KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
17th June 2016
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 International News
Products Floor-standing Crystal Obelisk joins RAK sanitaryware range
Bette to launch new matt colours for showers trays, shower floors and washbasins
Blanco's induction hobs bring water to the boil in seconds with 14 heat levels
Challenge is on for tradespeople
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
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This time next week it will all be over… and although with voter turnout expected to be high we’re unlikely to be 100% sure of the outcome, we’ll no longer be able to influence whether we ‘Bremain’ or ‘Brexit’. Conversations around the dinner table, in the pub or office will return to normal; Facebook users will revert to posting inspirational pictures and words or videos of cute animals, rather than a Britain Stronger in Europe or Vote Leave flag, with what has often been some wildly inaccurate propaganda beneath it. But it’s been fun, hasn’t it? Two months ago the Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Installers sent me the results of its Brexit poll which revealed that 82% of the 4,203 members who responded to its poll, would vote to leave the EU. Now it’s the turn of the manufacturers, who are also heading towards the Brexit door – although I have to point out that this isn’t an industry-specific group and the figures aren’t quite as dramatic. This survey, in which 900 UK manufacturing companies were asked whether they think they are better served by the UK remaining in the EU, has revealed that the industry is largely divided. Some 55% said they think the UK should go it alone compared to 45% who think the UK is better off in the EU. However, 14% admitted that they could still be persuaded to change their mind. Chris Griffin of Manufacturing Futures – which carried out the survey, says: “Manufacturing is a key sector in the referendum debate because so many UK companies trade in the EU and rely on being able to export freely. The UK still ranks as the 11th largest manufacturing nation in the world and, although many businesses have concerns, we are surprised the results of this poll are so close with the referendum fast approaching. “The number of people who could still change their minds could determine the outcome. The remaining campaigning, from both sides, will be crucial in deciding the UK’s future.” It’s not just the UK’s future that will be decided thought, will it, since any decision we make is going to have one heck of a ripple effect! With so many of our kitchens, bathrooms and appliances made overseas, I wonder how a potential Brexit will impact on our industry. Positive? Negative? Or indifferent? Do let me know what you think… Yours,
 This Week's News
Kitchen market boost from 'cooking culture' in 2016
Based on kitchen industry data, the research found that sales in 2016 are at an historic high, with the higher value sector boosting margins for the specialist kitchen retailers. Some 30% growth in housing transactions in four years, low unemployment and new kitchen design trends are some of the key issues identified as prompting growth across the kitchen market in 2016. British Ceramic Tile's Retailer Club gets off to a flying start
Retailers already taking part in Retailer Club are enjoying an enhanced level of support from the company and a range of benefits including lower MOV, a better trade price, free display boards and a link of the British Ceramic Tile's website 'Where to buy page', all with an aim of driving sales and increasing turnovers for the retailers. The KBSA's national chair, Tina Riley, writes...
This follows an interim report which Uwe Hanneck & Ruth Ward presented to the Board after a considerable amount of preliminary work and member meetings have taken place. Stanza makes a poetic addition to the Britannia family
The professionally-styled 90 and 100cm twin cavity, dual fuel appliances are available in stainless steel or gloss black. Dads outshining mums in the kitchen? Dads who regularly cook are challenging Mums' supremacy in the kitchen, according to a recent poll by Sharp Home Appliances. Stepping up to the plate, Dads appear to be more creative and less prone to cooking disasters than Mums, who have, traditionally, come out on top in the family kitchen. According to the poll of 2000 adults, 62% of Mums admit to experiencing an average of 3 cooking mishaps a month compared to 53% of Dads. It's also mothers who appear to be wreaking the most havoc. Whilst 57% of Mums admit to burning pots and pans, only 49% of Dads confess to causing the same damage. Thirty6 - new thinking for the smallest room
Consumer design expectations for these compact rooms is fuelled by TV programmes, magazines and brochures showcasing high design standards across the home. iKBBI announces strategic safety partnership with NICEIC and ELECSA The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers has teamed up with electrical safety organisations NICEIC and ELECSA to promote consumer safety within the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation market. Paul Collins, technical services manager at NICEIC and ELECSA, says: "We are pleased to be working alongside the iKBBI to look at ways that the NICEIC and ELCESA can support the iKBBI and help achieve its aims. Lustrolite at 100% Design - for stunning bathroom panelling and kitchen splashbacks
Lustrolite acrylic high gloss wall panelling, available from Abacus Manufacturing Group, is proving exceptionally popular with designers and retailers who want to add pizzazz to kitchens and bathrooms - or, indeed, any room. There is a choice of nine vibrant colours - Arctic, Glacier, Blue Atoll, Rouge, Mocha, Titan, Carbon, Forest and Safari (pictured) - so that all design and colour schemes can be enhanced with this innovative panelling. Mix & match with the handless Arcos collection from Schmidt in a range of on-trend colours
The handless Arcos collection features touch-latch doors and is available in 17 matt colours, 13 wood effects four high gloss and three textured finishes, suitable for all interiors and decor styles.? Showerwall updates its range with distinctive new decors
The 100% waterproof Showerwall system caters for a wide range of tastes and demographics, providing the opportunity to put an individual design stamp on any project. New project director appointed at hobsons|choice
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SOAPBOX: What does the new 14 day self-certification proposal mean for patients and employees?
 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. 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.
Miele crowned Which? Home Appliance Brand of the Year 2016 with "unparalleled" results
Kitchen entrepreneur shortlisted for coveted interiors award
Liebherr has great success at Grand Designs Live London
HIB welcomes bathroom renovation popularity
People
VitrA welcomes Tamara Harris to its team
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