KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd January 2016
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 International News
Products Showers make a splash in bathroom industry
InSinkErator is steaming ahead with colour in 2016
Blanco - German perfection at its best - appearing at KBB
V-Zug completes home steam cooking offering with its first built-in vacuum drawer
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. '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
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Whilst writing last week about open water swimmers Danny Hanlon of Granite Transformations and his friend Bernard Stone – about to embark on a treacherous swim across the Cook Strait – I couldn't help but think that there must be easier ways to raise funds for charity. I jumped out of an airplane years ago for Cancer Research UK and scary as it was making that leap alone (rather than in tandem) after many hours of training at Chelsea Barracks, it was nothing compared to what these two were doing. I was sad to learn that they were forced to abandon their swim, within just 3.6km of their goal. After almost nine hours, (during which they covered over 35km between them) strong currents, adverse weather conditions, increased tidal flows and a huge fog cloud covering the entire coastline, forced them to give up, rather than face another treacherous eight hours in the Strait. “Early on in the day, we were making great progress and looked set to reach the other side within nine hours and set the new two-man record,” reports Danny. “The highlights included each of us swimming with a pod of up to 15 dolphins, chasing around us at incredible speeds and clearly looking to see what was going on. Bernie also encountered a giant pack of jellyfish, swimming 100 metres to avoid them, and I was circled by a huge Albatross, looking to have a go at my toes! “We came close, just an hour from our goal, but that’s open water swimming for you. Challenging, exciting, physically draining, literally sick-making and, in this case, heartbreaking! We now know first-hand why the Cook Strait is considered one of the most dangerous and unpredictable waters in the world.” Danny’s words got me thinking about what a fantastic industry this is, in terms of people putting their health and sometimes even their lives on the line, to raise money for charity. And that’s not forgetting the companies donating products, furniture and appliances to others in need, and the tradespeople giving up their time to fit them. Aren't we all part of a great industry! Yours,
 This Week's News
Double digit growth forecast in the UK Kitchen & Bathroom PODs market
Written by market research professionals with significant experience and a specialism in the construction sector, it evaluates future prospects for the UK PODs market, both as a whole and across a number of the key application sectors. The report incorporates original input and research and offers excellent value for money. Making bathrooms beautiful - HiB unveils new identity, new website, new brochure and new range!
The major rebrand follows an intensive research and development process for the leading bathroom company under the remit of transforming the brand in line with the businesses' future vision. To begin with, HiB not only recruited a specialist brand agency but talked to customers and staff via one-to-ones as well as to mystery shoppers, to find out exactly what the business meant to them. Haier enters into global strategic partnership agreement with General Electric Haier Group and General Electric have announced a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate globally and jointly pursue growth projects in focus areas where both companies can increase business competitiveness such as industrial Internet, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. This strategic cooperation framework agreement brings together two highly complementary world-class enterprises and establishes a model for cross-border investment and cooperation between China, the US and other regions. In addition, Qingdao Haier, a Shanghai stock exchange listed company that is 41% owned by Haier, will acquire the GE Appliances business. Qingdao Haier acquired all overseas operations of Haier Group in June 2015, as part of the expansion of Haier's global business. Peka extends appeal of Fluid II corner system
Available exclusively in the UK from LDL, the Fluid II solution for corner spaces utilises Peka's clever swivelling carousel system to ensure perfectly balanced movement. What's more, the improved profile of the shelves enables the system to function fully even when the opening angle of the unit front is restricted to 85%. BSC says sharing good health & safety practices can empower construction sector employers The construction sector is rightly proud of its improving safety record that has been achieved in collaboration and through investment. However, those involved in construction, including clients, contractors and service providers, are challenged by the impact of drivers such as changes in regulations and guidance as well as by other factors such as new and emerging technologies and operating conditions. The British Safety Council and its wide-ranging members believe there are still key challenges to meet - including embracing the CDM 2015 changes or in addressing the health-related challenges to ensure that our ageing workforce remains a healthy one.
The film follows the journey of a typical order, starting with the dedicated sales advisers for a consistent point of contact, through each step of the process, from template, material selection, manufacturing with care and exacting precision, to despatch and installation. With nine hubs around the country, PWS offers a local service on a national basis, backed with generous stock holding of materials to support short leadtimes. Classy curves from new Citronella
Offering stylish solutions for compact as well as spacious bathroom spaces, the range offers standard, back-to-wall or wall hung ceramic options. Ruth Hinks, UK World Chocolate Master, joins Franke at KBB 2016 – Stand H80/H82
Franke is reaffirming support for its specialist showroom retailers by bringing together its More in Store initiative with exclusive exhibition offers, sister brands Carron Phoenix and premium tap manufacturer, KWC, all in a brand new stand design that underscores the global Make it Wonderful strategy.
Hosting five sessions in Inverurie, two in Larkhall, Kilmarnock, and Dumfries, 69 staff were trained taking the grand total of Euronics agents to benefit from Blomberg's Roadshow in 2015 to 389. ArtiCAD delivers 'game-changing' iPad solution for Betta Living
The new solution is currently being rolled out to more than 30 of the company's bedroom designers, with plans to extend this to all 60-plus Betta Living designers over the course of the next few months. Shaws' sinks test as 99.99% antibacterial
To ensure that they are safe for every environment and being a considerate company, testing of the various ingredients used to manufacture its range of sinks is routinely carried out. Average2Awesome: Smeg UK completes gruelling fitness campaign with Team GB coach, Rory Coleman
Performance coach Rory Coleman's aptly named Average2Awesome challenge gave the team of 11 just eight weeks to get into shape through the strict diet, along with gym sessions, a spot of office Olympics and covering minimum of 12,500 steps-a-day. Utopia appoints marketing director to strengthen brand position
Beth will lead the development and implementation of the overall marketing strategy to consolidate and enhance Utopia's brand-leading position. Wilsonart appoints new national accounts manager for distribution
Nigel Michin's remit is to work in close partnership with Wilsonart's specialist distribution customer base to build on existing relationships and develop innovative new sales opportunities. Nigel joins from Schneider Electric - a global leader in power distribution products - and brings particular expertise in planning and implementation to the role, alongside a wealth of relevant customer experience. 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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Christian Smith takes on national account controller role at Whirlpool UK Appliances
 Granite Transformations COO Danny and pal Bernie attempt Cook Strait world record
Marketing
Success for Grohe Work Smarter Tour 2015
Literature
New Pier bathroom furniture collection optimises bathroom space
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