KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th June 2016
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International News
Products Smoothly does it - The Masterclass silk story
Axor asks experts to "create your own spout" with alternative materials and forms
Smeg unveils limited edition collection of MG FAB28 fridges
Next125 wins two Red Dot design awards for contemporary kitchen design
Open sesame! with Servo-Drive flex by Blum
European Water Label launches new two-minute movie
Ultra-Natural addition has beauty in its veins
A marble-inspired design, Statuario Maximus is a bold new surface, featuring intricate warm grey veins which sweep across a soft white base, enriched by delicate background veins. New Pro filter system launched by Pando
Xpelair puts noisy bathroom fans back on the agenda
Chic Coheba joins RAK's porcelain collection
New Victorian back-to-wall WC by Perrin & Rowe
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Well – next time my daughter nags me to get a dishwasher I have a good excuse, don’t I? Instead of the usual, “We don’t have the space,” or the, “I don’t have the time or energy to choose one,” or even the, “I enjoy washing up – it’s the only time I get to daydream,” I can use: “I can’t – it will attract foxes!” Did you hear the one about the vet who went to put something in the dishwasher and found that there was no room, as a fox was in there? If you didn’t, here’s a picture of it, courtesy of just one of the many newspapers I read on line - the Daily Mail. You can just imagine the conversation at home… Wife: “Did you load the dishwasher darling?” Husband: “No sweetheart; there’s a fox in there!”. At least it was in this country; in others there could well be a law suit looming because the manufacturer hadn’t designed in a safety feature that would prevent small animals (or children) from climbing inside. The comments that followed the story, (always worth a read as they can be very witty) alerted me to the fact that many householders leave their dishwasher doors slightly open to prevent a build-up of moisture inside. As a non-dishwasher owner (I really must get one!) that hadn’t occurred to me. Just before I go, the KBSA emailed this week to say that the deadline for the 2016 Designer Awards submissions has been extended until today, so I’m assuming that if you plan to enter and haven’t already done so, you still have time as long as you make it quick! Entry forms are at: Yours,
This Week's News
SOAPBOX: What does the new 14 day self-certification proposal mean for patients and employees? With self-certification to be extended to 14 days, the Faculty and Society of Occupational Medicine discuss the benefits of the current 7-day system for patients and employees. Following calls for self-certification to be extended to 14 days we think it's important that the case is stated for why the current period of seven days works well for patients and employers. Floor-standing Crystal Obelisk joins RAK sanitaryware range RAK Ceramics has launched its new, floor-standing Crystal Obelisk cistern. Featuring a distinct, ultra-slim format, the on-trend cistern can be used alongside all RAK Resort wall-hung and back-to-wall WC's. It is offered alongside a variety of frame formats, with easy top access for installation and maintenance. All 'invisible' flush and mounting technology is included, for a fast fit and a very chic, contemporary look. Suitable for new and existing bathrooms - in home and commercial environments - RAK's Crystal Obelisk cistern is available in classic black and white and has WRAS and EN approval. Are you working with water safely? The Water Management Society is running a two-day event on 28th and 29th June 2016 at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, which will combine presentations with interactive workshops and will reveal intriguing insights into various water management disciplines. There will be up-to-date information on current and new Government guidance and in addition, the afternoon workshops will allow all delegates to meet with the speakers to discuss current topics around water management and facilitate stimulating discussion. Bette to launch new matt colours for showers trays, shower floors and washbasins German enamelled steel shower tray, shower floor, bath and washbasin specialist, Bette, offers a huge range of colour options for its products, including 22 exclusive matt shades. The company is updating these matt colour options for shower trays, shower floors and washbasins, with the launch of nine new colours, which will be available from September. The new matt colours are being introduced to coordinate with the latest trends in tiles, natural stone and wooden floors, and range from white and various shades of grey, beige and brown to a dark anthracite. There is also the option to order the shower tray waste outlet in the same colour, rather than the standard chrome version. Quinoa and spiralisers? Brits still have soft spot for retro dining, reveals survey Despite the rise in popularity of superfoods such as quinoa, kale and avocado - and gadgets such as spiralisers and juicers - Brits still place cottage pie and toastie makers as firm favourites when it comes to dining. This is according to a survey of more than 1,000 consumers conducted on behalf of kitchen appliance manufacturer Gorenje. The survey looked at which retro kitchen items the UK public favour and revealed some interesting findings: One of Saniflo's leading products for the commercial sector, the Sanicubic XL, continues to enjoy great success and is specified for some very unusual and heavy-duty projects. Three of the robust pumps, which feature Vortex technology, are now sitting out at sea on a drilling rig providing drainage from toilet and bathing facilities for up to 24 people at a time. Two Sanicubic XL pumps are in use at any one time with one as a back-up. Blanco's induction hobs bring water to the boil in seconds with 14 heat levels Speed is one of the benefits of induction cooking. Blanco provides absolute precision while cooking with 14 different heat levels on the BH467830 and BH467831 models. 'Discover More Space' with Indesit and win free food for a year Indesit is encouraging consumers to 'Discover More Space' this Summer, by launching a new promotional campaign to highlight the new Frost Free and Low Frost range of fridge freezers. With a minimum energy rating of A+, the new Frost Free and Low Frost range of refrigeration appliances boast OpenSpace for an incredibly versatile freezer configuration, allowing for an increase of usable space of up to 38%. Additionally, the two removable freezer boxes make storing bulky food and organisation a breeze. Consumers can now discard the need for extraneous food packaging as an up to 70% humidity guarantee ensures food stays fresh and won't dry out - even if not wrapped. Challenge is on for tradespeople To kick start the nation's football fever, Screwfix is providing tradespeople with the chance to participate in some football fun with its 'Back of the Van' 2016 football challenge. At selected Screwfix stores across the UK, tradespeople have the chance to be rewarded for their football skills whilst stocking up on trade essentials for work. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders and many more tradesmen and women are invited to their local stores to take part by competing head-to-head to see who can get the most footballs in to the back of a van in just 30 seconds. VitrA welcomes Tamara Harris to its team VitrA, which tells us it is proud to have become a member of the Bathroom Manufacturer's Association, has appointed Tamara Harris FMAAT ACCA to the position of Finance Manager following the retirement of Peter Skeggs. Tamara trained as an accountant with a local chartered accountancy firm and then held several finance posts in differing industries including hotel, construction, and motor vehicles. She achieved a Fellow Membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians during this time. New East Midlands regional sales manager for Gorenje Wes Rose is the latest KBB industry player to move to kitchen appliance manufacturer Gorenje; he joins as regional sales manager for the East Midlands. Wes has worked for over seven years in the appliance industry and brings 20 years' worth of sales experience with him. Most recently he has been sales manager for Pik-a-Pak, selling white goods into independent retailers and B2B businesses. TKC makes two more senior appointments to its expanding sales department TKC has made further additions to its expanding sales team, appointing Chris Meadows as business development manager and Jim Watson as area sales manager for Scotland. Chris (pictured left) will be focusing on expanding TKC's growing market share across the UK and has vast industry experience including senior sales roles at PWS, Kitchen Generator and Uform. Tom Howley and Neville Johnson to take part in a 600 mile charity bike ride A team of eight 'cyclists' from the Neville Johnson Group including some of the Tom Howley team, will be cycling over 600 miles across the UK to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. The ride will begin at the Tom Howley Bristol showroom on Sunday 26th June and the team will stop at all 11 showrooms en route to the finale at the Harrogate showroom on Saturday 2nd July. Each of the Tom Howley showrooms will be holding a fundraising event to celebrate the team's journey and to help raise as much money as possible. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. 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