KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
12th February 2016
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International News
Products Speedy Easi-Plan installation cuts costs
White is now the toast of the kitchen!
Indesit says its new MyTime dishwasher boasts fastest eco cycle on the market
Harvey Maria shows how to use 2016's colour trends
Pantone believe that "Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times." New adapter for waste disposal units from Rangemaster Sinks
An industrial revolution in the bathroom...
The new season's arrivals are the epitome of luxury and create an instant focal point for the bathroom. 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. 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%. Classy curves from new Citronella
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Last week it was the exploding fridge freezer and this week it’s the tumble dryer fire… First came the news that on Sunday, a Birmingham woman died, in a fire believed to have been sparked by a tumble dryer. The appliance has been taken away for testing. This comes in the wake of another fire – this time in Essex – which is believed to have been caused by a tumble dryer, as when the householder entered the kitchen to investigate a burning smell, she saw flames coming from the appliance. The latest figures available, reveal that fire services were called to 926 tumble dryer fires between 2011 and 2013. Last year, research by Which? showed that tumble dryers were the second biggest cause of house fires, accounting for 12% (behind washing machines, at 14%). Owners of machines deemed to be at risk of catching fire, have been told to ensure that any lint is removed from the trap after each use, and to keep the vent and any other opening clear while ensuring that the vent pipe is free from kinks and not crushed They have also been told to use only the vent pipes recommended for tumble dryers, to only vent the warm air to the outside of a building and not to put materials into a drier if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids – all sound advice and perhaps not something of which most members of the general public will necessarily be aware… I’m on my first ever washer/dryer but rarely use the dryer as it ‘takes the stuffing’ out of our things. I wouldn’t have known about fluff, so would suggest that a warning sticker be placed on the front of new machines for people like me to see. Meanwhile, owners of machines that have been identified as being potentially dangerous, have been asked to make contact with the manufacturers to organise repairs, modifications or replacements. However good the customer service might be though, one only needs to read through the online forums to realise the impact these issues are having on the brand and the appliance industry in general. So many are warning: “Don’t buy such-and-such a brand!” while others are threatening to return to the old-fashioned practice of using a washing line on a dry day and radiators when it’s raining. As I said last week, how do we get back from that? Yours,
This Week's News
UK market for bathroom installation frames & systems sees 7% growth
It is generally now considered that in order to ensure a secure fixing, wall- hung sanitaryware should be supported by an installation frame. Grohe's new SmartControl takes modern shower control to the next level
Grohe SmartControl takes the idea of comfortable showering to a new level. The newly designed push button integrates both the ON-OFF function and the water volume control. To start the shower, simply push the button with the symbol for the head shower spray pattern or the hand spray Leisure Sinks adds Aquaflow 35 to mixer tap portfolio
Designed for single tap-hole sinks, the new Aquaflow 35 allows for hot and cold water to be mixed - as well as turned on and off - in one simple action. Compared to similar kitchen mixer taps, this new model is considerably smaller, without impacting on functionality or durability. 3-year scholarship on offer as The Kitchen Industry Trust launches at KBB Birmingham
The scholarship provides three years' worth of tuition, which equates to £15,300 at the current rate and has been made available through generous backing by leading industry supporters, including Blanco, Blum UK, BSH, Egger, Hettich UK, Miele and Roundhouse. IDS and Kronoswiss to host One World launch event at Saint-Gobain Innovation Centre
Visitors from the architect and design community are welcome to join the event anytime between 12:00 and 19.30. There will be decors on display in retail, changing room and student accommodation settings to show the flexibility of the collection, while large mood boards will showcase some of the most popular decors. Devonstone's feature floor range extended due to demand from retailers
Responding to retailer demand and strong sales of the Devonstone range, British Ceramic Tile has launched the new black colourway to strengthen the current offering of grey and brown. The eye-catching tile features a uniform pattern, making it easy to install in the home for one continuous, stunning look.
Giving retailers the opportunity to capture the sale of these high-end products during the initial kitchen design phase, the AEG launch enables kitchen showrooms to generate additional margin and offer customers a comprehensive solution to protect their home and appliances from the damaging effects of lime scale. Reed Harris treats guests to a night on the tiles to celebrate Chelsea showroom launch
As well as receiving personal tours of the new showroom, which displays a beautiful selection of tiles, wallpaper and paint across two floors, guests enjoyed an evening of canapes, prosecco and cocktail-making with a professional mixologist, and the chance to enter a competition to win a memorable gin tour for two. Dream Doors targeting kitchen industry as it launches major new recruitment drive
"We want to hear from people running their own independent kitchen business, or those working for someone else but feeling they could do things better if they were in charge," says Bill Owen, director of franchising, Dream Doors. Lakes Bathrooms launches pivot door with integrated in-line panel
Until now, the company's pivot doors have been extended with a separate in-line panel pack. This panel comes framed by anodised aluminium, which sits alongside the door profile and creates a significant feature. By contrast, the new door and panel combination does away with the visual interruption of additional framing, making for a cleaner and simpler appearance. Search begins for Screwfix's Trade Apprentice 2016
If you, or someone in your organisation, has passed a course with excellent results, already offered great customer service when out and about or worked on an unusual job, you should consider taking part in the competition. If you're a retailer employing your own fitters, just imagine the boost having the winning apprentice on your payroll will bring to your business! Fresh new look for PWS' 1909 website
The 1909 site is designed to make the research - and purchasing, of a new kitchen as inspiring and stress-free as possible. With improved showcasing of the 1909 designs, the site includes interactive long-page content, featuring videos for each door style as well as a new 32-colour configurator. Mixed material bathrooms, available from The Bathroom Shop
Curvo, a contemporary handleless bathroom furniture collection, guarantees to bring a new level of sophisticated tone and texture to the bathroom, showcasing exactly how an opaque colour palette, such as Graphite Grey, can be elevated through a simple change to its surface texture, just like rubber... Ideal Standard appoints new UK sales director
In his new role, Steve will be responsible for the overall UK sales performance and activities, overseeing the development and delivery of a fully integrated category, channel and customer sales strategy. Introducing multifunctional living from Schmidt - the flexible way to cook, dine, relax and work
For everyday use - appliances, sink, tap, worksurface and that all-important storage, Schmidt has the ultimate solution to today's modern, multipurpose interiors - the Work 'N Hide kitchen, which can be completely concealed behind doors that fold away between the furniture when it's time to prepare a meal. Methven reinforces national accounts team with three key appointments
MX Group saddened by Bob Johnson's passing
F & P Wholesale names Alzheimer's Society as its 2016 charity
The charity, which offers welcome support and advice for those caring for someone living with dementia, as well as much needed research into treatments, prevention and a cure for the illness, was voted for wholeheartedly by employees who will now get to work on a wide range of fund-raising activities. 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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BAL expands specification support team with two appointments
Blanco develops sales team in preparation for an exciting 2016
Abacus Manufacturing Group helps raise money for Saint Michael's Hospice
Garry Smith appointed as Hoover product manager
Utopia appoints marketing director to strengthen brand position
Wilsonart appoints new national accounts manager for distribution
Marketing
Sing to the sound of SysRock for a chance to win £5,000 of Festool Tools! Festool is giving customers the chance to win £5,000 of Festool tools... This fun competition is to celebrate the launch of the new SysRock BR10 Site Radio by asking tradespeople to submit a video of them singing along to one of the SysRock songs, as chosen by tradespeople at the end of last year. Literature
Hafele launches new kitchen accessories directory
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