KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
15th January 2016
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International News
Products 'Sophisticated Showering' from Grange Design
Caple's new AN900 Anoka chimney hood combines style, function and technology
Featuring an illuminated electronic touch control and 3W LED light bar, it offers Caple's latest advanced technology and measures 900mmW x 400mmD x 800-1200mmH. Max-Top makes its mark in Magnet
Electrolux remains in the forefront of connected appliances
Combating the problem of leaky showers with Elements Wetroom
AHEC to hold its 2016 European conference in Copenhagen
Abode launches two new 3-exit thermostatic shower valves
Impey unveils new product offerings
German Design Award 2016 for Kaldewei washbasins
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
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Receiving the Blanco press release last week, heralding its participation at KBB Birmingham (see the release below), made me realise that it’s only a few weeks before the industry meets up at the NEC to network, examine the latest innovations, discover the most popular styles and trends and have a look at what the opposition is up to. I can’t wait! The organisers tell us that more than 400 leading suppliers from the UK and overseas will be exhibiting at the event, which takes place from 6th – 9th March, so there will be lots to see and play about with and plenty of people to meet. You can register for your free ticket at https://registration.n200.com/survey/1yjdujk98ujp1 and if you’re exhibiting, do make sure you send us your press releases for a chance of being included in our exhibition preview. With everyone starting to get their visits and appointments booked in, it would be daft to miss out on the potential new business such publicity could bring, by keeping your news to yourself rather than sharing it with our readers, wouldn’t it? That may sound a bit of a silly statement but John and I are always surprised at how much some companies are prepared to spend on their stands, hospitality and staff expenses when they exhibit at these shows, but who completely neglect the press relations side of the business. It’s all very well pushing the boat out when it comes to your exhibition space and stand team, but if you fail to maximise on the number and calibre of visitors to the stand, it can be money down the drain… Yours,
This Week's News
Showers make a splash in bathroom industry Nowadays bathrooms have become spa-like havens offering an escape from the rest of the world. Close the bathroom door and hop into the bubbles of a roll-top tub or Jacuzzi bath, and for half an hour or so you can escape the screaming children or the piles of paperwork on the other side of the door and be transported to a luxurious sanctuary.... The stresses of modern life have led many to seek this refuge in the home, and more bath lovers across the nation are transforming their functional bathrooms into relaxing spaces that rival spa and hotel facilities. Consolidation continues in the UK builders & plumbers merchants market The builders and plumbers merchants market saw strong recovery during 2013 and 2014, following a period of relatively poor market performance, reaching growth of 6% in 2013 and 9% in 2014.
This, says a new report, was due to the housebuilding sector in particular starting to recover, with other key sectors that stimulated demand for merchants' products including offices, infrastructure, industrial and education. Indications are that growth was slightly lower in 2015 at 4%, though the overall trend remains positive. InSinkErator is steaming ahead with colour in 2016 As the New Year begins, and the home interiors world reflects on the shades Pantone announced as Colour of the Year, InSinkErator, a major player in steaming hot water taps and global leader and inventor of the food waste disposer, has been tapping into the latest colour trends with its striking range of 3N1 steaming hot water taps. As the principal forecaster and influencer of colour trends in interior design, fashion and beauty globally, Pantone not only ventured away from bold, rich shades, but for the first time chose two colours instead of just one. Rose Quartz, a pale pink, and Serenity, a cool blue, are pastel shades that blend together in a warm tranquillity intended to induce feelings of comfort and relaxation. Zip Water UK: the new trading name for Zip Heaters (UK) Zip has started the new year by announcing a change to its trading name. Following a re-positioning and new brand look last year, the company will now be known as Zip Water UK. Blanco - German perfection at its best - appearing at KBB Pictured is Blanco UK's Subline 500-IF SteelFrame sink with a flat IF rim, which will be on display on Stand I100 at the KBB show, 6th - 9th March 2016. The Silgranit bowl has an extra-flat, modern stainless steel frame and showcases the innovative material mix of granite and stainless steel. Thanks to the IF rim, Subline SteelFrame can be installed from above the counter. However, flush-mounted installation in stone or glass is possible too. Blanco UK's passion for perfection is reflected in the UK's most comprehensive portfolio of high quality hobs, sinks, taps and extractor hoods. With a German pedigree, Blanco UK is well known for design flair and high quality products which cover all market requirements from the builders' merchant to the prestigious kitchen boutique. Time and energy go down the drain thanks to limited laundry capacity... Hoover has released the results of a recent consumer survey which revealed that the average Brit carries out an additional 135 washes every year due to limited washing machine capacity. V-Zug completes home steam cooking offering with its first built-in vacuum drawer V-Zug has launched its very first vacuum drawer, making it easy for budding home cooks to prepare, cook and store food like the professionals. Many chefs use vacuum drawers to shrink-wrap food and liquid in air-tight bags. By stopping the food from being affected by ambient air or humidity, it helps to preserve its flavour, moisture, texture and nutrients. Leather counter tops chosen by three KBIS exhibitors EcoDomo tells us that its made-to-order leather countertops will feature in three displays at the upcoming Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (19th through 21st January 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, US). If you're lucky enough to be attending this event, you can see the products first-hand at Hafele, Northern Contours and Perlick. Easi-Plan simplifies bathroom tiling Simplifying the job of tiling, the Easi-Plan range of concealed installation frames from Abacus Manufacturing Group allows all aspects of sanitaryware and brassware - including WCs, basins and bidets - to be incorporated to create stylish bathrooms without any exposed pipes or awkward pipe boxing. The ultra-flexible range of Easi-Plan frames removes the margin for error during installation and speeds the process without compromising quality. Once in place, the hidden pre-wall fixing system is easily boarded out to provide a sound and level surface onto which to tile with the minimum preparation. Hafele's latest kitchen accessories directory now available to download or order Hafele's latest kitchen accessories directory now available to download or order. Showcasing the latest innovations in kitchen storage, stylish waste management and ventilation, it boasts over 1,000 kitchen fixtures and fittings and provides everything trade professionals and kitchen studios need to make high-end kitchen designs - including flexible systems for accessible kitchens. Christian Smith takes on national account controller role at Whirlpool UK Appliances Whirlpool UK Appliances has promoted Christian Smith to national account controller, responsible for AO.com. Christian joined the appliance giant almost seven years ago and has held various sales roles there, initially being responsible for the laundry category.
He has also held a role within the small domestic appliance team, responsible for the category's approach to the UK market. Granite Transformations COO Danny and pal Bernie attempt Cook Strait world record Danny Hanlon, chief operating officer of the Trend Group's international Granite Transformations home improvements franchise, will celebrate his new year relocation from the UK headquarters in Tunbridge Wells, Kent to the corporate head office in Miami, Florida, in an unusual - not to say hazardous, fashion.
He will form part of a two-man relay, charity fund-raising team attempting to set a new extreme swimming record for crossing New Zealand's 26km (16 mile) wide Cook Strait, notorious for its immense tidal flow, icy water temperatures and occasional encounters with sharks. Kitchen manufacturer fined after worker's hand was caught in machinery Northampton luxury kitchen manufacturer, Bespoke in Oak, was sentenced on Tuesday after a worker had two fingers amputated following an industrial accident. The incident occurred in October 2014 when the worker caught his dominant right hand on a revolving cutting block.
Northampton Magistrates' Court heard that the cutting block provided was not suitable for use in manual mode on a single-end toning machine. The machine was not guarded correctly and there was access to dangerous moving parts. Also the company had failed to adequately train the worker or supervise him sufficiently to use the woodworking machine. 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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