.
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German Design Award 2016 for Kaldewei washbasins

* Kaldewei_6_KAL_Puro.jpgKaldewei has been honoured once more for its new washbasin segment, winning the German Design Award 2016. An impressive three Kaldewei washbasin series were awarded a 'Special Mention' by the German Design Council.

The Puro, Cono and Centro washbasins made of superior Kaldewei steel enamel impressed the international expert jury with exquisite quality in design and material.
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Swan celebrates further success in 2015

* SWAN-RETRO.jpgWith the year drawing to a close, British brand Swan is celebrating its continued growth, with 2015 seeing sales of the Retro collection more than doubling in the last 12 months.

It also saw Swan making a landmark move by realigning its electricals and housewares output for the first time in 30 years, creating a stronger brand proposition by offering consumers a fully colour co-ordinated Retro range of complementary cookware and kitchen accessories, as well as the already established kitchen-top appliances and white goods.
more


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How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Recent News

A positive statement but still not enough support for KBB businesses, says KBSA

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The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has welcomed the emphasis on growth and investment in the chancellor's Spending Review and Autumn Statement but believes that more could still be done to support small businesses in the KBB sector.
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Holloways of Ludlow wins 'Ultimate Kitchen Design of the Year' award

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Holloways of Ludlow tells us it is delighted that its designer, Martin Smith has won the award for the 'Ultimate Kitchen Design of the Year' at the prestigious 2015 Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.
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People

New marketing appointment for Aqata

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With immediate effect, premium British shower enclosure manufacturer, Aqata, has appointed Kayleigh Priestley to the position of marketing executive.
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Aqata announces new regional sales appointment for the South East

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With immediate effect, Aqata, the UK premium shower specialist, has appointed Keith Saunders to the position of regional sales manager for the South East.
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Uform strengthens senior management team with two new recruits

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Kitchen door and component supplier Uform has announced the appointment of two new senior managers in the areas of operations and procurement.
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BAL strengthens unique support network

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Tiling solutions specialist BAL has appointed Rushden-based Alan Collins as its product support technician (PST) for East Anglia, strengthening its nationwide technical support and training capability. The PST concept is thought to be unique to BAL, which has placed strong emphasis on support throughout its history.
more


British Ceramic Tile evolves its marketing team

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British Ceramic Tile has announced three new internal promotions within its marketing team, including two senior positions, following a restructure of its marketing team to reflect the importance of the brand and expansion of its product portfolio in key markets.
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Marketing

1500 retailers interviewed to identify range enhancements

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Over 1500 retail contacts have been individually quizzed about how Amica might enhance the diverse built-in cooking line-up from the brand.
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