KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
24th June 2016
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
 International News
Products 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. Thirty6 - new thinking for the smallest room
Mix & match with the handless Arcos collection from Schmidt in a range of on-trend colours
Showerwall updates its range with distinctive new decors
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
|
It’s been a lively few weeks, hasn’t it? And the fact that no-one really knew which way it was going to go, made it an even more nail-biting event. Now I feel blank. So what’s next? Well, Parliament’s going to debate the possibility of holding a second referendum, which means that like those in Eire some years back, we could be asked to vote again! A petition on the Government website currently has more than 150,000 signatures, so cannot be ignored. While I don’t like a lot about the way the EU is run and the money it wastes (and I certainly didn’t like being bullied by the likes of Juncker and Hollande!) there is a great deal that’s good about it and I’m hoping that once things settle down, we can all look at things more calmly and find a way to work together for the benefit of us all. Comments made by those running the EU, show they are clearly now aware that many of us throughout Europe actually do have plenty to grouse about and – frustratingly – some are saying that the issues need to be addressed. With 27 entities debating them, it’s not going to be a quick fix though, is it? John and I have been working very closely with our European friends and counterparts for many years now and count lots of those we’ve come to know well, as some of our dearest friends. Whether we’re ‘in’ or ‘out’, we don’t feel it’s going to make the slightest difference to our business relationships or our friendships and I hope that this is echoed by Europeans everywhere. Something that demonstrates the benefits of collaboration, is The European Water Label and we’ve just heard that it’s running a competition to highlight the label’s strength and visibility across Europe. To participate (and be in with a chance of winning an iPad), just upload a picture of the label – whether it’s in a magazine, at a trade show, in a stockists or printed on packaging or literature. When you see the label, use the hashtag #EWLspotted stating where you have seen it, retailer, merchant, manufacturer and also the country/area it was in. Yours,
 This Week's News
The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) meant significant change for anyone using contractors from 6th April 2015; not only due to a change in duty holders and their responsibilities, but because smaller scale works and domestic projects were required - for the first time - to follow the CDM process. Anyone commissioning works, using contractors, designing, pricing, scoping or delivering projects has had to review their arrangements and act. Blanco conjures up an innovative material mix with the new Subline 500-IF SteelFrame sink
Thanks to this IF rim, the Subline SteelFrame sink can be installed from above the counter. However, inset installation in stone or glass is possible with the 1mm edge of the sink sitting flat on the worktop creating a modern flush-mounted look. Working together - the KBSA and the KBB NTG Following the dissolution of the Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom National Training Group Member Council, the KBB NTG and the The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association have announced that are working together to ensure the ongoing training support of the kitchen industry during this period of change. "We are working towards safeguarding the excellent work and achievements carried out by Renee Mascari and the NTG," said Tina Riley, KBSA national chair. New Carron Phoenix Elena tap offers distinctive design at a competitive price
The monobloc Elena in chrome is available now. It features a swivel spout which rotates through 360 degrees and the design of the square base is complemented by a single joystick-style square side lever. It has an overall height of 375mm and a spout reach of 230mm. Good growth forecast in the UK Domestic Kitchen & Bathroom Worktops market
There has been steady growth in the market since 2011, as a result of an increasing level of consumer confidence and a return to favour of the housing market in particular. The worktop market has grown fractionally faster than the equivalent kitchen furniture and overall bathroom products market. Abode Matrix R50 Xl: fit for the heart of the home
Abode launched this generously proportioned stainless steel, Matrix R50 XL kitchen sink at KBB this year and it is now widely available through Abode's distribution partners. Now this is what you really call 'Multi-tasking!'
Only one water mains inlet is required to supply both drums which makes it practical for installation anywhere at home. Geberit AquaClean goes on tour for the first time
Visiting key destinations throughout the UK, the Geberit My First Time tour will stop off at Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, with a variety of activities taking place at each stop to encourage people to get on board with this latest bathroom technology in the most innovative of ways.
Andrew, who has been successfully leading PJH for over 10 years, is succeeded by Richard George, who takes up the role of CEO having served the company since 2011 - latterly as COO. 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:
|
 REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
Kitchen market boost from 'cooking culture' in 2016
 The KBSA's national chair, Tina Riley, writes...
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.
People
VitrA welcomes Tamara Harris to its team
Marketing
British Ceramic Tile's Retailer Club gets off to a flying start
|
