KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
6th May 2016
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 International News
Products Uform launches three new ranges in matte, gloss & oak finishes
Smeg debuts stunning Dolce Stil Novo collection
AEG brings sous vide cooking to compact range
Introducing the latest Laura Ashley collection from House of British Ceramic Tile
Make a standout style statement with HIB'S Zircon
KBB Industry Brexit poll reveals one-sided results!
Shaws extends classic collection
Methven secures Red Dot Product Design Award
Cast iron classics from MHS Radiators
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It wasn’t much more than 20 years ago that I first learnt how to browse the Internet. I had no idea back then, how the World Wide Web was going to change my life, or the lives of those all over the globe. Back then, it was very much a voyage of discovery. Now, if I can’t immediately find what I’m looking for, or if websites don’t work properly, I tend to become a bit frustrated and sometimes rather cross. It’s unbelievable how we’ve come to rely on it so heavily – and how much it’s become a crucial part of our daily lives. The first ‘Show Daily’ I produced was in the mid-90s. I hand-wrote my copy, faxed it through to a colleague stationed at the designer’s and he keyed it in, before vacating his seat so the designer could work his magic. The results were printed overnight and couriered up to the NEC the next morning, for a stand drop around the enormous show. Now everything’s so much easier and we’re able to keep in touch and transmit our copy and images, 24/7, wherever we may be in the world – and without the legwork. Next week’s KBzine will be produced from Amsterdam where John and I are attending a show at the RAI, but you wouldn’t know that if I hadn’t just told you… Where would we be without the Internet? I for one would feel bereft! The results of a survey I was sent this week (see below for more) surprised me. It found that while 85% of tradespeople feel technology has improved their working life, only 67% of office-based workers feel the same way. Those who have to work all over the place absolutely have to keep in touch via the Internet, or their competition will soon be eating into their market share, but I can’t understand how those who are office-based can contemplate going back to the old ways of doing things. I know I can be a bit overwhelmed by the volume of ‘stuff’ I’m sent via the Internet, but it’s probably made me more efficient in terms of information shared and it’s crucial to me for record-keeping, passing on messages and looking for things too. I for one would not be without it – despite the desperation I feel when when my Internet Service Provider’s not performing as well as it should! Yours,
 This Week's News
BMA builds its conference line up
Tim Pollard will be known to many in the industry. He is head of sustainability for Wolseley UK (a major distributor of plumbing and heating products) and was responsible for delivering the Sustainable Building Centre at Leamington Spa. Tim's breadth of knowledge stretches across a wide range of products and technologies together with the implications and requirements of a sustainable supply chain. In 2008 Tim was included in the 'Building' Magazine Top 40 list of 'Green Gurus' and in 2010 he was named as one the West Midlands' Top 50 Green Leaders. Internet sales of plumbing products in the UK increased by 28% in 2015
In 2015, the Internet distribution market for plumbing products increased by 28% on the previous year. Shower controls and bathroom taps represent the largest sector of the Internet plumbing market, followed by bathroom furniture and accessories, baths & sanitaryware, heating products such as boilers and standard radiators, shower enclosures and screens & trays. RAK launches encaustic-styled Cronto Collection
Plain Cronto tiles are offered in cream, beige, sand, anthracite, black and dark black. The six shades are included in each of the patterned designs, so that the two styles of tile match perfectly. The decor designs include five 3D effect retro designs and four traditional encaustic styles.  iKBBI provides support to Trading Standards
The conference attracts Trading Standards officers from across the country and the Institute will be discussing ways it can support them in their tireless work protecting and representing consumers from rogue elements of our industry. Popular commercial tap range extended and enhanced with new technology and design
The 'Performa' range by leading plumbing and heating manufacturer Pegler Yorkshire has seen amendments to the classic design as well as the range extended to provide further options for commercial specifiers, plumbers and end users. AHEC launches new and improved American Hardwood Environmental Profile
The structure and content of the AHEP aligns to the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and closely follows the European Commission's guidance for the EUTR. Versatile styling with PWS' new 1909 collection
However, the latest slab door also delivers increased design possibilities that respond to the increasingly discerning consumer who is looking for extra style, personality and elegance from their new kitchen. New head office and manufacturing warehouse facility for Phoenix Bathrooms
The new premises have been in the process of development over the last three months and will consist of a new purpose built product training centre where the whole range of Phoenix products are displayed, open plan office for greater departmental communication and a warehouse and manufacturing facility that will be twice the size of the existing premises. Smeg opens new state-of-the-art Abingdon headquarters
The triple-storey Magna Building (Magna is Latin for 'great', as well a an award-winning MG car produced on the site in the 1930s) places emphasis on light, living green spaces and natural materials, set in four acres of landscaped land that has transformed the former brownfield site in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. New and updated Kinedo brochure published
Dream Doors appoints Ed Brewer as new director of operations
'Blood, Sweat & Gears' and smiles
The gruelling seven-day cycle ride challenges riders to a demanding 320-mile route across the Western Cape of South Africa, encompassing 22,000ft of punishing climbs and seven mountain passes. Abacus' Yorkshire Warriors strike again
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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People
PWS expands sales force with trio of appointments
Covering the North West is Chelley Thompson, who takes over the role following Paul Dorrington's recent promotion to northern sales manager. Interiors expert Tristan de la Haye, joins award-winning Hampshire kitchen design specialist
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