KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
18th December 2015
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International News
Products Sublimated Trascenda is permanently patterned
Aestus presents wintertime heating solutions
Gaia provides underfloor luxury to prestige river-side apartments
Fresh shower tray solutions fashioned from innovative new materials
Miele offers extended warranties on latest range of washing machines and dishwashers
Just in - new photography of Caple's Holton range in stunning Moss & Stone and Storm Grey
New sealing system is simple to install
Burbidge shows that the difference really is in the detail with landmark Langton
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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. Yours,
This Week's News
TKC completes management buyout 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. Uwe Hanneck to provide consultancy services to KBSA
Combating the problem of leaky showers with Elements Wetroom
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. AHEC to hold its 2016 European conference in 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. Unions in redundancy consultations with Aga Rangemaster following news of 188 possible job losses
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. Abode launches two new 3-exit thermostatic shower valves
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. Trustmark's new consumer protection payment service should be a winner for reputable traders too
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. Success for Grohe Work Smarter Tour 2015
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. First Stoves Community Kitchens winners 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.
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. Impey unveils new product offerings
Pegler Yorkshire's latest appointment designed to drive growth
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. Abode supports the British Red Cross this Christmas
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'. German Design Award 2016 for Kaldewei washbasins
The Puro, Cono and Centro washbasins made of superior Kaldewei steel enamel impressed the international expert jury with exquisite quality in design and material. Swan celebrates further success in 2015
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. 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
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Marketing
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